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If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a commercial truck driver, you’ll need to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). This license is required for anyone who operates a vehicle weighing over 26,000 pounds, transports hazardous materials, or carries more than 16 passengers. However, there are different types of CDLs that you can obtain depending on the type of vehicle you plan to drive. Our lawyers for CDL drivers discuss the different types of commercial driver’s licenses in Texas and what they allow you to do.
In addition to a valid Texas driver’s license, commercial motor vehicle drivers need to get a CDL. Here are the CDL requirements in Texas for obtaining a commercial vehicle license.
A Class A CDL is the most common type of commercial driver’s license. It is required for anyone who plans to drive a vehicle combined with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. This includes tractor-trailers, tanker trucks, and flatbed trucks. To obtain a Class A CDL, you’ll need to pass a written test and a skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and an on-road driving test.
A Class B CDL is required for anyone who plans to drive a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more or a vehicle towing a trailer with a GVWR of less than 10,000 pounds. Class B includes straight trucks, dump trucks, and buses. To obtain a Class B CDL, you’ll need to pass a written and skills test, including a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and an on-road driving test.
A Class C CDL is required for anyone who plans to drive a truck to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver or a vehicle used to transport hazardous materials. Class C includes passenger vans, small buses, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials in small quantities. To obtain a Class C CDL, you’ll need to pass a written test and a skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and an on-road driving test.
If you’re interested in obtaining a CDL, consider attending a CDL school. These schools offer training programs that can help you prepare for the written and skills tests required to obtain a CDL. They also provide hands-on training and experience with different types of commercial vehicles.
While attending a CDL school is not required to obtain a CDL, it can greatly increase your odds of passing the tests and obtaining your license.
In addition to attending a CDL school, consider additional CDL training. Include courses on specific types of vehicles, such as tanker trucks or hazardous materials transportation, or courses on specific skills, such as backing up or driving in inclement weather. The additional training can make you a more competitive job candidate and can also help you improve your driving skills.
By understanding the different types of commercial driver’s licenses and the training options available, you can decide to pursue a career as a commercial truck driver.
Whether you choose to attend a CDL school or obtain additional training, having a CDL can open up a variety of job opportunities in the transportation industry.
Call a top-rated 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Texas for help. Looking for help after a commercial vehicle crash. Call the expert truck accident lawyer for help.
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Related Resources:
TYPES OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLE DRIVER’S LICENSES
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