Comments By Gary M.

The answer wasn't what I wanted but, oh well, just means some money out of pocket beforehand, it's not the end of the world.

The answer was? They require the medical exam certificate be presented as part of the CDL permit application?

Correct, to have a interstate cdl permit you have to have a DOT physical beforehand. Intrastate you don't, but you cant legally practice without it even then.

Thank you for the update. All the states should follow the same rules.

I had to have both my medical and drug test to get my permit. You will be operating a CMV on public roadways and therefore are subject to the same requirements as a CDL holder.

Phil

Interesting, What State required you to take a drug test to get your permit?

Michael wonders:

That's what is confusing, it didn't make any sense as to why they would need it just for the permit, I can understand it when you go to get your actual cdl. But it is Illinois so it doesn't surprise me. I'm going to call them tomorrow and find out what they say.

I don't know about Illinois specifically, but a CDL permit gives you all the rights and privileges of a full CDL holder, save you can't drive without a fully licensed CDL person with you.

So, with all those rights, you need to be physically able to do the job. And that physical card is good for your full CDL, too.

I as well will be interested in Illinois law on this.. Across the river in Missouri and many other States you do NOT need a DOT phyisical to Test for and obtain the permit.

Now if you want to actually drive a CMV using that permit you will need to carry your passed long form with you.

When he calls he needs to specify he is only taking his permit.

Let us know the answer when you go to the DMV. I say the answer is like the other states our company has dealt with. No you do not need a medical for just the permit. There is nothing for the state to attach the medical to,you are not a cdl holder and you will not need to self certify at that point anyway.

The segment of oil that slowed down are the Wells that were on permit on federal lands. Obama pulled those permits and the oil companies are just sitting on it awaiting the next president. The companies who are leasing private land are doing exceptionally well.

oooooh.......stupid me. I've been thinking all along that the oil industry came to a standstill because the oil prices dropped from $115/barrel to $44/barrel in six months:

You would think after all these years I would finally catch on and just blame Obama for everything bad that happens. When will I learn?

Anyhow........

If you just need your class A for cranes or driving equipment from job to job than there is no need to sign on to a company for a year just to use their truck to take the test. Lots of 1 day CDL schools rent there trucks for one day and give you a few hours of instruction so you can pass the pre trip and driving

But will they hire him as a driver if he's self-taught? Would you hire someone to drive around your 80,000 pound truck knowing you're legally responsible if they screw up? If a driver gets in a wreck and someone sues the company, how long do you think it would take their attorneys to figure out the driver had no formal training or experience in a Class A truck? And how do you think that would sit with a judge or jury?

Erick, if you have a job lined up already and they're telling you to get your Class A by any means necessary then yes indeed you can do this yourself. But I wouldn't go through the time and money it's going to take to get your Class A on your own if you don't have a solid job lined up.

Are all those questions for me? Im just an old truck driver but can answer them if needed. I should have read this more thoroughly, i was only responding to his inquiry of obtaining the CDL A. He did say for operating cranes or local driving. Lots of jobs require Class A and would not justify working for a major carrier for a year to use there truck for testing.

I do however think you might be surprised at the answers to all your questions

If he had his CDL A he could be driving an 80,000 pound vehicle with no experience immediately for harvest and many other fields.

Thanks guys. I looked into prime a while back and they did hire in central FL at the time but now I live in south west FL. Ill give them a call to see if they hire in this area or not. I don't believe I'm cut out for OTR trucking. I do however need my CDL A license to get a job either operating cranes or local driving like I would be doing for the oil companies. I know times are tough in the oil fields right now but it will come back eventually.

If you just need your class A for cranes or driving equipment from job to job than there is no need to sign on to a company for a year just to use there truck to take the test. Lots of 1 day CDL schools rent there trucks for one day and give you a few hours of instruction so you can pass the pre trip and driving. This company is out of Missouri but i have seen these companies everywhere in the south http://www.casecdl.com/cdlhomepage.html

Ok to throw a couple things your way

You can get your CDL (permit) on your own. While your there take the test for doubles, triples, tankers ect. You can get the book to study at your local DMV. Its just a written test or test on a computer.

In my State our Community college only charges $1800.00 for a 160 hr CDL course. Make sure the company you want to drive for will accept the school you choose.

I have never heard of a 6 month long CDL training? What on earth would you be doing for 6 months? Scam alert

Sorry, I am not explaining myself well. The travel time I am talking about is when I do get time off. Prime is in Mo and I live in Wisconsin. Unless I take the truck home with me I still need to get back and forth from the terminal and home.

Prime will pay for your bus ticket to Springfield Mo. For example the company we drive for is based out of another state. For time off We go home with our truck and trailer. We very rarely ever see the the Home Terminal.

I don't understand your questions on travel times? Leaving after 6 months will NOT be taking advantage of Prime(you will understand once on the road). Leave on good terms and find a job that suits you better. These stories you must stay for a year are just not true. So many companies are now only asking for 6 months and in some cases less. I would never stay at a job i was not happy with. That being said i have only worked for 2 trucking companies in 26 years,so i don't job hop.

Sorry, but this is not good advice for an entry level driver. If Prime or any other company trains them, they will want a 1 year commitment and require a signed contract. Otherwise they will be required to pay back a portion of their tuition. In addition there are many companies that require a minimum of 1 year experience for new hires. True, there are some that will hire with only 6 months, but it's unlikely that they'd be any better off than staying with Prime or similar carrier. Companies also want to see a stable history of employment, especially for a new driver.

I maintain the same point Daniel already made, unless there are extenuating circumstances, 1 year is highly recommended for a new driver.

The OP is well aware he will be charged a dollar amount for leaving after 6 months and he stated he would then have options closer to home. At 6 months Prime will happily take the $1750.00 remaining cost and smile at the same time.

Seriously? Stable work history? Companies are hiring guys straight out of jail in some cases.

If i was advising him i would suggest a community college for the training. Half the cost and no contract to sign.

My wife joined me with her CDL at age 50. We run more like a super single. If we were starting fresh i would choose a company that would train us together, NO WAY would i turn her loose with anyone alone. We just delivered in Statesboro Ga and Savannah on Friday, wife wants to move there now. Not many places to park bobtail on Tybee Island but we did and had a great time.