New Class A license holder

[Ladiver]

Woohoo. I passed my Class A non-commercial test in CA. This time was totally different that the first time (which I failed). I can't fathom why there tests were completely different. The first one was **** near impossible to pass and the second one was so simple, I think my wife could have passed it!

Oh well, it really does not matter. I passed and am happy. It is also my wife's birthday, so I had no choice but to come home happy. We are leaving in the morning to a trip for wine tasting in the central coast of Ca. I guess it will be good that I will be driving with a legit license.

Thanks to everyone who was willing to help out and give me guidance. I hope I too can help anyone in CA with question or concerns about getting their Class A.

Jeff

 

[alex00]

Congratulations. I just switched my permit from non comm a to commercial a. I'll be testing as soon as my truck gets here in a couple weeks. I had an A years ago and gave it up. It's no small feat to get the class A. Good job!

 

[Hippy]

Congratulations! Maybe I'll take you up on that. I should study and take the test. If you can guide me in the right direction It would be appreciated.. Thanks

 

[DesertThumper]

Congrats Jeff. It does make you feel good when your driving with the correct class on your license.

 

[Mizmary]

Congratulations and have fun up there!! Paso Robles area or closer to Santa Cruz & Monterey?

 

[alex00]

Congratulations! Maybe I'll take you up on that. I should study and take the test. If you can guide me in the right direction It would be appreciated.. Thanks

Hippy,

Start here: http://apps.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl648/dl648.pdf

The Class A non-commercial is relatively straight forward. Pass a knowledge test, submit a health questionnaire, then take a drive test. The commercial A is a similar test, but more big rig oriented questions. The skills test is the same as the commercial A test, and so is the drive test. You'll need a driver with a commercial or non-commercial to escort you to DMV. The commercial test sites are fewer and far between than regular DMV offices. The hardest part of the process for most people is finding an escort driver to the DMV. I'll be getting my A within the month, and would be happy to escort you to the West Sac office, if you happen to live up here.

 

[Hippy]

Awesome!
Thank you Alex. I'll start by picking up what I need to study. When I'm ready,
I'll contact you with ample time to set a date and time. I have family that lives about 1 hour south of you. Modesto.
Thanks again..

 

[davebennington]

Congratulations, did you take the test to fulfill your own accomplishment or some other reason?
Sometime ago I took the test for the class A license after giving it up many years ago. This time I applied for the class A to lower my insurance premiums. I did not realize until recently that they will give you a discount if you hold a class A license.

dave

 

[scottyb]

Ladiver, congratulations on your class A. I passed mine only a few days before leaving on a multi state trip, and I understand your relief. It probably would never be a problem for us RV'ers unless we are involved in an accident. Then it could become an issue.

 

[dave10a]

I had this license in Illinois, but the state I live in now took it away and gave me a standard class D because they do not issue or require the class A non-commercial license. Go figure

 

[dave10a]

Ladiver, congratulations on your class A. I passed mine only a few days before leaving on a multi state trip, and I understand your relief. It probably would never be a problem for us RV'ers unless we are involved in an accident. Then it could become an issue.

Do you know that for a fact or are you simply guessing.

 

[wdk450]

//heartlandowners.org/images/misc/quote_icon.png Originally Posted by scottyb //heartlandowners.org/images/buttons/viewpost-right.png
Ladiver, congratulations on your class A. I passed mine only a few days before leaving on a multi state trip, and I understand your relief. It probably would never be a problem for us RV'ers unless we are involved in an accident. Then it could become an issue.

Do you know that for a fact or are you simply guessing.

Dave:
The word "probably" is an indication.

 

[scottyb]

Do you know that for a fact or are you simply guessing.

Just guessing. Hopefully I will never know it for a fact since I am in compliance with my state's law.

 

[Ladiver]

I got my Class A for personal reasons. I have lots of friends with "brass passes" but I do not. I know most people do not get theirs, and there are few problems. I felt I would be a better driver, knowing I can pass the test. It forces you to practice. The real reason I got mine...it is the law (like it or not).

My one complaint about the process is the subjectivity of the skills tests. On my first try, I failed on a skill I would NEVER do in the RV. the second attempt at a different office was much easier. Even the examiner said the skills he was having me do are more likely to be encountered while camping. RV's will probably never have to back up to a loading dock, against a block wall, at 90 degrees.

Mizmary, we are in Buellton. Wine tasting in the Santa Ynez valley. We are staying at Flying Flags. It is nice. The won over Sonja when we were checking in and the gave us fresh chocolate macadamia nut cookies. The location is nice and convenient to everything.

 

[alex00]

I got my Class A for personal reasons. I have lots of friends with "brass passes" but I do not. I know most people do not get theirs, and there are few problems. I felt I would be a better driver, knowing I can pass the test. It forces you to practice. The real reason I got mine...it is the law (like it or not).

My one complaint about the process is the subjectivity of the skills tests. On my first try, I failed on a skill I would NEVER do in the RV. the second attempt at a different office was much easier. Even the examiner said the skills he was having me do are more likely to be encountered while camping. RV's will probably never have to back up to a loading dock, against a block wall, at 90 degrees.

Jeff, did you get a chance to practice much before you tested or did you go "cold"? I'm getting ready to take the test again (I gave up my first CDL years ago) and noticed all the skills have changed since '05 when I took the test the first time.

What caused the first fail? Were you not deep enough or did you go too far? Did you get any idea from them if getting out and checking would cause a failing error? Thanks!

 

[Ladiver]

Alex, I failed the first attempt on the loading dock. I was not able to get out and check. Me problem was I cut my first attempt to short and was not able to recover. The second test was a much simpler back up and change lane into a losing dock. I was allowed to get out twice. This was a much easier test. The first examiner also said there was going to be a new test that allowed you to exit the vehicle. He was unsure of when the new test, would start.

Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk

 

[Ladiver]

Oh, I did not practice a whole lot for the first test, but I did for the second. Unfortunately the second test converted nothing which I had practiced. Basically I went in blind.

Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk

 

[alex00]

Alex, I failed the first attempt on the loading dock. I was not able to get out and check. Me problem was I cut my first attempt to short and was not able to recover. The second test was a much simpler back up and change lane into a losing dock. I was allowed to get out twice. This was a much easier test. The first examiner also said there was going to be a new test that allowed you to exit the vehicle. He was unsure of when the new test, would start.

Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk

Oh, I did not practice a whole lot for the first test, but I did for the second. Unfortunately the second test converted nothing which I had practiced. Basically I went in blind.

Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk

Thank you, that's good to know. I don't imagine I will need to get out and check, but saw according to the scoring guide it counted as a deduction, much like a pull up. I just need to get out and practice knowing where the rear of my trailer is in relation to a line on the ground or a cone.

Right now it's just hurry up and wait for the new truck. I really hate not having a tow vehicle. I've gone months without 'needing' a truck, but two weeks after selling my old one I'm going crazy not being able to practice for the test.