International Driver
Topic 7156 | Page 1
Hi guys , is anybody driving in America from another country? I'm from Australia and looking to do a bit of driving in America but it seems my 10 years experience driving some of the biggest and longest trucks on the road is of no relevance. Just some advice if anyone knows anything . Thanks
There are many others who have expressed the same interest in coming to America and driving . . . I'm sure you can find other threads on the subject if you search this site . . . it's not that your driving experience doesn't have any relevance, it's just that the powers-that-be (otherwise known as insurance companies & DOT) set the standards as to who can drive and under what circumstances . . . so I gather from other posts that a full year as a licensed American driver is a prerequisite to obtaining a CDL in this country . . . well, that's if you're not an Aussie, of course, if you are then your experience IS of no consequence - just be glad you're not a Kiwi . . .
. . . that last part was a joke, in case you thought I was serious . . . don't want anyone going "outback" on me with the big knife and stuff . . .
Jopa
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.
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.
Damn Jopa....i love your replies to damn near every topic, always gotta be a smart-ass. I love it!
Hi Jeremy, I'm from the UK....I've been living over here for four years now and driving the rigs for nearly two years. I suppose it goes without saying that you need a green card. But I also needed to drive with a regular license for a year........probably to prove I could drive on the same side of the road as everybody else ;-)
They are desperate for truck drivers in the States so I would imagine that you would have no trouble getting into a company driving school. I went private so that I could pick and choose which company I ended up with. It took me took weeks to pass my CDL and then another six weeks out with a mentor......you have experience so you might get your training done allot quicker. Once you get through the hoops....medical, etc....you should be fine.......Like I said, America needs truck drivers....if anything you would be welcome with open arms by most companies.....best of luck.
Mick
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.
OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
It doesn't show up on my last post.......I took two weeks for me to take and pass my CDL driving test over here.
Mick
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 guys , is anybody driving in America from another country? I'm from Australia and looking to do a bit of driving in America but it seems my 10 years experience driving some of the biggest and longest trucks on the road is of no relevance. Just some advice if anyone knows anything . Thanks