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Types of CDL

This page has a list of the different types of CDL you can get. We’ve also listed all the commercial driver’s license endorsements and restrictions too.

Types of Commercial Driver’s Licenses

There are three CDL types to you can get and they’re based on the total weight and design of the commercial motor vehicle you want to drive.

  • Class A License – Any driver operating a vehicle and trailer with a combined weight of more than 26,001 pounds is required to have a Class A CDL, provided that the trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) exceeds 10,000 pounds. Read more about Class A CDL>>
  • Class B License – A Class B CDL is required for vehicles weighing in excess of 26,001 pounds or vehicles that are pulling another vehicle with a GVWR of less than 10,000 pounds. Read more about Class B CDL>>
  • Class C License – Large passenger vehicles and vehicles used to haul hazardous materials are covered by a Class C CDL. Class C licenses are required for vehicles that carry more than 16 passengers (including the driver). Any vehicle carrying hazardous materials require a placard. Selective agents also require a Class C CDL to operate.

CDL Endorsements List

All professional truck drivers must have a commercial driver’s license. In addition, many get additional endorsements that allow the driver to operate highly specialized vehicles and carry a variety of cargo. There are six different endorsements:

CDL Restrictions List

A restriction code may be placed on any type of driver license. The following is a list of the most common types of CDL restrictions:

  • B = Corrective Lenses
  • C = Mechanical Aid
  • D = Prosthetic Aid
  • E = Automatic Transmission Only
  • F = Duel Outside Mirror
  • G = Daylight Only Operation
  • J = School/Activity Bus Only
  • K = CDL Intrastate Only
  • L = No Air Brake CMV
  • M = Group B or Group C Passenger Vehicles
  • N = Group C Passenger Vehicles Only
  • Q = Bus Only
  • T = Hazmat Prohibited
  • U = Hearing Aide Required
  • V = Medical Variance Required
  • W = Medical Waiver Required
  • X = No Cargo in CMV Tank Vehicle
  • Z = No Full Air Brake Equipped CMV

What Is A CDL?

Commercial Driver’s License. On October 27, 1986, the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act was signed into law, which made getting your CDL a more stringent process. The goal of the new law was to improve highway safety by ensuring that drivers of large trucks and buses were qualified to operate those vehicles. The act also made sure that unsafe and unqualified drivers were removed from the highways. The CMV Safety Act retained the state’s right to issue a driver’s license but established minimum national standards states must meet when issuing CDLs.

CDL Training Today helps thousands of men and women get starting on high-paying, rewarding careers as professional truck drivers every month. Getting your CDL has never been easier, find a CDL training school and get started today! Once you’re trained we can help you find a trucking job too.

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