Tuesday, December 02, 2008
CDL License
I just found out a little while ago (even though I probably should have known out of plain common sense) that you need a CDL license to drive certain motor vehicles. I guess I never really thought about how different cars or trucks could be from one another and that you would need more than a regular driver's license to be able to drive something different than a regular automobile. For example if you are driving a truck with hazardous materials in it you would need to know how to handle it accordingly or if you have a number of trailers you would also need to know how to turn the correct way and how to stop without making them run into each other.
Many companies require their employees to go to a trucking school to learn how to drive that particular vehicle correctly. I can't even imagine what it would be like to drive one of those big trucks that carry new cars from state to state. I was driving back to school yesterday and I saw one that had 6 new cars on top of it just driving along. I would have to guess that the driver had a lot of experience or training to be able to maneuver a truck with that much cargo. I couldn't imagine driving a truck like that and having to be responsible for all of those new cars that were on top.
Even though there are special requirements to obtain a license for a truck or unusual vehicle, I think there needs to be more focus on people getting their regular license. I know that there are random days when they do testing and some people have to do it and others don't and I do honestly think that people who have a good record, like my dad, should still be able to renew their license though the mail, however I think their needs to be more of an emphasis on new drivers who are just getting their license. When I took my driver's test I blew a stop sign and still got my license that day without having to retake it. I'm not saying that I am sad to get my license or that I didn't go straight out and celebrate and drive around with all of my friends, but years later I realize that maybe there needs to be more discipline when it comes to being a new driver and maybe more time and experience on a permit required.
Mike @ 9:18 AM