Upgrading From CDL B/HAZMAT To CDL A
Topic 17622 | Page 1
Might just be slightly different - being that you already hold a Class-B.
The Class A Permit wouldn't have HM - because you aren't allowed to haul HM on a "permit only". Once you upgrade into a Full CDL-A - it should include your HM.
Even with a CDL-A PERMIT - you still have your CDL-B, with all the endorsements you have on that license. You aren't "surrendering" your CDL B (or the classes of CMV's you can operate with it).
Which is why you CDL "Permit" - is typically just a "piece of paper" that you carry, along with your current license (which again, is still valid for all classes/endorsements you currently hold). Example: On a CDL-A Permit, you would have to have a full CDL-A in the jump seat next to you - but you could still Solo in a Class B CMV.
Once you do your Skills Tests (yard exercises, pre-trip - road test) successfully and upgrade your CDL-A Permit to a full CDL-A - it will upgrade your B to an A and all your endorsements should remain - including HM.
Now - since this is a NEW LICENSE - if your HM is close to expiring - you might want to take this opportunity to RENEW IT - because your CDL "expiration date" is that of your HM expiration. So you will (technically) have to RENEW YOUR CDL (and re-take your HM written exam) when your HM expires.
Kinda dumb that an HM turns a 6 year CDL into a 4 year one (especially since you're PAYING for a 6 year license - or however long your states licensing period is), but that's the way it is.
Rick
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
CMV:
Commercial Motor Vehicle
A CMV is a vehicle that is used as part of a business, is involved in interstate commerce, and may fit any of these descriptions:
- Weighs 10,001 pounds or more
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more
- Is designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) not for compensation
- Is designed or used to transport 9 or more passengers (including the driver) for compensation
- Is transporting hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placards
Thanks for the info rick. That's a sigh of relief. I feel alot better about it.
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i've had my cdl b for about 7 months now and there are just more job opportunities and MORE MONEY driving big rigs. I've heard that you can't transfer a hazmat endorsement to a CDL A permit so will i be able to add it back later or will i have to retake the test at a later date. Also are there any companies that will hire a new CDL A holder for regional runs? i know it's kinda unheard of but maybe someone knows some info that i don't
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
HAZMAT:
Hazardous Materials
Explosive, flammable, poisonous or otherwise potentially dangerous cargo. Large amounts of especially hazardous cargo are required to be placarded under HAZMAT regulations
Regional:
Regional Route
Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.