What Is a Commercial Driver's License?
A Commercial Driver's License, often abbreviated as CDL, is the type of driver's license required for operators of specialized vehicles such as large commercial vehicles, tractor-trailers, buses, tankers, and more. What is a class B license? There are three types of CDLS, classes A, B, and C. The following table shows the differences between the three licenses.
| CDL License | Qualifies you to: | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | *Drive a vehicle or vehicle combination with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more *Tow units of greater than 10,000 pounds gross weight rating | Tractor trailer, flatbed truck, livestock carrier, tractor-trailer bus, truck and trailer combination |
| Class B | *Drive a vehicle with a gross weight rating of 26,0001 pounds or more *Tow a vehicle under 10,000 pounds | Straight truck, large bus, segmented bus, school bus, box truck, small dump truck |
| Class C | *Drive single or combination vehicle designed for specified number of passengers *With appropriate endorsements, drive a vehicle containing dangerous materials | Passenger van, small truck towing a trailer, small HAZMAT vehicle |
The federal government establishes the baseline requirements that must be met before an individual can receive a CDL, although states are allowed to create more stringent requirements. Generally, applicants for a CDL must go through extensive training to ensure that they are capable of operating these massive vehicles safely, both for the sake of their cargo and that of other drivers. CDLs are required for many careers, so there are many programs available to MAKE THIS A KEYWORD INSTEAD help works prepare for a license.
How to Get a Class B Commercial Driver's License
To obtain a CDL, an applicant must be at least 18 years of age, or 21 in cases where drivers are transporting certain types of cargo or crossing state lines. They must also hold a standard driver's license, have a clean driving history in all 50 states, and obtain a learning permit. The learning permit will allow them to train in the appropriate vehicle when accompanied by the holder of a valid CDL for that vehicle.
CDL Requirements & Prerequisites
To earn a Class A, B, or C CDL, several requirements must be met, although some may vary from state to state. Some requirements are common to all three CDLs.
- Hold a standard non-commercial driver's license: In most cases, you must have your standard license for several months before the start of CDL training.
- Meet the age requirements: Applicants must be at least 18 to operate within their state, and 21 to perform interstate transportation.
- Submit appropriate screenings: Screenings may include medical exams, vision exams, and drug testing.
- Have a good driving record: Your driving history may be analyzed dating back at least ten years, and incidents such as moving violations or other irresponsible behavior on the road can result in disqualification.
- Verify key information: Applicants must provide proof of identity and residence using government-issued IDs, social security numbers, etc.
- Take an exam: You must pass an exam to demonstrate your pertinent knowledge to earn your commercial learner's permit.
- Wait the specified time period before scheduling your driving test - usually at least 14 days.
- Pass the driving test in your own vehicle.
- Pay the fees required for your license.
Note that like other driver's licenses, a CDL is only valid for a certain period of time and will need to be renewed before its expiration to maintain legal driving status.
How to Get a Class A License
To get a class A license, you'll need to pass the general CLD knowledge test, and you'll need to take your road test in a class A vehicle. You may also need to take specific endorsement exams such as endorsements to drive with air brakes, double-triple trailers, or combinations. With a class A license, you can drive vehicles over 26,000 pounds and tow vehicles over 10,000 pounds. You can be qualified to drive a tractor trailer, flatbed truck, livestock carrier, and more.
How to Get a Class B License
What is a class B CDL and how is it unique? If you're wondering how to get a class B CDL, the process is similar to the class A. Class B license requirements are the same as the general CDL requirements, including passing the knowledge test. For your class B license, you need to pass the road test driving a class B vehicle. You can also take relevant endorsement exams such as an air brakes or tanker endorsement. With the class b drivers license, you can drive vehicles over 26,000 pounds and tow up to 10,000 pounds. This includes a straight truck, box truck, school bus, other large bus, and other vehicles.
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How to Get a Class C License
To get a class C license, you need to meet the CDL requirements and pass the knowledge test. You must take the road test in a class C vehicle, and for a C license, you are required to apply for endorsements. These might include the passenger endorsement for transporting more than 16 people, or the hazmat endorsement for transporting hazardous materials.
Class B Commercial Driver's License Endorsements & Restrictions
A CDL can have certain endorsements or restrictions placed on it, which dictate what situations and vehicles a license holder is legally allowed to operate under. These are signified by a single letter placed on the license, such as an 'N,' which represents a driver legally allowed to operate a tanker vehicle, or an 'H', representing the ability to safely transport hazardous materials, such as gasoline. Endorsements may be earned at the same time as the original license, or later on once a driver has received more specialized training.
Similarly, restrictions can be placed on a CDL which limit what a driver is allowed to do. These are also signified by a single letter and usually come about as a result of a failure to pass certain aspects of the licensing exams. An 'E', for example, may be placed on a driver's license if they performed their licensing exam in a vehicle with automatic transmission, meaning they are not licensed to operate vehicles with manual transmission. In other cases, such as with the 'V' symbol, a driver may receive special medical exceptions, most commonly in the form of a restriction that only allows driving while utilizing corrective lenses to improve vision. Drivers must be careful to obey their restrictions and hold the necessary endorsements, or else risk losing their commercial licenses.
Should I Enroll in a CDL Training Program?
While formal training is not required to earn a CDL B license, there is value to being well-prepared for both your written and road test. Similar to a driver training course taken before earning a standard license, a CDL training program can increase your readiness, safety, and effectiveness as a CDL B driver.
Class B CDL Training Programs
Training programs that will qualify an individual to receive a class B CDL are commonly offered by community colleges, although private instruction is also an option. These are typically considered non-degree certificate programs and can take anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks on average. It can be difficult to choose a driving school, however, any driving school you attend should be in the state where you hold a driver's license. These programs cover topics such as:
- Defensive driving
- Vehicle maintenance and safety
- Reading maps
- Maintaining travel and maintenance logs
- Vehicle operation in highway, city, and other environments
Students in CDL programs will have to complete classroom work and spend time practicing driving class B vehicles. After completing the training program, a student can apply to take the CDL exam and receive a class B license. CDL exams usually consist of both knowledge- and skills-based exams, such as writing and driving tests
