Notices
All Things Towing Conventional, 5th Wheel, Toy Hauler, Flatbed, Gooseneck, Electrical/Brakes/etc.

CDL Testing Easier?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 27, 2016 | 01:06 PM
  #1  
coffeedog's Avatar
coffeedog
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
CDL Testing Easier?

Lately I've been overhearing conversations at truck stops about the CDL testing becoming easier because of the ongoing shortage of truckers. Anyone know if there is any truth to this?

It's kind of scary to think about the implications if this were to be true.
 
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2016 | 07:13 AM
  #2  
senix's Avatar
senix
Super Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,384
Likes: 1,867
From: Frederick, MD
Club FTE Gold Member
I have not heard a thing.
 
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2016 | 08:49 AM
  #3  
wp6529's Avatar
wp6529
More Turbo
10 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 627
Likes: 17
I'm not sure how one could make it easier short of just handing out CDLs to anyone who asks for one. It's not rocket science, you have to pass some paper/computer tests on pretty basic stuff and then show you can actually handle the truck without getting into an accident.
 
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2016 | 10:02 AM
  #4  
senix's Avatar
senix
Super Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,384
Likes: 1,867
From: Frederick, MD
Club FTE Gold Member
The pre-trip is what gets everyone. Depending upon the DMV they are too picky or not enough.
 
Reply
Old Mar 4, 2016 | 12:42 AM
  #5  
1979 Ford's Avatar
1979 Ford
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,495
Likes: 7
From: Not as far west as I want
More and more trucks are going to automatics. It is to the point where states are putting automatic transmissions on the license as a restriction. The same for air brakes.

An example, a driver takes his CDL test in a F550 with a gooseneck instead of in a Volvo he has the air brake restriction.
 
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2016 | 01:16 AM
  #6  
tx2sturgis's Avatar
tx2sturgis
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 504
Likes: 3
From: West Texas
Arrow pass or fail

I would not assign much validity to what you hear in truck stops.

I'm fairly sure that the examiners at every DMV in every state in the nation don't give a hoot (or another word) about the commercial driver shortage.

Those examiners are all individuals and unless they are otherwise directed by their supervisors (and I seriously doubt that happens) then they will tend to pass only those who present the basic skills required.

Now, I'm not saying that those applicants are always proficient, but I suspect that a driver 'shortage' has no bearing on the outcome.

There HAS been some efforts to relax the restrictions on the CDL learners permit, (to help alleviate some of the barriers that new commercial drivers face) and this could be related to the conversations you may have overheard.

In fact, most of us in the industry tend to push for a more comprehensive (or at least some level of) training program that would be REQUIRED of a new commercial driver before they are allowed to drive solo.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Mattm400
2017 - 2022 Super Duty
9
Sep 9, 2019 09:10 AM
fepowerguy8
General Automotive Discussion
25
Jul 13, 2010 02:35 AM
Snowking
Manitoba / Saskatchewan Chapter
21
May 8, 2008 07:19 AM
150ford
Nebraska Chapter
11
Feb 11, 2008 06:48 PM
Hurricane Niner7
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
3
Oct 21, 2002 09:10 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:01 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE