[PSUscaper]

Well, its all over and done with!

And thank goodness, as I don't think I could deal with DMV much longer.

Took my class A road test early Sat. morning and passed. Messed up a few 'minor things', but overall was told I did good.

Already am driving. Right after the test, I was at the quarry loading up 6 tons of stone dust and trucking it to the job. It's a nice feeling driving a truck and knowing that it is 'completely' legal for once.

I kind of felt bad for the others at the road test though. Here I am with a small single axle, automatic transmission, and a small 18 ft electric brake trailer taking the same exact test as the people with a full blown 18 wheeler. At the end of the day, I still have the same license as them. It's kind of funny.

All I have left is to go to DMV for one, last time(i hope, i hope) and get my new license made up with the new endorsements.

For something so simple, it sure has been a long road.

[Will Pacala]

So, is that new truck all done and painted????

[PSUscaper]

I wish.......but not yet.

I just had to get everything done so I could take the road test in her.

Its funny, but they really didn't say much at all about the truck.

The rear tires had dry rot, one of the marker lights on the rear didn't work so I stuck a reflector over it...........................on the dash, the left turn indicator went out while driving to the test, they didn't notice that, and the washer for the wiper fluids doesn't work either.

also, one of my brand new magnetic signs that I had made up the day before the test blew off somewhere on route 15 while going to the test! (if anyone happens to find it you can gladly give me a call.........lol)

I'm calling my sign guy to give him a piece of my mind on that one.......i guess they don't stick well to that 'special' ford door panel.

Also, because of the time, I didn't really have time to mess around with the wiring to much, so when I installed the electric brake controller, I some how have interference with the 4 ways and when I turn the hazards on, the trailer brakes come on also..........a minor detail that didn't seem to matter!

I guess they are more interested in just having you tell them what's wrong. I mean, that's the point of the pre-inspection. So, I guess in that sense, I did good! Plus, the truck just past the Federal safety inspection about 4 days earlier, so I really can't see how they could say anything about it.

Now that winter is almost here and the test is out of the way, I'll be able to get the truck all fixed up and looking good for spring. Mainly cosmetic stuff at this point, so I'm not too worried.

[Will Pacala]

Cool, sounds like fun. Hey if I find the sign that blew off I'll send it to you!

[jwholden]

Steve,

Are you going to have an Automatic only limitation on your license and I assume you didn't get the air brakes endorsement?

Did you drive down in your truck and trailer to take the test, or did a buddy take you down?

I love the idea of taking the test with a 18' trailer! If the GVW is over 10K it counts right. Who has a trailer I could borrow. Hmm...

[Stonehenge]

Congrats Steve!

[PSUscaper]

Jw,

no such thing as a 'automatic only' limitation, at least in NJ. I can drive any truck, any transmission.

Also, my truck has air brakes so I also got the air brake endorsement. The trailer does not, but that doesn't matter. The law states that whether or not the trailer has air brakes doesn't matter, it's all about the GVW. The trailer I took has a 18000lb rating, so they can't say a thing. I have to have a class A to drive it, just like I would with a full out 52ft tractor trailer. That is the beauty of the whole thing.

After you take the written test and pass, you get a learners permit. That allows you to drive as long as you have another cdl licensed drive with you at all times.

For the test, my friend who has a CDL A went with me. The inspector also checked to make sure he had the CDL before I took the test.

All things considered, I have to say that after the little bit of BS I went through, it went pretty well. I honestly have to start thinking about why any employees I higher shouldn't have a CDL. Honestly, if they can't pass the test........then they probably can't do a lot of other things and may not be all that valuable anyway.

Maybe it is a good way to kind of 'test' future employees. Make it a requirement for them to get their own CDL within the first 3months of employment...........then you don't have to worry about all this truck stuff ever again. It really does seem to make sense.

And if you ever decide to take the test, just give me a call. I'm sure we can work out something on a trailer loaner.

[jwholden]

Forgot the part about the learners permit. DOH!

I love the 18' trailer idea. As long as it's over 10K it's legit. TOO EASY.

Congrats on getting the license. You have been an inspiration to us all.