I Have A Class B Permit,but I'm Having Trouble Getting A Vehicle To Drive And Road Test In. What Do You Suggest?

Backstory- I had a Class A permit, got into a 8 week course to train, but found out the hard way I can't drive a manual. :(

I didn't let that deter me though. I got my permit downgraded to a Class B. This way I can still drive,but with automatics( I hope). I have Airbrake, P, S, and Tank endorsements and will get the Hazmat once I get my license.

However, I'm having trouble securing a class b vehicle to train and road test in. What companies etc do you recommend that would let me rent their vehicle for a week or two?

Also do you think they will let me sign a notarize statement or some sort that will let them know I will work for them in turn if they train me. Some places I've asked at have been skittish about the training because they have had bolters. People would get trained, and then leave right after, and go elsewhere.

Would applying for driver jobs with just a permit be helpful in securing someone to train me. I would of of course work for them afterwards.

Does the trainer have to have a Class A or B license. Or can they have a regular one?

Thanks :)

Backstory- I had a Class A permit, got into a 8 week course to train, but found out the hard way I can't drive a manual. :(

Fantasy 04, I'm crying foul on you! Nobody ever learned to drive a manual who already decided they couldn't learn to drive a manual. I guarantee you that I could have you driving a manual transmission truck in about fifteen minutes unless you are just a total clutz. And frankly if you are that clutzy you really don't need to be driving a truck. Look, you have found out now just how futile your plan for getting a class B license is, and if you want to be a truck driver, you want a class A license.

Also do you think they will let me sign a notarize statement or some sort that will let them know I will work for them in turn if they train me. Some places I've asked at have been skittish about the training because they have had bolters. People would get trained, and then leave right after, and go elsewhere.

It is highly unlikely you will find anyone willing to do this for you. But, you can get a class A license this way by attending a Company-Sponsored Training program. You have to take the proper steps to get to the desired goal, and your plan circumvents all the conventional and acceptable ways to get into the industry. Even if you could get someone to train you, there is no one who would be willing to hire you without you having a training certificate indicating that you have had 160 hours of training from a recognized training facility.

Okay, just in case I'm being insensitive I will tell you that there are some truck driving training programs that teach you with automatic transmissions and once you get your class A license you will be limited to driving an automatic. The problem I see for you is that I think you will only be able to find a situation like this at a few select private schools, and then you are extremely limited in your job selection process because there are only a few companies that have mostly automatic transmissions in their trucks.

If something can be learned, it can be taught. But when a person is determined that they cannot learn something then all the great teachers in the world would not want to waste their time on that student. You've got to decide that you can learn this, or give up your dream of being a truck driver.

CDIP driving restrictions

After you’ve been issued a CDIP:

You must be accompanied when you drive a commercial vehicle. They must: Hold a valid CDL and have 2 years’ experience driving the type of commercial vehicle you are driving. Have at least 5 years’ total driving experience. Occupy the seat beside you for the purpose of giving instruction. You can’t operate any commercial vehicle classified or placarded for hazardous materials.

So you cant just rent a truck and go drive it, you need an experienced CDL holder in the truck with you. And that person is the one who will know where to get a truck or be able to rent one. Pssst: many school bus places use class b with airbrakes and some even offer free training etc., and they are all automatics.

But I agree with old School in that it sounds like you are giving up on driving a manual too soon. Ive seen people who had never driven a manual do as well as someone who had driven a manual 4 wheeler all their lives. It helps top watch videos on you tube about shifting a 1o speed, double clutching and etc.

Phil