Essential Guide to the Types of CDLs: Classes A, B, and C Explained


3 Types of CDLs for Your Transportation Business

Transportation and the moving of materials have been parts of the fastest growing segment of the job sector among small businesses in recent years.

Job searching site Indeed says growth among commercial drivers in the past three years has grown by 190 percent, far exceeding every other small business sector including construction and healthcare.

But whether you are looking to hire drivers for your small business or aim to become a driver, you should understand that certain vehicle operators need specialty commercial driver licenses (CDLs) and special certifications depending on the type of vehicle to be driven or material or persons to be transported.

Federal law requires drivers of certain types of commercial vehicles to obtain CDL licenses.

What is a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)?

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is a specialized license required for individuals who operate commercial vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, dump trucks, and school buses. Issued by the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), a CDL is mandatory for drivers operating vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more or those transporting hazardous materials. This license ensures that drivers possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and training to operate commercial vehicles safely and efficiently. Whether you’re transporting hazardous materials or driving a school bus, a CDL is crucial for maintaining safety standards on the road.

The 3 Types of Commercial Driver’s Licenses

There are three types of CDLS: Class A, Class B and Class C.

Class A CDL

A Class A commercial driver’s license is required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of at least 26,001 pounds, including a towed vehicle heavier than 10,000 pounds.

3 Types of CDLs for Your Transportation Business - Class A

A few of the vehicles that may be driven with a Class A CDL include:

  • Tractor-trailers,
  • Truck and trailer combinations, including double and triple trailers,
  • Tractor-trailer buses,
  • Tanker vehicles,
  • Livestock carriers,
  • Flatbeds.

Class B CDL

A Class B CDL is required to operate a single vehicle with a gross combination of weight of at least 26,001 pounds or any vehicle that is towing another vehicle weighing up to 10,000 pounds. A Class B driver’s license opens up job opportunities and responsibilities associated with driving large vehicles.

3 Types of CDLs for Your Transportation Business - Class B

Some of the vehicles the holders of such a license may operate include:

  • Straight trucks,
  • Large buses, including city buses, tourist buses, and school buses,
  • Segmented buses,
  • Box trucks, such as delivery drivers, couriers, and furniture delivery,
  • Dump trucks with small trailers,
  • Commercial trucks with a detached towed cargo vehicle weighing less than 10,000 pounds.

Class C

A Class C commercial driver’s license may be required if the vehicle driven does not meet the criteria described for either a Class A or Class B license and is meant to transport at least 16 passengers, including the driver, or hazardous material as laid out by federal guidelines. Class C vehicles include those used for specific purposes, such as transporting passengers or hazardous materials.

A Class C CDL is also necessary for vehicle towing when the towed vehicle weighs less than 10,000 pounds.

3 Types of CDLs for Your Transportation Business - Class C

Examples of vehicles that can be operated with a Class C CDL include:

  • Small hazardous materials vehicles.
  • Passenger vans.
  • Combination vehicles not described in class A or B, such as a small truck towing a trailer.

While every state issues its own licenses, and individual states may have some of their own minimum requirements to obtain them, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration maintains a framework of federal minimum regulations that govern commercial truck drivers.

To apply for a CDL in any state, you must already possess a valid non-commercial driver’s license. Common CDL license requirements usually include the following:

  • Age restrictions,
  • Personal identification documentation, including proof of citizenship,
  • Medical and physical standards,
  • Language requirements,
  • Written and knowledge test(s),
  • Skills and road test(s).

Depending on the type of vehicle to be operated or the task to be performed, CDL drivers may need other certifications or endorsements, which are given to vehicle operators if they pass the qualifying tests.

The endorsement system is designed to quickly inform state troopers, police, and licensing bodies about the skills and abilities of the driver. States may create endorsement classes of their own, but the following certifications are common to every state:

  • T: Double/Triple Trailers (driver is licensed to pull more than one trailer at a time)
  • P: Passenger (driver can carry passengers)
  • N: Tank vehicle (driver can transport liquids in an appropriate vehicle)
  • H: Hazardous materials (driver can transport hazardous materials and has passed the accompanying TSA fingerprint background check)
  • X: Combination of tank vehicle and hazardous materials (Driver can transport liquid hazardous materials or wastes)
  • S: School Bus (driver

CDL Endorsements

CDL endorsements are additional certifications that expand a CDL holder’s driving capabilities, allowing them to transport specific types of cargo or operate specialized vehicles. There are several types of CDL endorsements, each requiring additional knowledge and skills tests:

  • Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement: Required for drivers who transport hazardous materials.
  • Tank Vehicle (T) endorsement: Necessary for drivers operating tank vehicles.
  • Double/Triple Trailers (T) endorsement: Needed for drivers who operate double or triple trailers.
  • Passenger (P) endorsement: Required for drivers transporting passengers.
  • School Bus (S) endorsement: Mandatory for drivers operating school buses.

These endorsements ensure that drivers are qualified to handle the unique challenges associated with different types of commercial vehicles and cargo.

Obtaining a CDL

Obtaining a CDL involves several steps to ensure that drivers are well-prepared for the responsibilities of operating commercial vehicles:

  1. Meet the age requirement: Drivers must be at least 21 years old for interstate driving and 18 years old for intrastate driving.
  2. Get a commercial learner’s permit (CLP): This permit allows you to practice driving commercial vehicles under supervision.
  3. Complete a CDL training program: Many states require drivers to complete an entry-level driver training program to gain the necessary skills.
  4. Pass the CDL skills test: This test evaluates your ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely.
  5. Pass the CDL written test: This test assesses your knowledge of commercial driving regulations and safety practices.

Additionally, CDL applicants must undergo a physical examination and provide proof of medical certification. A background check and proof of identity and residency are also required to ensure that all drivers meet the necessary standards.

Final Thoughts

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is essential for individuals who operate commercial vehicles. It ensures that drivers have the necessary knowledge, skills, and training to operate these vehicles safely and efficiently. CDL endorsements further expand a driver’s capabilities, allowing them to transport specific types of cargo or operate specialized vehicles. Obtaining a CDL involves several steps, including meeting age requirements, getting a commercial learner’s permit, completing a CDL training program, and passing both the skills and written tests. With a CDL, drivers are well-equipped to handle the demands of the transportation industry, ensuring safety and efficiency on the road.

Driving into Sun, Flatbed Truck, Coal Truck, Hazmat Signs Photos via Shutterstock



Daryl Nerl Daryl Nerl is a Staff Writer for Small Business Trends. He has worked as a professional journalist for more than 25 years. Daryl received his bachelor’s degree from NYU in 1988 where he majored in history and journalism. Daryl also worked as a reporter for The Scranton Times-Tribune and The Pottsville Republican where he served as Senior Reporter and Assistant News Editor. Prior to that, he worked as a reporter for The Morning Call in Allentown, Pa. He was also a former Local Editor for Patch, launching a hyperlocal news Website in Bethlehem, Pa.