It is beneficial to know the different types of CDL licenses. You can check out our descriptive guide right here to learn more.
There are more than 1 million truck drivers across the country.
The trucking industry is absolutely critical to our daily lives. They deliver goods and products all around the country, stocking shelves and filling warehouses. Our systems wouldn’t function without these transportation professionals.
In order to be a truck driver, one must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). There are a few different types of CDL Licenses with different abilities and requirements.
Read on to get a full overview of CDL Licenses.
Required CDLs
The types of vehicles being used to transport these massive loads of products aren’t your average pickup truck. They have much more power and require different skills to maneuver them properly.
In an effort to protect everyone on the roads, those who wish to drive a commercial vehicle are required to obtain a CDL.
This license certifies that the driver has been through all of the set requirements and meets standards. CDLs are received through the individual state where the driver lives. Though most requirements are the same across the nation, some states vary slightly.
Most of what the applicant will need is provided by the State licensing bureau.
Not all commercial vehicles are created equally and require the same level of skill. To further ensure safety, there are different levels of CDLs for various vehicles as well.
Types of CDL Licenses
CDL Class A
Commercial Drivers Licenses are broken down into three classes, a class A CDL is the most commonly held of the three.
When someone has a CDL class A they are permitted to operate any vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that weigh over 26,001 pounds. That would include the typical truck and trailer system that you see commonly on the road.
Along with these semis, a CDL class A covers tractor-trailers, livestock trailers, and flatbed trailers. They can also operate any vehicle covered by class B and class C licenses.
This specific license is the most popular because it offers the widest range of opportunities. When someone has this certification they are able to drive the most types of vehicles. Therefore, there are more job opportunities and they generally pay better.
Because the demand for truck drivers is so high, companies will often help the driver to get this license by paying for training and guaranteeing routes after completion.
CDL Class B
A class B CDL allows a driver to operate a much smaller, more specific range of vehicles. The main difference is that these are single vehicles weight more than 26,001 pounds, not truck and trailer combinations like CDL class A.
Some of these commercial vehicles include passenger buses, large delivery trucks, dump trucks, and garbage trucks. These drivers can also operate class C vehicles.
There are far less of these types of vehicles on the road then the semi-trucks from class A. So the jobs are much more limited. This means that to get a job using your CDL class B is much more competitive.
That isn’t necessarily a bad thing though, these jobs can have great payment options because of that competition.
Also, the jobs involving this type of license are generally much more limited geographically. Where a CDL class A will likely be driving all across the country, a CDL Class B will mostly be driving in their city and maybe a little farther.
There are many great careers you can have with this type of licensing.
CDL Class C
The class C CDL is definitely the least common of the three. This certification allows people to drive vehicles that can hold up to 16 people, including the driver.
Those kinds of vehicles include passenger vans, smaller buses, and vehicles that transport hazardous materials. As you can see, this license covers a much smaller range of vehicles, so the jobs are even more limited.
Most drivers opt to have one of the other class CDLs so they can have more options.
CDL Classes Requirements
The actual process of obtaining a CDL varies slightly depending on the class you are getting and the state you live in.
But most start with making sure the applicant has a regular driver’s license and meets the age requirements. Most states require you to be 21 years old to get a CDL, but some allow 18-year-olds.
From there the process is very similar for a regular license. The DMV will provide you with a CLP, or a permit to practice with a certified driver. They’ll give you materials to study and review.
The applicant will then need to find a CDL program to attend, like driver’s ed. These are offered through community colleges or a trucking school.
Once the program has been completed, the driver will be able to take their knowledge and skills tests. If they pass, they will be able to get their CDL from the DMV. Some states require other endorsements for specific jobs beyond the CDL, like for hazmat transport. Those can be handled separately.
Drivers with a CDL are held to a higher standard because of all of this extra training they’ve received. Infractions have much larger consequences and a CDL can be lost very quickly.
The CDL driver requirements include following protocols, having updated insurance, and registering for driving databases.
A CDL opens a lot of career opportunities for the driver but also comes with a lot of responsibility.
Get a CDL
The trucking industry is booming and continually growing with all kinds of new opportunities available for drivers.
This is an exciting career where you can really customize the daily aspects to fit your needs. The different types of CDL licenses open up the driver to hone in on what they want to do specifically.
If you’re interested in learning more about driving opportunities, check out our other articles today!
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