GENERAL INFORMATION
The Class A CDL (Commercial Driver License) allows the driver to drive any combination of vehicles with a gross combined vehicle weight (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds (pounds) or more, in cases where the gross individual vehicle weight (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is greater to 10,000 pounds.
It is also worth mentioning that the class A CDL allows the driver to drive any commercial vehicle in the lower categories (B, C), as well as his private vehicle.
REQUISITES
The requirements for obtaining the CDL A are as follows:
Possess a commercial or non-commercial Nevada driver's license;
Present proof of residence (02 documents), identity and social security;
Present a valid medical certificate (waived only in some cases);
Pass the written tests relating to category A (general knowledge, air brakes and combination vehicles) and respective endorsements of interest;
Pass the practical tests.
The candidate must also fill out a form called "Application for Commercial Driving Privileges (CDL 002)", an application to acquire commercial driving privileges.
In this form, available in English and Spanish, the candidate must complete the "self-certification" section, on which they have to certify if they want to operate inside or outside of Nevada (interstate commerce) or will operate only within the borders of Nevada (intrastate commerce) and whether the applicant fits into one of the exceptions for presenting a medical certificate.
Here you will find a downloadable 002 form PDF:
Make sure the healthcare professional you choose to perform your medical examination is accredited by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). The list of accredited doctors/clinics is available through the following link: https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/home.
ENDORSEMENTS
Endorsements are privileges that you can add to your CDL by passing the theoretical and practical tests that are required. They are:
Passenger (P) - driving a vehicle used to transport passengers;
School Bus (S) - drive a school bus;
Tanker (N) - driving a tank-type truck;
Double and Triple Trailers (T) - driving a truck with 2 or 3 trailers;
Hazardous Materials (H) - driving a truck that transports highly hazardous materials;
Combination Hazardous Material and Tank Vehicle (X) - driving a combination truck, that is, a vehicle (tractor) that tows another vehicle (trailer) transporting highly hazardous materials.
ENTRY-LEVEL DRIVER TRAINING (ELDT)
To acquire the CDL, the applicant - after passing the written tests and obtaining his permit - also needs to complete a training course called Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). This training is provided by institutions accredited by FMCSA and must be completed before the practical test. The candidate can access the complete list of accredited institutions through the following link: https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/Search
ENGLISH AS A REQUIREMENT
We could not leave out a very important requirement, namely, understanding and speaking English. This is because the written and practical tests are carried out in English and, at no time, is the presence of an interpreter permitted.
WRITTEN TESTS
To obtain the permit, the CDL class A applicant must pass 03 written tests that can be taken on the same day or on separate days, at the applicant's discretion. The permit is the document that will enable the candidate to train for the practical test, as it allows the candidate to drive while accompanied by another driver who has the CDL of the same class that the candidate wishes to obtain.
The 03 written tests to obtain the CDL class A, without any endorsement, are the following:
General knoweledge
- Section 1 - Introduction; Section 02 - Driving Safely; Section 3 - Transporting Cargo Safely of the Nevada's CDL manual.
Air brakes
- Section 5 - Air brakes of the Nevada's CDL manual.
Combination vehicles
Section 6 - Combination Vehicles of the Nevada's CDL manual.
Link to obtain the Nevada's CDL manual: https://dmv.nv.gov/pdfforms/dlbookcomm.pdf
PRACTICAL TEST
The practical test is also divided into 03 sections:
Pre-Trip Inspection - The applicant needs to demonstrate that they have the knowledge to inspect the truck's most important parts and systems. It is a simulation of the inspection that the driver of a class A vehicle must carry out daily before starting to drive. Up until the date this post is published, there are different versions of the test the examiners can choose from, but all of them include engine start, in-cab inspection, and an inspection of the coupling system. Once you have done all of the above, the examiner will ask you to inspect either the entire vehicle (you don't need to go over the sections you have already inspected, of course) or a portion of it which he will indicate and explain.
Skills Test - The applicant may be required to perform any or all of the following maneuvers with the truck, as seen on the pictures below: "Straight Line backing", "Offset backing (right or left)", "Parallel parking (driver side or conventional) and Alley Dock;
Road Test - the road test usually comprises a street section and a road section. The applicant will be assessed as to the safety operation of the vehicle as well as to the obedience to all traffic signs, signals and laws. Accidents caused by the applicant or incurrence in moving violations are an automatic fail.
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