Tips for getting CDL?

Hey yall, im turning 18 soon and hope to try and get my CDL soon so i can start supervised driving on fire engines with the actual CDL required (most people dont bother)

I have a few questions,
I took a few online quizes for the general test, tanker test and the air brakes test, i did fairly well on these however if i fail the test at the DMV do I get a chance to retake it?

Do I have to bring a fire truck to take the CDL test in or can i use something like a Dodge ram dually?

also any tips for the CDL test or just driving in general?

before you get certified on a truck for my department you need 40 supervised driving hours a pumps test and a written test so i have a bit to go but im tryin to make the move forward

 

You need a class B CDL in NC to drive a fire engine in non-emergency mode though

 

you're 17?

 

I thought you had to be 21 in NC to get your CDL?

NVM
2. Proof of Age & Identity:
You must be 21, however, at age 18 a client may obtain a CDL but they would not be eligible for the Hazardous Material Endorsement, and they will be restricted to drive inside North Carolina only (Intrastate Restriction 4).

 

You need to get the CDL Drivers Manual from the DMV and read the sections you wish to test for a couple of times. Also go to your fire station and practice the pre-trip inspection just as it is outlined in the manual. If you fail the written exam you can retake it. You will have to take a firetruck to take the test a dodge dually is not quite a commerical vehicle. The vehicle must actually be the type you will be driving i.e. over 26,000 gvw, airbrakes, etc. If you take a firetruck you can get a Class B CDL a class A requires a truck and trailer combo. Any questions pm me, I am here in NC.

Tips: Take your time, commercial vehicles do not drive like your pov. Especially fire trucks with the shifting water weight. Be defensive and remember if you do not get there alive there is nothing you can do for whoever is having an emergency.

 

Yep not needed here

That doesn't make sense, you can drive at high rates of speed through neighborhoods without a license as long as you are running lights but turn the lights off and just cruise you need a license

 

Thanks, I'll head up there and get the manual. what dept are you from, i see youre in the same city as me

 

Station 15. Also technically you only need the Class B license minus the CDL to drive a firetruck. However I think it is worth it to go above and beyond and actually get the CDL. It will show most people you are little more responsible. If you go to ECU you should look at being a student driver for ECU Transit, thats how I got my CDL, paid training and they have there own third party tester. I see your from G-Ville so thought you may be a student.

 

I used to be on 15, in fact i still visit up there frequently...

I dont know if im going to go to ECU yet, I've been looking at western carolinas Emergency management program but im not sure yet

 

Well good luck whichever you choose. I went to Wilson Tech for their 2 year fire protection. Gonna get a BS in Poli Sci at ECU and hopefully an MPA. I know someone that did the western carolina thing and they liked it. Whatever you do get a degree you can't make any money without it unless you sling cain or join the service.

 

In MA,

You can retake the permit test as many times as you want, as long as you keep paying

To take the CDL test, you need a truck that meets ALL of your endorsements. (dodge rams dont have air brakes)

Also you are going to want make friends with a real mechanic. The circle check on the test can destroy you. (naming EVERY part in the engine)

And obviously you are going to need someone with that truck to train on for the test. You have to parallel park and all that good stuff.

good luck, its a lot of work. But once you get it, you have it for life.

 

In NY someone gave me the tip to talk your way through the test. Simple crap like the clearance for this underpass is 14', this truck is 12'6". Kind of explaining things as you go, kind of puts the examiner at ease. Good luck!

 

Not required in PA, but I l always thought it was a good idea.

 

That's a good idea, those are the type of questions that they will ask during the skills test.

 

In PA, you can retake the written test, but not on the same day as the failure.

You will have to take the test in a vehicle the same class as the one for which you are testing. For instance, if you are taking a test for a Class B with airbrake restriction removed, you will have to drive a class B vehicles equipped with airbrakes. You will not have to have a tank truck if you are getting the tank endorsement though (at least in PA)

In PA a emergency vehicle operator has to complete a Emergency Operators Vehicle Course and complete whatever training program their department designs followed by approval by the chief.

 

Just finished my Class CDL (endorsements) and if you fail your air brakes test you can go in the next day and retest again. Fail that you have to wait 7 days...fail that it's wait 30 days. You will in all likely hood have a practical test in drving your vehicle. The advice given for attendance to a schoo is good---sound --- advice. Take it....