Im trying to get a job at a truck leasing center(Penske) but the job requires you to get a Class A(big semi rigs) license with air brake certification. I know i can just go in take the written test and then i have to make an appointment for a driving test, but my question is.....Do i have to take a semi in for the driving test? I dont think the average person has a semi in their driveway. I tried emailing the Illinois DMV like a week ago and no response, i called them yesterday and today and all i get is a answering machine. Anyone know?

 

I'm pretty sure they have a CDL type vehicle their...i'll double check when my dad gets home since he always has one for snowplow trucks and grain trucks in the fall when we're in harvest. I'm pretty sure they have a dump-truck or something similiar for you to drive.

Dave

 

Dump trucks fall under Class B CDL's. But I do believe they off offer Semi's for the class A. The one I went to did atleast.

 

So i would need to take a semi in for the test right? On the DMV website it said that paralell parking was not required, just foward,backwards, and turning.


Damn this sucks, I really dont know how to drive semi's on the road yet which means i cant get the job at penske and they pay 15.00 an hour starting wage.

 

i dont have any experience with IL, but here in Indiana you can take your own truck for the obsticle course and driving test, or if you dont have access to one, they have trucks there that you can use for a fee

if the obsticle course in IL is anywhere near as hard as it is in IN, you would be at a huge advantage to be in a truck you are familiar with, and it would be especially beneficial to use a day cab and short trailer for the test. i used a small day cab and 28' for the testing. even after driving semis everyday for the last 4 years, i doubt i could pass the test in a sleeper cab/53' without a TON of practice

 

I have a CDL A from the state of IL and you do have to take a driving test as well as a written test. I have been driving semi's for twenty years. My advice would be not to get behind the wheel of a semi unless you have been trained to drive one. There are pleny of schools out there that will teach you in a few weeks. There is good money to be made once you do have the CDL A but it is not as eays as one might think when you fist start to drive. When you take the test you will be required to prove that you can drive in city traffic as well as back-up. You also need to know how to do a pre-trip inspection of your tractor and trailer. You will also be questioned on the hour-of-service rules and lots more. Sice Sept 11th. the DOT (dept. of transportation) is really tightening the screws on the trucking industy. If you seriouse want to get into the transportation industry get proplery trained to operate a tractor trailer. I now work as operations manager of a trucking company in Rockford,IL. and have seen guys come in and apply for a job and have no idea what is involved in driving a truck.

Ok, I will quit now and step down.

Later