Upgrading CDL
Topic 27562 | Page 1
Hey Brian, welcome to our forum!
Maybe it's an Ohio thing, but I've never heard of a pintle hook restriction. In most states that's considered a "combination vehicle." There's no distinction between a pintle hook or a fifth wheel.
If there is such a distinction in Ohio I assume you just need the proper size combination vehicle with a fifth wheel and air brakes to go take a driving test in. Hopefully someone will see this who has more knowledge on the subject, but typically when removing a restriction you simply do a test drive with the proper equipment to prove your proficiency with it.
Weekend work is very unusual in most trucking situations. I honestly don't think it's your restriction that's making your job search difficult. Most trucking jobs are all in. Truckers generally work very long hours. I wish you the best. I've seen people find part time trucking jobs, but they are typically most unusual.
Combination Vehicle:
A vehicle with two separate parts - the power unit (tractor) and the trailer. Tractor-trailers are considered combination vehicles.
Welcome, Brian and Howdy, Old School ~!
This is an actual restriction in Ohio; it's called an 'O' restriction. This means the CDL'A license holder tested in a 'straight power unit' (if you will) with the secondary trailer attached via pintle hook or dolly.
It is my understanding here in Ohio that one must re'take the driving portion of the CDL'A in a full (traditional) tractor trailer to lift the restriction from the license. If you've got the airbrakes and combo endorsements already, you should be good to go after having the 'O' removed.
Most 'part time' or weekend jobs here in Ohio would be driving straight trucks anyway, whereas the 'O' restriction wouldn't matter one way or the other.
Hope this helps!
Annie :)
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.
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Hi all,
I currently have a Class A with a pintle hook restriction. I do have the air brake endorsement, as these are the two requirements for my job along with a tanker. If I want to upgrade to a fifth wheel, what would I have to do as far as testing and all of that stuff? I'm in Ohio, and I'm not sure if it's all the same in every other state. I'm just looking for a weekend job also and am having a hard time finding stuff with the current license or Class B work.