A CDL is a Commercial Driver’s License that is required to drive commercial motor vehicles. This license is needed for any drivers that will be operating commercial driving equipment or other types of heavy machinery. To get a CDL, you will need to pass the CDL training courses and a driving test quite like getting a regular driver’s license. The first year it was required to carry a CDL was the year 1986 when the Vehicle Motor and Safety Act was passed. Before this, each state had its own laws for driving heavy machinery, causing there to be unnecessary accidents and several road deaths. The new law prohibits commercial driving without the proper CDL license. Even hot shot truckers are required to have a CDL on the road.
The three types of CDL’s
There are three types of CDL’s you can get, and each one has it’s a separate set of requirements. To become a CDL driver, you will need to meet at least one of these class requirements.
Class A
A Class A CDL is required when you plan to operate any vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 26,001 lbs, given that the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds. When you have a Class A CDL, you will be able to operate the following vehicles.
- Truck Trailer Combination
- Tractor Trailer
- Livestock Carriers
- Flatbeds
- Tractor Trailor Bus
Class B
A Class B CDL license is required for anyone planning to operate a vehicle with a total combined weight rating of 26,001 lbs, or more, or a tow vehicle no more than 10,000 pounds. When you have a Class B CDL, you will be able to operate the following vehicles.
- Straight Trucks
- Large Passenger Buses
- Segmented Buses
- Box Trucks
- Dump Trucks with Small Trailers
- Tractor Trailer
Class C
A Class C CDL license will be required to operate a vehicle made to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver. This license is also needed if you plan to transport hazardous materials or equipment, these include any materials that are rated dangerous under the law. The following vehicles can be operated when you have a Class C CDL license.
- Small HazMAt vehicles
- Combination Vehicles not covered by Classes A or B
- Passenger Vans
