I don't doubt what you are saying, but according the DOT regulations, and the Texas Department of Public Safety, you can't.
From the
Texas Department of Safety, Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Handbook:
Bold emphasis mine.
Under Class C above, 1, 2 and 3 all require applicable endorsements. If the vehicle or combination of vehicles do not fit the criteria for a Class C, then a Class C CDL should not be issued, any more than a Class B or Class A CDL would be issued if a vehicle does not meet the criteria for Class B or Class A vehicles. So I dunno.
All I know is what I've read at the FMSCA Web site, and Web sites of several states including Kentucky, Ohio, Texas, Pennsylvania, Utah, New Jersey and New York, which all pretty much mirror the
DOT's regulations, especially since any states that issue an interstate CDL must comply with the DOT's national regulations and standards for CDL's, and the fact that since Panther requires a CDL for cargo vans, the question of obtaining a Class C CDL for a cargo van without an endorsement comes up a lot, lot, lot, and the answer is always the same, even for van drivers out of Texas, of which the answer is that a Class C CDL without an endorsement doesn't exit.
It's pretty kewl that you've got one, tho. But I wouldn't recommend thoroughly questioning the clerk at the Texas Driver License office when it comes time for renewal. It's like, HAZMAT endorsements are
supposed to be renewed every two years, but I have a four year expiration on my CDL and HAZMAT endorsement.
I know the requirement classifications of A B & C CDL's like I know the back of my hand. (Grandfathers Saying)
Despite what is "written" in the requirements and regulations, one can, at least in Texas, go in and take the "General Questions" Test for their CDL License on their own. All you have to study is Part One, Sections 1 - Introduction, 2 - Driving Safely, and 3 - Transporting Cargo Safely and also Part 3, Section 11 - Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Test of the Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook, and then go in and take the quick computer test on these sections only to get a Class C CDL with No Endorsements. Any other sections beyond these would require an actual driving test that would bump you up to a Class B license at the very least.
Yes, I have optional endorsements available, "P" - Passenger and "H" Hazmat, but I wasn't going to be hauling neither when I got this license so I didn't even bother studying for them.
Might've been bragging a little earlier when I said "2-3 hours of reading" before I took the test. I did study the book off and on over a weekend period before I took the test, but not very hard, and I still scored a 97 out of 100 first try.
I have been told by a State Trooper here in Texas during an inspection one day that said I have a very rare CDL License and that he had only seen 1 other like it over the years. When most people seek out a "CDL" License, they are told what "others" believe they must have, IE- A,B,Doubles,HazMat,Airbrakes,ETC, so that is what they seek. I had a full blown Class A years and years and ago. When I was getting into hauling Automotive Freight out of the DFW area for 3PL companies over 10 years ago, I knew I didn't really need a CDL for the weight I would be hauling, (truck - 11500GVWR - trailer - under 10K), but I went on ahead and got this CDL anyways. And a DOT physical (long form and card) just in case. I've had DOT personal from many states look over it at scale houses and have never been questioned on why there were no endorsements listed.
Yes, the clerk I spoke with first at the DMV questioned my CDL application, but then got her Supervisor (A DPS Trooper) who explained to her what it was I seeking. So, they gave me an updated manual, I came back a few days later and took the tests, and $60 later I had my Class C CDL with No Endorsements.
Here's a couple of pictures so that you can say "Yes, I have seen a Class C CDL License with No Endorsements".
First Picture shows my CDL C with the Restriction L on front and nothing in front of the Endorsement.
Second picture is of the back of my license which came out very poorly when I scanned it. (Tried 3 times) If you zoom in a little, you'll be able to slightly make out the word RESTRICTIONS, then below that the letter L, then a dash, and the words "Vehicle without airbrakes-CDL Only". Then below that you'll see the word ENDORSEMENTS with "No Endorsements" written beneath it. I'll try to scan a better one on my brothers computer next time I'm at his office, This was the best I could do with my POS $25 (regularly $99) Epson printer/copier/scanner,
(DO NOT LAUGH AT MY paintshop editting. Privacy you know!! If you Laugh, I'll keeeeeeellll youu!!
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