I'm an electrician. I bought a truck, partnered on a trailer, and set out to get a CDL. I passed the permit test easily, then I passed the computer test with flying colors, made my appointment for road test. I was told I was exempt from medical card if I limited my travel to in state. I had to find a licensed CDL driver to accompany me to my test. I borrowed a newer truck, and trailer belonging to the driver I recruited, as I worried mine might not pass close inspection.
Arriving for my test I was asked for my medical card. I responded that I was told I didn't need one for in state travel. He responded: "Who told you that?"
I said: "You did."
"Oh", he said, " the law is going to change soon, we're enforcing it now."
Discouraged, I went to my regular doctor. He really vented! He snapped at his office staff for making the appointment. He was angry about the treatment he had received from VT DMV. He is qualified to teach the course, but DMV insisted he spend a week at great expense to be trained how to administer physicals. Ultimately, I got my medical card, but was warned to seek it elsewhere in future.
Next appointment, DMV had no record of me having an appointment! I was out of luck!
Next, I failed the pre trip inspection. I failed to inspect the landing gear or the headboard on the trailer. I pointed out it wasn't equipped with either. He responded that I needed to mention that there was none. Also I failed to inspect windshield, or mirrors. I explained that I had inspected them prior to driving twenty odd miles to get there.
Final trip, my borrowed truck, and trailer along with driver backed out three days before. I spent a bunch of money last minute on my truck, and tracked down a retired long haul trucker to accompany me.
I spent two hours on pre trip inspection. The tester finally cut me off, saying he didn't have time. Backing into the dock I find challenging, but did well that day. The road trip went well.
If I count the trip to the doctor, it took seven trips to Rutland. Four I had to borrow a truck, and impose on a CDL licensed driver to test.
I had the distinct sense VT DMV didn't want me to have a license.
Willie