TYPES OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLE DRIVER’S LICENSES

Obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL) is crucial for individuals pursuing a career in the transportation industry. However, many people are unaware that different types of CDLs are available, each with its own set of requirements and restrictions. Truck accident attorney Greg Baumgartner explores the various types of commercial driver’s licenses and provides an overview of the qualifications and endorsements needed for each type of CDL.

Types of Commercial Driver’s Licenses

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a commercial truck driver, you’ll need to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). However, there are different types of CDLs that you can obtain depending on the type of vehicle you plan to operate. This article will discuss the different commercial driver’s license types and what they allow you to do.

Class A CDL

A Class A CDL is the most common type of commercial driver’s license and allows you to operate a combination of vehicles 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 knowledge test and a skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and an on-road driving test.

Class B CDL

A Class B CDL allows you to operate 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. This includes straight trucks, dump trucks, and buses. To obtain a Class B CDL, you’ll need to pass a written knowledge test and a skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and an on-road driving test.

Class C CDL

A Class C CDL is the most basic type of commercial driver’s license and allows you to operate a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or hazardous materials. This includes passenger vans, small buses, and hazmat trucks. To obtain a Class C CDL, you’ll need to pass a written knowledge test and a skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection and an on-road driving test.

Endorsements

In addition to the three main classes of CDLs, there are also endorsements that you can obtain to specialize your license further. You’ll need to pass a written knowledge test specific to that endorsement to obtain an endorsement.

Passenger Endorsement

• It is required for drivers operating vehicles that transport 16 or more passengers.
• It involves passing a written knowledge and skills test specific to passenger transportation.

Hazardous Materials Endorsement

• It is required for drivers who will be transporting hazardous materials.
• It involves passing a written knowledge test and a background check conducted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Tanker Endorsement

• It is required for drivers operating vehicles that transport liquid or gaseous materials in bulk containers.
• It involves passing a written knowledge and skills test specific to tanker vehicles.

Obtaining a CDL

Eligibility Requirements

• You must be at least 18 to obtain a CDL for intrastate transportation.
• You must be at least 21 to obtain a CDL for interstate transportation.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.

Application Process

• Complete a CDL application form at the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office.
• Provide necessary identification documents, such as a birth certificate, social security card, and proof of residency.
• Pay the required fees for the CDL application and any endorsements.

CDL Training

You’ll need to complete a CDL training program to obtain a commercial driver’s license. Truck driving schools and community colleges offer these programs, typically lasting 3-6 weeks. During this training, you’ll learn the necessary skills and knowledge to pass the CDL tests and become a safe and competent commercial truck driver.

Many of the larger motor carriers offer in-house CDL training, partly due to the truck driver shortage in the United States.

Obtaining a commercial driver’s license is the first step toward a career as a commercial truck driver. By understanding the different types of CDLs and endorsements, you can choose the one that best fits your career goals and start your journey toward a successful and fulfilling career in the trucking industry.

Get Help From a Houston, TX, 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer

Contact the Texas 18-wheeler accident lawyer Greg Baumgartner for help after an injury accident with a semi!

(281) 893-0760

Related Trucking Resources:

How To Get A CDL in Texas

Semi Trucks Transporting Hazardous Materials

Drug and Alcohol Rules for CDL Drivers

Drug Testing for Truck Drivers

How Might a Truck Driver be Negligent in an Accident?

About Greg Baumgartner

Greg Baumgartner is a preeminent rated personal injury lawyer based in Houston, Texas, with over three decades of experience representing severely injured clients in truck accidents. He founded Baumgartner Law Firm, in 1985, with a mission to provide excellent legal representation and personalized attention to every client.