For all my Future Truck Drivers, Here's CDL 101

What’s a CDL?

A commercial driver's license (CDL) is a driver's license required to operate large, heavy, or placarded hazardous material vehicles for commercial purposes in the United States. Several types of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) require a driver to hold a valid CDL.

What is a Class A CDL?

A Class A commercial driver's license is required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more, to include a towed vehicle that has a GCWR of more than 10,000 lbs. Vehicles in this class include:

Tractor-trailers.

Truck and trailer combinations.

Double and triple trailers.

Flatbeds.

A Class A license may allow you to drive some Class B and Class C vehicles as long as you possess the correct endorsements.

What is a Class B CDL?

A Class B commercial driver license is required to operate:

A single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or more towing another vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less. This class includes:

Straight trucks.

Large buses, including:

City buses.

Tourist buses.

School buses

Dump trucks with small trailers.

If you hold a class B license and you have the correct endorsements, you may also operate vehicles listed in class C.

What is a Class C License?

A Class C commercial driver's license may be required if:

Any vehicle that is not included in classes A or B that carries hazardous materials requiring placards or is designed to carry 16 or more occupants, including the driver.

Is meant to transport EITHER:

At least 16 passengers (to include you, the driver).

OR

Hazardous material (HAZMAT) as laid out by federal guidelines.

Examples of vehicles you might be able to operate with a Class C CDL (with proper endorsement) include:

Small HAZMAT vehicles.

Passenger vans.

Combination vehicles not described in class A or B.

EXAMPLE: A small truck towing a trailer.

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