Where to start

[greg334]

>Yeah, that's the problem, all I need for the test is a van,
>but it sounds like it has to have the placards on it so I
>can point to them and say "that's a placard" to prove to the
>testing agent that I'm not retarded. Can I use a rental
>vehicle to test in? I thought if nothing else maybe I could
>find somewhere that sells the placards and just stick them
>on the rental for the test then take them off.

Who said you needed to test in a placarded van?

If you are in michigan and going for a class C CDL, there is only a few things you need.

1 - A vehicle, van or pickup truck that is safe and can pass a DOT inspection. Remember that the tester will look the vehicle over and if say the parking brake don't work, it may be a problem. you can tell the tester that you will be driving a pickup truck only if it is 3/4 or 1 ton.

2 - you need a set of safety triangles and a fire extigister (that is mounted and accessable).

3 - you need to pass your CDL test(s), have in hand the DHS clearence to get your CDL students permit. once you have the permit, go get tested.

A hazmat endorsement does not have a road test tied to it, unless somethig changed in the past 45 days. I have been looking at becoming a testing company and went through their little song and dance about the program and how you do some of the testing.

 

[stinkychute]

Thanks a lot Greg, that's one of the questions I have had for a while. So, you think just a regular 1-Ton van would do it? I wasn't sure if hazmat was involved in the road test or not, if not then I guess it's just like doing a pre-trip walkthrough but on a van instead of a truck?
Only thing now is to see if a rental vehicle can be used. And if they really do require a CDL driver to come with, still don't see the logic in that one. Even if I fail, I still have my regular license and can drive the van away myself.

 

[greg334]

>Thanks a lot Greg, that's one of the questions I have had
>for a while. So, you think just a regular 1-Ton van would do
>it? I wasn't sure if hazmat was involved in the road test or
>not, if not then I guess it's just like doing a pre-trip
>walkthrough but on a van instead of a truck?
>Only thing now is to see if a rental vehicle can be used.
>And if they really do require a CDL driver to come with,
>still don't see the logic in that one. Even if I fail, I
>still have my regular license and can drive the van away
>myself.

you can use a 3/4 ton van or a 1 ton. the idea is to use something "simular" to what you will actually use. For that matter i was going to take my test in a Caravan. you can even drive it to the test yourself becuase it is under 10K. what ever you do, read the Michigan CDL manual and don't be surprised if the tester asks you questions that are in the book. also practice the pretrip or walk around, there is no aids allowed (pretty dumb if you ask me) to help you.

 

[stinkychute]

FINALLY got an answer from the Kentucky State Police about the driving test for a C license. Turns out I can just use my personal car for the road test, and I don't have to bring anyone with me.
Something I didn't know though, was that I have to cough up $115 for a special background check to get the hazmat endorsement I then have to wait until I get a letter saying I'm not an international terrorist. They also said I have to apply for a Class B license and that I'll be issued a class B permit and just to take the road test in a class C vehicle.

Whew!...took long enough for them to get me some answers. Still sounds sort of convoluded, I have to get my permit first (can't take the hazmat test) then I have to come back with my approval letter and then take the hazmat test and have the endorsement added to my permit. I can't just wait until I get the letter then take all the tests at once, no explanation why.

 

[guest]

renagade1 where can i get a job towing campers? have cdl class b(str trks)let me know

 

[klippencott]

I have been doing research on the RV Transport companies. Lots of RV/Camper transport jobs around. I hope you don't mind that I answered your question.
http://www.hoosier-rv-transport.com/1/drivers.htm
http://www.jettransport.com/
http://classic-transportinc.com/
http://www.southeasterntrailers.com/employment1.html

I may have a couple more around if you need them.

 

[Tennesseahawk]

Greg... you are allowed the cheat sheet in the back of the manual during the test.

 

[rollingstock]

SC,

One thing that you will want to understand here is that you are about to embark into a BUSINESS. You will be responsible for each and everything concerning your business. The driving, and owning of the vehicle is just one aspect of the business. You will be responsible for properly paying your own taxes (FICA, FWIC and state taxes and workers compensation insurance). You will do yourself a favor if you really do some solid business research. Do yourself another favor and sit down and look at all of the responsibility you will place yourself into. I am by no means an expert and I don not profess to know everything, but I have learned to expect the unexpected. That can be anything to a deer strike in Ohio (I am from GA) where you don't know a sole (repair facility-wise)to an errant fork lift driver that punctures the side of your van with one of the edges of a pallet and then shrugs his shoulders and says "you'll have to take that up with the boss dude." Not his problem.

Just think of all the things that you can, ask as many people that you can (even those that own small shops, car dealerships, anything) and then you will be armed with some idea of what you are about to get into. Remember, you will be driving and the simple paperwork you need to submit to the IRS will be a job in itself. Hire a good accountant and have an attorney look over your contracts. It will be money well INVESTED in your future. You will find that you will do more work on the business side than you ever thought that you would.

Good luck
Just my .5 worth