Can I take my tests and use a day cab/20' trailer to get a CDL?

I took my CDL test in California back in 1997 using a 27 foot single axle trailer and a single axle day cab. Dootson School of Trucking! A combination vehicle is a combination vehicle, doesn't matter if it's 53 foot trailer and a 4 axle tractor, although the handling characteristics are vastly different.

 

You are asking two different questions. One in the title, another in the post.
As for the title question, yes you can. Make sure the tractor has air brakes and the trailer is over 10,000 lbs gvwr and you'll get a full class a CDL.
Two is the post. Yes you can get a job. It will be harder, and it may take a little longer to find one, but they are out there.

 

I see two potential problems going this route. The first is you might run into problems getting hired with no training history! The 2nd problem is actually finding a rental to test in. I fully understand the debt issue and if in your shoes would feel the same way. Right now you are doing it right by seeking out information and then weighing ALL your options. Don't forget to check and see if there is a trade school within a reasonable commute that might be a good fit! Whatever route you take I wish you GOOD LUCK!

 

I don’t think he will have an issue getting a job seeing there is a “shortage” of drivers who want to be slaves.

Well he can call around and see what testing companies will rent the test truck to him. This happens here because we have third party testers. I had to deal with my state screwing up my license and had to have a road test (which I found out I didn’t need later) so I went to place that did my kids road test and they offered me a truck for $300 that was a day cab with a 30 foot flat bed but I passed and used my yard truck for the test with a 40 foot sparline trailer.

 

I know of several carriers that refuse to hire a driver that lacks a training certificate. In almost every case they will make a counteroffer to train. This goes to your being a slave comment.

I'm glad you brought up the testing centers having vehicles to use. This is also happening with people wanting to test to be School Bus Drivers. However, getting a rental from a rental business is almost impossible.

 

We aren't talking about renting from Ryder or Penske. We are talking about renting from Bob's truck driving school. And as @Ridgeline claims, it's extremely common in Michigan to rent the test vehicle. After all, it's going to be Bob's truck driving school that does the CDL test anyway.

 

Actually, the OP did not specifically state where they live OR how they planned to rent! I am in full agreement with what @Ridgeline stated. He is right about the testing centers and I hesitate to use the word impossible I was right about rental companies! Now, go away!

 

Or you can do what I did, quit your day job and start your own company.