Driving a dump truck for a landscaping company

Under 26,000 lb on the truck and under 10,000 pounds on the trailer you do not need a CDL at all.

 

Just remember, that 26k includes the trailer. So if truck and trailer combined weigh over 26k, you need a class B CDL. If the trailer alone weighs over 10k, you need a class A.

Also remember, if you do end up testing with a dump truck and trailer to obtain your class A, you will still be restricted from operating a tractor trailer.

 

Unless they have changed something this also is not correct.

If you test with let's say a 50000 lb air brake dump truck and a 20000 lb air brake trailer if you tested for a class a combination and get a Class A license then you can drive whatever Class A vehicle and combination.

Class A is what you are licensed and that is what you will be allowed to drive.

 

Correct, that would get you a class A cdl but you would have an “O” restriction, that’s why I say you wouldn’t be able to drive a tractor trailer.

“An O restriction prohibits drivers from driving a Class A vehicle with a fifth wheel connection. An O restriction will be issued if a driver takes the skills test in a Class A vehicle that has a non-fifth wheel connection or pintle hook.”

So if I understand this correctly, you could test in a dually pickup with a 5th wheel to clear the O restriction, but then you would have an air brake restriction. Could you test in a dually pickup to get the class A, then test in a dump truck to get the airbrakes? Now I’m getting in over my head here... LOL

PS not trying to be argumentative here

 

You will have a restriction. You want to drive semi truck, you need to take test in one. Those dayys were over the same day they came out with automatic restrictions. The new guidelines are as basic as this, you are to take test in the vehicle which you are dead set on driving. If you want the grand daddy of license , you are to take test in 18 wheeler with manual transmission.

 

That's interesting I never heard of an "o" restriction. But I got my license decades ago so I suppose it's possible.

Yes a quick Google search shows that is indeed a restriction and there are other interesting restrictions I never knew about.

What Are CDL Endorsements and Restrictions? - All Trucking

And after February no one's going to get a license from their Uncle teaching them or their father. Everyone is going to have to attend some crazy accredited school.

So much for making it easier for people to get into the industry.

 

To be fair i didn't actually know it was called the O restriction either until I googled it this morning. I try to stay out of legal stuff because i normally end up more confused than i was when i went in.

 

There was no ‘O’ restriction when I got my class A. I did my road test in a KW T800 tandem axle dump truck pulling a tandem axle beaver tail trailer w/pintel hitch.

 

You have to go through a driving school regardless, so future-proof your effort and just get a class-A and avoid the headaches of a limited class-B. You'll be able to pull heavy equipment, drive rigs if needed, will look better than a class-B driver during hire in, and will have WAY more job opportunities in the future if you ever want to change pace.