Welcome to the forum Jon. Class A permit requires passing Combination Vehicles knowledge which isn't required for the B.
Use this link to study:
High Road CDL Training Program
Getting the A, if you want to do it "right", I suggest researching this link and committing to a school:
Thing is it will be very difficult getting a Class A job without a training certificate. Granted, you may have something lined up, but again your future opportunities might be limited without the certificate.
Use this link to take it further:
Good luck!
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
A vehicle with two separate parts - the power unit (tractor) and the trailer. Tractor-trailers are considered combination vehicles.
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Has anyone experienced upgrading from a Class B to a Class A license in California? I have had Class B since 1992 and want to drive OTR. I understand the Class A and Class B written tests are the same so it will be easy to receive a Class A learners permit. Is that correct? Just renewed my license along with the DOT physical. Any thoughts? Thank so much......
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.