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If you want to operate a heavy rig like a tractor-trailer or a bus, you need a commercial driver’s license (CDL). To get the license, you must first take a training course, receive on-the-road supervised driving instruction, take a written and a driving test, and pay the necessary fees. You also need to be over age 18 or 21, depending on the state issuing the license. Each state issues its own CDLs and has its own rules and regulations governing the operation of commercial vehicles in that state. When practicing for a class A license, use course materials and a training program specific to the state where you will apply for the license. Types of Class A Driver’s LicensesEach state has its own categories and labels for driver’s license classes, but in most states, a Class A license is needed for operating a vehicle with two or more axles, such as a semi-truck or tractor-trailer.
Class A License TrainingTraining for a CDL involves both written study materials and on-the-road training. To do the road skills training, the applicant must first have a Commercial Driver’s Instruction Permit. You cannot use a passenger car driver’s license while you learn to drive an 18-wheeler on the road. Check the requirements in your state for commercial instruction permits. CDL training courses vary in content from state to state, depending on the specific rules and regulations regarding commercial driving in that state. In some states, such as California, a CDL is only issued if driving a vehicle is required by the applicant’s employment, and a driver must have a CDL for any job requiring driving, even if they do not operate a commercial vehicle. Find an approved CDL training program with learner’s permit class in the state where you plan to apply for the license, so you receive the correct training. Applying for a Class A License at DMVTo apply for a CDL at the DMV, you will need to:
What You Can Do with a Class A LicenseA commercial driver’s license opens many job opportunities. You can work for yourself in your own private transportation company, or, find a job working for another company. Besides driving a big-rig, a CDL is also needed by highway maintenance technicians, engineering equipment operators, bus drivers, and delivery drivers. Need a commercial driver license practice test? We've got those too! Visit www.idrivesafely.com to learn more about commercial driving requirements.
Driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle
(CMV) requires a higher level of knowledge, experience, skills, and physical abilities than that required to drive a non-commercial vehicle. In order to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), an applicant must pass both skills and knowledge testing geared to these higher standards. Additionally CDL holders are held to a higher standard when operating any type of motor vehicle on public roads. Serious traffic violations committed by a CDL holder can affect their ability to maintain their CDL
certification. Driving a commercial motor vehicle is a big responsibility. It requires special skills and knowledge. Most drivers must obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) through their home State (it is illegal to have a license from more than one State). In addition, special endorsements may be required if you or your company drivers will be driving any of the following vehicles: Contact your State licensing bureau (e.g., Department of Motor Vehicles) for details. Any summary, description, or paraphrase of a regulatory requirement on this site is intended to provide general guidance only. Please consult the text of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for
a full account of the applicable requirements. FMCSA does not issue Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs). State governments are responsible for issuing CDLs. Last updated: Thursday, June 30, 2022 What are Class A and B vehicles?Combination vehicles, such as tractor trailers or semi-trailers, always meet the requirements for CDL-A. If you're interested in pursuing virtually any commercial driving career, this may be the best option for you. A CDL-B is typically only for lighter vehicles, such as a straight truck or bus.
What class B means?A Class B commercial driver's license is required to operate a single vehicle with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds, or tow a vehicle not heavier than 10,000 pounds. With a Class B CDL and the appropriate endorsements, you may drive the following types of vehicles: Straight trucks.
What does it mean to be Class C?A Class C commercial driver's license (CDL) is the most common type of license and allows drivers to operate vehicles designed to transport fewer than 24 passengers including themselves. This includes single vehicles fewer than 26,001 pounds or towing a trailer with a GVWR fewer than 20,001 pounds.
What is a Class B license in California?With a Commercial Class B License:
a single vehicle with a GVWR of more than 26,000 pounds. a 3-axle vehicle weighing over 6,000 pounds. a bus (except a trailer bus), with endorsement. any farm labor vehicle, with endorsement. all vehicles under Class C.
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