WHY Nastruck

 NASTRUCK offers Permit training only OR offers both Permit and Behind-the-wheel training. 

State departments of motor vehicles are responsible for enforcing laws governing driver's licenses, including procedures and requirements for obtaining a license to operate a vehicle. Although both an operator's license and a commercial driver's license (CDL) allow the holder to operate a motor vehicle, the two licenses have distinct differences in terms of qualifications and the application of federal laws. 

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation (§383.71) requires commercial drivers to certify the type of commercial operation they’re engaged in – Non-Excepted Interstate, Non-Excepted Intrastate, Excepted Interstate, or Excepted Intrastate.

To change or update your self-certification status on your driver record, complete a California Commercial Driver License Self-Certification Form (DL 694) and either mail it to the address on the form or bring it to any DMV office. If you also need a corrected CDL card, you will need to visit a DMV office and pay for a corrected card.

You operate or expect to operate a CMV in interstate commerce and you meet the qualification requirements under Title 49, CFR, part 391. The license does not restrict the transport, origination, or destination of the load to be transported.

Interstate commerce means trade, traffic, or transportation in the United States (U.S.) that is:

• Between a place in a state and a place outside of that state (including a place outside of the U.S.).
• Between two places in a state through another state or place outside of the U.S.
• Between two places in a state as part of trade, traffic, or transportation originating or terminating outside the state or the U.S.

It’s important to note that you may be engaged in interstate commerce even if your vehicle does not leave the state. We strongly recommend that you certify a driving type of NI if you meet the federal qualifications and there is any chance you might operate a CMV in interstate commerce.

You operate or expect to operate a CMV in intrastate commerce and you meet the qualification requirements under Title 49, CFR, part 391. The cargo and passengers must originate and end in California. While driving commercially you may not cross state or international borders.

If you self-certify as operating NA, your CDL card and driver record will reflect a CDL Intrastate Only restriction (40/K).

Some states issue CDLs that do not require drivers to meet the qualifications outlined in Title 49, CFR, part 391. Those drivers are considered “excepted” drivers. California does not issue these types of CDLs. All drivers licensed by California to drive CMVs are non-excepted drivers.

Before You Start School

Preparing to start school? At NASTRUCK, we understand that most truck-driving companies hesitate to hire new drivers. However, we believe in providing training to drivers as part of our mission. You can count on us to help you obtain your CDL and start a successful career in the trucking industry.  

CDL School: Week 1-4

 During the course, you will be taught everything necessary to complete it and acquire your CDL. This includes planning your trips with maps and logbooks, conducting pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections, and learning how to safely operate tractor trailers from point A to point B. You will also receive training in important skills such as backing up and securing trailers, as well as defensive driving techniques to ensure your safety on the road 

There are three classes of CDLs:

• Commercial A: Any legal combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
• Commercial B: Any single vehicle with a GVWR of more than 26,000 pounds, any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR, or a 3-axle vehicle weighing over 6,000 pounds.
• Commercial C: Any Class C vehicle with one or more of the following endorsements:
  • Hazardous Materials (HazMat)
  • Passenger Vehicle (PV)
  • Tank Vehicle (TV)

All CDL classes are available as a REAL ID compliant or federal non-compliant card.

For more information on which class you may apply for and the requirements of each, see the California Commercial Driver Handbook.

The Federal Motor Carrier Association defines CDL A trucks as, “Any combination of vehicles which has a gross combination weight rating or gross combination weight of 11,794 kilograms or more (26,001 pounds or more) whichever is greater, inclusive of a towed unit(s) with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) whichever is greater.”

A HAZMAT endorsement opens the doors to hauling hazardous materials over the road. These jobs are often higher paying and there is usually a larger pool of jobs available. Once you have your CDL A, you can obtain a HAZMAT endorsement passing the required TSA background checks, written test, and medical exam by a DOT doctor. In many cases, having your HAZMAT license is a requirement for getting the X endorsement which will be described shortly.

The tanker endorsement allows a driver to haul a tank or “tanker” full of liquid or gaseous materials. These jobs are often higher paying and usually are local or regional runs, so you’d have more home time than some other jobs. This endorsement does require an additional written test. A tanker truck driver needs to be able to adjust to having his cargo constantly moving around if the tank is not full. Dealing with the “surge” caused by the movement of the liquid in the tank while driving takes some practice and skill development.

Passenger transport endorsement is pretty straightforward. It allows a licensed driver to drive a vehicle which carries more than 16 passengers, like a city commuter bus. This endorsement requires an added written and skills test to obtain. These jobs are great for people who want to drive a set schedule and be home every night, or for seeing the country driving for travel companies across country. One thing is certain, you will interact with passengers all day long, so this is not the job for someone who likes being alone. This endorsement is usually required to subsequently obtain the “S” endorsement to drive children in a school bus. Usually these two endorsements go hand-in-hand.

School bus endorsements are required to drive children in school busses. Like the “P” endorsement just discussed, this also requires an additional written and driving skills test. But for the “S” endorsement, there are also background checks, criminal history checks, physical fitness tests, and they usually require more frequent supplemental training and testing when the school bus rules change. And these drivers should have a little more patience and certainly must be able to tolerate driving boisterous children.

Double or triple trailers require their own endorsement. The “T” endorsement allows drivers to tow more than one trailer on the back of their truck. This endorsement requires an additional written test as well. The “T” endorsement is especially valuable, as it allows drivers to haul two or even three-times the amount of freight, while driving the same amount of time over the road as with a single trailer. These are often higher-paying trucking jobs, due to the added skills and driving ability the driver needs to have.

Finally, the “X” endorsement allows a driver to haul large loads of any type of liquid or gaseous HAZMAT cargo inside of a tanker. Having this “X” endorsement even further separates these drivers and their skill sets. This endorsement requires an additional written test. If a driver has any plans to be in the gas and oil hauling business, an “X” endorsement will certainly be required.