Having a CDL and understanding the CDL Classes will allow any driver to have the necessary qualifications to be on the road safely while driving large vehicles weighing 26,001-80,000 lbs., or even transporting people. Applying to a CDL is the first step to acquiring those skills and starting your trucking career.
What is a CDL?
CDL stands for Commercial Driver's License, and it's the document that will allow a driver to operate certain types of vehicles. This license demonstrates that you are trained, tested, and qualified to drive specific vehicles safely.
Depending on the state you're in, the process for obtaining your CDL differs. For more information on applying for a CDL in your home State, you can check out your local state Licensing Bureau.
It is important to note that it's illegal to have more than one CDL. You may only apply to one state for your CDL, and that should be in your home state.
What vehicles can I drive with a CDL?
Depending on the type of CDL you apply to, you will be able to drive and operate certain vehicles like 18-wheeler trucks, tour buses, school buses, and vehicles that transport hazardous materials.
The CDL determines the vehicle type you can operate, the products you can haul, and if you are eligible to transport 16 or more passengers.
How are the CDL Classes?
Before applying, let’s look at the three primary CDL Classes:
Class A
The Class A CDL allows the driver to operate a vehicle with an overall weight or GCWR of over 26,001 pounds. To know how much the vehicle weighs, you will have to check the manufactured weight sticker. The trailer or vehicle towed must weigh more than 10,000 pounds.
Manufacturer Weight Sticker
With a CDL type A, you may drive the following vehicles:
- Tractor-trailers
- Truck and trailer combination
- Tanker Vehicles
- Livestock Carriers
- Flatbeds
An essential fact to consider is if you have a Class A CDL, and you have the required endorsements (link to section below), you may also drive some Class B and Class C vehicles.
Class B
The Class B CDL allows the driver to operate any single vehicle that is not hitched to a trailer and weighs over 26,001 pounds, as well as trucks with a detached towed cargo vehicle that weighs less than 10,000 pounds.
With a CDL Type B, you may drive the following vehicles:
- Straight trucks
- Large buses
- Segmented buses
- Box buses
- Dump trucks
- Small trailers
Class C
The Class C DL allows the driver to operate a vehicle that weighs less than 26,001 pounds and can transport 16 passengers (including the driver) or hazardous materials.
With a CDL type C, you may drive the following vehicles:
- Small Hazardous Materials Vehicles
- Passenger Vans
- Combination vehicles not covered by Classes A and B
What are endorsements?
An endorsement allows the driver to operate other commercial vehicles and specific items but requires additional testing.
| Types of Endorsement | Description |
| Double/Triple Trailer (T) | Allows the driver to tow double or triple trailers. |
| Passenger (P) | Allows the driver to operate vehicles with a specific number of passengers. |
| Tank Vehicle (N) | Allows the driver to operate a tank vehicle to transport liquid or liquified gaseous materials. |
| Hazardous Materials (H) |
Allows the driver to transport hazardous materials: gases, explosives, and flammable or combustible liquids.
For this type of endorsement, the driver will have to undergo a comprehensive state and federal background check. |
| School Bus (S) | Allows the driver to operate school buses. |
| Combination of N and H (X) | This combination allows the driver to transport hazardous materials in a tank vehicle. |
Acquiring a CDL requires time and the right information. As a future commercial driver, you need to be informed on the specific CDL Classes, how you can obtain it, and the requirements you need to be qualified to operate the equipment commercially or across state lines.
Although the state is responsible for testing and issuing the Commercial Driver’s License, the federal government’s Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates commercial interstate operations.
Suppose you plan to get your CDL for employment opportunities. In that case, you will need to consider the Federal Government’s requirements to be qualified to drive classified equipment across state lines or in commerce.
Don’t go at it alone! We highly recommend seeking out a CDL or Truck Driving School to prepare you for the test and qualifications to earn and use your CDL. Check out the accredited programs at Sage Trucking Driving School, Southwest Truck Driver Training, or your local Applied Technical College.
