Edd505 wrote:
Community collage, take one quarter CDL class and they use the collage trucks to test. The commercial CDL will cover most anything you want unless you want tanker, double, hazmat, bus endorsements. I was able to get the CDL with 3 of the endorsement trough the collage. Got really dumb then and bought an 18 wheeler because I had the license. 750K miles later I don't have an issue taking a 35ft 5W any where.
What "works" - or is "the way to go" in NM (or elsewhere), is most definitely NOT happening in California - back to the original post/topic...:S
Community Colleges do *NOT* have "college trucks", nor do they have CDL classes. Might be one "somewhere" in the state, but very doubtful.
Several reasons NOT to have a *Commercial* Driver's License in CA:
1. Should you receive a traffic citation, you are not allowed to attend traffic school - as an alternate to a fine and points against your license. (Doesn't matter if you are not driving commercially when cited).
2. Although it *should* only apply if you are driving commercially, the blood alcohol level is half that of a std DL. Can you count on the LEO knowing that?
3. Routine stops. An infraction that may only result in a warning,
could result in a citation - as the LEO expects you to be a "professional driver" - and should be held to a higher standard.
4. Of course, you will also need a doctor's certificate every two years. Maybe you can get a free exam - maybe not. Just another expense.
For those reasons, some of us "gave up" our CDLs when they were no longer necessary for work related driving (CA has a separate Firefighter license now - at one time you needed a "regular" CDL for various apparatus).
BTW - South Dakota may have a better plan for 5th wheel towing?!
You're good to go with a standard Driver's License. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean you are "competent" to tow whatever it is you want to tow...:h
IMO - EVERY state should have a Non-Commercial classification! Many (besides CA) already do. Makes the roads safer for everyone!!
;)
