In case you ever considered driving a big truck or a bus for a living, you need a special License called a Commercial Driver’s License, or CDL. A CDL shows that you have been trained and skills to handle larger, heavier vehicles. But did you realize there’s more than one form of CDL? Commercial driver’s licenses in the US are separated into a few types according to what vehicle type you drive and what you carry.
Let’s break it down in simple terms to understand the types of commercial driver’s licenses and what each one allows you to do.
Classifications of CDLs: Classes A, B & C
There are three main classes of CDLs, namely Class A, Class B, and Class C. Each one lets you drive certain types of commercial vehicles.
Class A CDL
The most powerful and flexible commercial license. You can drive big combination vehicles with a Class A CDL. These are the long trucks you see on highways with a big trailer behind them.
You can also drive Class B and Class C vehicles with this license if you have the appropriate endorsements. Thus, in case you would like to keep your options open, Class A could be the better bet.
Examples of Vehicles:
- Tractor-trailers.
- Tanker trucks.
- Flatbeds.
- Carriers of livestock.
Class B CDL
A Class B CDL is for driving large single vehicles without A trailer attached. These are still big, powerful vehicles, but they don’t “pull” another part behind them like an A-Class vehicle does.
In case you desire to become a bus driver, dump truck driver, or delivery truck operator, Class B could be for you.
Examples of Vehicles:
- City buses.
- School buses.
- Delivery trucks (like UPS or FedEx trucks).
- Dump trucks.
Class C CDL
A Class C CDL is required for vehicles that do not fit in Class A or B but require A commercial license. They usually carry hazardous materials or large groups of passengers.
Examples of Vehicles:
- Small buses or vans (16 passengers) Small buses or vans.
- Vehicles carrying hazardous materials (such as chemicals or flammable liquids):
Why is Classification Important?
Getting the right kind of CDL allows you to legally and safely drive some vehicles. If you try to drive a vehicle your CDL doesn’t cover, you risk fines, job loss, or worse.
That is why it helps to understand what each class allows. Knowing what type of driving job you would like will help you choose the right CDL.
What Are Endorsements?
Endorsements are like “add-ons” to your CDL. They show that you have extra training to carry certain cargo or drive specific types of vehicles. You’ll need to take extra tests for those.
Some common CDL endorsements include:
- H: For carrying hazardous materials (HazMat)
- P: For carrying passengers (like a bus driver)
- T: For double or triple trailers
- N: For tank vehicles (like fuel trucks)
- S: For school buses
How Do You Get a CDL?
It is a huge step to get a CDL, though it is achievable if you stick to the proper process. So, here’s how it usually goes:
- Check your eligibility: You need to be at least 18 to drive within a state (21 for interstate driving or carrying hazardous materials).
- Get a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP): You must pass written tests to get this.
- Attend CDL training school: This helps you practice driving a commercial vehicle.
- Pass the skills test: This includes a pre-trip inspection, basic controls, and a road test.
- Choose your endorsements: Take extra tests if you want to carry passengers, hazardous goods, or other special loads.
Final Thoughts
The good news? Once you have your CDL, many companies are eager to hire you. From delivering goods across the country to driving local school buses, you have choices. Plus, jobs in trucking and commercial driving often pay well and offer steady work. It’s a career that’s not only rewarding but also essential because everything we use, from food to furniture, gets to us through commercial drivers like you.
