California CDL Permit

Hello,

I'm preparing for my CDL permit and I have some questions.

http://www.dmv.org/ca-california/apply-cdl.php

Are these the standard procedures you go through?
Getting a CDL Permit

The first thing you must do is get a practice permit by passing a written test. Study theCalifornia Commercial Driver Handbook.
When you know this backward and forward, go on down to the local DMV, where you'll:

• Fill out an application form (form DL44C). Not available online.
• Provide proof of age and name.
• Get your picture taken and provide a thumbprint.
• Pass a vision test.
• Turn in a medical certificate.
• Verify your Social Security Number.
• Pay the application fee ($68 or $64 for Commercial Class A or B, $39 or $34 for Commercial Class C); endorsements are extra.

I'm confused in which one to choose?

New Federal Requirements

You must self-certify your type of vehicle operation with the California DMV by January 2014. This means you must self-certify one of the following driving categories:

• Non-Excepted Interstate
• Excepted Interstate
• Non-Excepted Intrastate
• Excepted Intrastate

If you choose Non-Excepted Interstate, you must provide the DMV with a federal medical certificate.
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For the endorsements, I don't know which ones to take as of now (somebody told me it is better to take those endorsements when you take the permit), If I take the respective exams for each of those endorsements, after I pass my permit and driving exam, Is the process simple as paying the fee , taking the exam.

Or do I have to do that and go through those steps again:
Fill out an application form (form DL44C). Not available online.
Provide proof of age and name.
Get your picture taken and provide a thumbprint.
Pass a vision test.
Turn in a medical certificate.
Verify your Social Security Number.
Pay the application fee ($68 or $64 for Commercial Class A or B, $39 or $34 for Commercial Class C); endorsements are extra

About the expiration of those endorsements, do they all expire on the date of expiration of your license (five year intervals from date of birth).

Also I heard that, I must also take the Commercial Class C exam. How many hours is the permit exam (Class A, Class C, each of the endorsements, etc)?

Thanks.

 

So if I decide to go out of state, I choose Non-Excepted Interstate ? The federal medical certificate, is that the green color dot card? So you are saying I fill out a DL-51 instead of the DL-44C? Also, the CDL written portion ( To get the permit to practice for the skills test), are there three parts that one takes:
1. The General Knowledge Test
2. The Combination Vehicle Test
3. The Air Brakes Test
You remember how long the exam was ?

Thanks for replying.

 

My intention is to get a CDL A and the appropriate endorsements to work in the oil fields (Hazmat seems to be important). I plan to visit the Texas, North Dakota, Pennsylvania areas and knock on doors ( I will also apply online before visiting the area).

So did you take the combo , air brake, gen knowledge all in one day?

Thanks for responding.