Class A Driver
It is not legal to drive a commercial vehicle when the driver does not possess a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in the U.S. This license is actually divided into classes which can give restrictions to the kind of vehicles driven. The standard may differ a little in every state; however, the federal guideline states that a driver who has a class A license can operate a combination that is beyond 26, 001 pounds.
A class A CDL is obtained by a person who can read, drive and is at least 21 years of age. It will not be possible to obtain such license without meeting all of these requirements. A driver who enrolls himself in a driving school will be made aware of the differences between the CDL classes. Such differences are much more related to the weight of the vehicles a driver can carry. Those who have a class A CDL can choose any vehicle combination that he wants. These vehicles can have a gross weight rating of over 26, 001 pounds if the gross weight rating of the one he is towing is more than 10,000 pounds.
A driver can obtain a class A CDL when he passes written and skill tests. In the skills test, he should show a high level of knowledge on procedures that should be undertaken before he enters the vehicle and while he is on the road. He should show these skills using a Class A vehicle. The knowledge and skills to pass the test will be taught by a driving school so it is a good idea to get a driving course from them.
Typically, the general knowledge test is the first exam a prospective Class driver must take. This includes fundamentals that each commercial driver must know such as mountain driving, night driving and accident procedures. The aspiring driver must pass an air brakes test as well. This type of test includes the use of air brakes, all air brake system parts and right inspection. The driver must also complete and pass a combination vehicles test which will enable him to drive vehicles that have multiple units like a tractor and a trailer or a tractor that has triple trailers. To pass this exam, the driver must have good knowledge in operating combination vehicles, coupling and uncoupling as well as driving combination air brake systems. Indeed, he will have an idea about these test inclusions while he is studying professional driving in a driving school.
It is also likely for the Class A truck driver to have additional endorsements. These are given to him as privileges for passing optional exams. Say, a certain endorsement enables him to haul a tank. The absence of this endorsement will prohibit him from doing such job even if he is able to meet the standards for units and weights.
The prospective Class A driver must equip himself with the necessary skills and knowledge to makes sure that he will pass the required tests to obtain a Class A CDL. This will be possible with the reliability of a driving school when it comes to driving lessons.
