A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is required in the US when driving certain types of vehicles for business purposes. As with any other driver’s license, a person wishing to apply for a CDL must meet certain criteria and undergo stages of training. Unlike a regular driver’s license, however, there are three different classifications of CDL which relate to different vehicle types.
Vehicles That Require a CDL by License Class
Federal law dictates which vehicles require a CDL for usage, and separates vehicles into three classes – A, B and C. Class A licenses are required for “combination vehicles,” where two or more combined vehicles (such as a truck and trailer) have a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided that the vehicle being towed has a GCWR of 10,001 pounds or more.
Class B licenses are used for “heavy straight vehicles” where a stand-alone vehicle has a GCWR of 26,001 pounds and above or this type of vehicle towing a trailer that weighs not in excess of 10,000 pounds (such as a heavy truck towing a light trailer). School buses and many passenger buses are Class B vehicles.
Finally, class C licenses are required for any stand-alone or combination of vehicles that does not meet class A or B requirements; designed to carry 16 or more people (including the driver); or requires Hazardous Materials (HazMat) placards.
Person Specification For Obtaining A CDL
CDL applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold a regular driver’s license. Drivers aged 21 or above can use their licenses in any state, while those aged 18 to 20 will only be able to use their CDL in the state in which they obtain them. Applicants must also pass a basic knowledge test and eyesight test before they can receive their learner’s permit. Some states also require a Social Security number and proof of residence, such as North Carolina.
Learner’s Permits
Drivers training for their CDL will need a learner’s permit. This is valid for six months and enables a learner to receive training in the class of commercial vehicle they wish to gain a full CDL for. Drivers using a learner’s permit must always be accompanied by someone that has held the correct class of CDL (relevant to the vehicle being driven) for at least two years, and a full driver’s license for five years. Regardless of who accompanies you, your learner’s permit does not enable you to drive a vehicle that requires HazMat placards. Some states require learners to amass a set number of hours of education and training, such as in the state of Washington.
CDL Testing Process
Once drivers are ready to take their final CDL test they must complete four stages of testing. First, applicants must complete a written test which differs from a regular driver’s permit test and has specific sub-sections, such as a school bus endorsement, dependent on the class of CDL you are training for. Then, applicants must complete a pre-trip inspection of a commercial vehicle with an examiner. Here, a driver must demonstrate good working knowledge of the basic mechanics and safety features of the vehicle. The penultimate stage of testing involves carrying out a number of maneuvers with an examiner in the cab. Finally, applicants must drive on the road in routine traffic, and will be assessed on their ability to drive the commercial vehicle in the real-world situations that arise.