What’s the Difference Between Class A, B, and C Commercial Driver’s Licenses?
If you want to start a career operating a big rig, hazmat vehicle, or school bus, you will need more than just a driving license. Drivers are required to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). However, not all CDLs are equal.
In the United States, there are three main categories of CDL. These are Classes A, B, and C. The type of license you require depends on the size and type of vehicle you want to operate. Keep reading to understand the difference between these licenses in the commercial world.
Class A CDL License
A Class A driver’s license is the most versatile and flexible. It allows drivers to operate any vehicle where the weight of the vehicle and total load is 26,001 pounds or more with a towed unit of more than 10,000 pounds. This license covers the largest and heaviest commercial vehicles with two or more axles.
Examples of vehicles you can drive with a Class A CDL include
- 18-wheelers (tractor-trailers)
- Flatbed trucks
- Livestock carrier vehicles
- Flatbed trucks
The reason why a Class A license is versatile is that it allows you to drive vehicles that fall under Class B and C. That is why many people who plan to work in trucking companies and with commercial vehicles, in the long run, opt for this license.
Class B CDL License
A Class B CDL is for drivers who operate a single vehicle that weighs 26,001 pounds or more without towing trailers that are over 10,000 pounds. This generally covers a lot of heavy-duty vehicles.
With a Class B CDL, you can drive:
- Dump trucks
- Delivery trucks
- Large buses
- Straight trucks
- Mail carriers
Even though you can’t drive a big rig with this license, it is perfect for anyone who wants to work in local or regional jobs, like as a delivery person, under waste management, or in public transportation.
Class C CDL License
A Class C CDL covers vehicles that do not fit under Class A or B but are still considered commercial vehicles. This includes passenger vehicles that carry 16 or more people, including the driver, or those carrying hazardous materials that require a placard under federal regulations.
Examples of vehicles you can drive with a CDL Class C license are
- Passenger vans
- Small hazmat trucks
- Medical transport vehicles like ambulances
This license is more specialized. For example, if you are working for a medical facility where you transport patients or driving a small church bus, you might need a Class C CDL. However, you will need a specific endorsement for things like passenger or hazardous mail vehicles, which require additional testing.
Endorsements and Restrictions
Regardless of the class, many CDLs require endorsements. These are additional qualifications that allow you to carry passengers or drive tanks. Some of the most common endorsements include
- P for passengers
- H for hazardous material
- N for tanks
- X for a combination of hazardous materials and tanks
- S for school bus
- T for double and triple trailers
There are also restrictions that limit what you can do. This is called the E restriction. If you receive a CDL with an E restriction, this means you cannot legally drive a manual transmission since you were not tested for that. To remove the E, you must schedule another test in a manual transmission vehicle. This included a pre-trip inspection, a skill test, and a road test.
Conclusion
Getting a CDL opens up job opportunities. However, before applying for one, it is important to understand the differences between Class A, B, and C. Each has its own responsibilities and benefits. However, if you want to be a long-haul trucker and drive across state borders, getting a Class A license is the way to go.
