Getting a driver’s license does not necessarily mean you get to drive any vehicle. Different commercial driver’s licenses are required to operate different types of commercial vehicles. Depending on your transportation career or business needs, it is essential to know the type of license you want to get. Understanding the different types of commercial driver’s licenses can help you make the best decision about the type of license you want.
Class A CDL
The Class A CDL is the permit you require to operate the largest types of commercial motor vehicles. The vehicles that fall under this license category include:
· Tractor-trailers
· Semi-tracks
· Flatbed tracks
· Livestock trailers
· Tankers
With the Class A CDL, you can drive any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds. In most US states, this license is necessary for vehicles with such ratings, and for tow trailers with over 10,000 GVWR. To obtain this license, you must follow the below steps:
· Complete driver training from a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) approved provider.
· Undertake and pass the CDL knowledge examination.
· Undertake a road test using a Class A vehicle.
· Pass the recommended Class A endorsement examination.
Upon completing the examinations, you might be required to take additional endorsement tests depending on the vehicle you want to drive.
Class B CDL
The class B CDL license permits the holders to drive vehicles with GVWR greater than 26,000 pounds. The following list of vehicles fall under this license category:
· Box trucks
· Refuse trucks
· Tourist buses
· Large passenger buses
· End dumps
· Straight tucks
Because the Class B CDL mainly focuses on single vehicles, the holder is not required to get endorsements for combination automobiles. It is, however, essential to note that because most Class B vehicles use air brakes, you will need the air brakes endorsement as an additional requirement to the Class B endorsement. The procedure for getting the Class B CDL permit is similar to that of Class A CDL.
Class C CDL
The Class A CDL is also an essential commercial license you should know about. This permit covers the requirements not provided under the Class A and B CDL. The critical significance of this license is that it authorizes the holder to drive vehicles with a GVWR of less than 26,000 pounds. The holder can also drive vehicles transporting 16 or more people. The individual can drive a school bus, passenger vans, and trams. The Class C CDL holder can drive the following vehicles upon receiving the proper endorsement.
· School buses and passenger vans
· Hazmat vehicles
· Combination vehicles that do not belong under Class A or B.
The steps for obtaining the license under the Class C CDL is the same as for CDL A and B. The only difference is that the application would be made for the Class C category.
Types of Commercial Driver’s License Endorsements
CDL holders can obtain different types of license endorsements. They can choose the most suitable one based on their areas of interest. The list below includes the various types of endorsements they can seek.
· N: Vehicles that carry and transport hazardous material.
· X: for tanker trucks that haul hazardous material
· S: For school buses
· T: For towing vehicles with double or triple trailers
· P: for vehicles that carry more than 16 passengers.
· H: for tankers used in transporting liquid gas.
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Before operating a commercial vehicle, ensure that you have the correct and valid license to operate it. Failing to meet this requirement can lead you to face legal charges. CDLs and their respective endorsements offer drivers special training that is important in operating the vehicles and keeping them and other road users safe. Getting the proper certification means a secure future for your transport career.
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