What do you need to know about a commercial driver license?
A commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is a license specific to driving certain specialized types of vehicles such as buses or tank trucks. This can include heavy, oversized vehicles and those that carry multiple passengers. Some types of CDL licenses and endorsements are used to transport hazardous materials like flammable liquids, explosives, or radioactive substances.
What is a CDL license?
A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is required to drive commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) such as tractor trailers, semi-trucks, dump trucks, and passenger buses. Whether you’re interested in long haul trucking across the country or driving a local school bus, a CDL will be necessary to pursue your professional goals, if you wish to drive large commercial vehicles.
What is a Class C commercial driver's license?
22/10/2019 · 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
What are the requirements for a Class B commercial driver license?
11/10/2021 · A commercial driver’s license (CDL) allows a tested and approved driver to operate certain types of motor vehicles including 18-wheeler trucks, tour buses, school buses, tanker vehicles and vehicles transporting hazardous materials. The federal government regulates the laws for these licenses in the United States.
What is the meaning of commercial Licence?
A commercial driving license or a commercial driver's license is a document issued by the Indian government certifying that the driver is eligible to operate motor vehicles meant for transportation of goods and people on highways as well as public areas.
What is a commercial driver's license Ontario?
If you are looking to drive for commercial purposes in Canada, you need to get yourself a commercial driver's licence (CDL). Commercial driving includes but is not limited to taxi driving, trucks driving and tractor-trailers driving. ... A class E licence can be used for class 'F' and 'G' vehicles.
What is a commercial driver's license in Canada?
Anyone interested in operating a vehicle for commercial purposes – for example, driving trucks, buses, tractor-trailers, taxis, or even large snow plows – will need to get a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Canada. Canada's National Safety Code provides the rules and regulations for Commercial Drivers.27-Oct-2020
How do you get a commercial drivers license in Canada?
Requirementsbe at least 18 years old.hold a valid Ontario licence other than G1, G2, M, M1 or M2.pass a vision test.submit a valid medical report.pass a knowledge test about operating large trucks and tractor-trailers.complete a mandatory entry level training course.More items...•03-Aug-2021
What is Considered Commercial Driving?
In order to understand commercial driving, it is important to know what is considered a commercial vehicle. Not all large vehicles are CMVs, and understanding the difference between CDL and non-CDL vehicles is imperative.
Types of CDL Licenses
Since CDLs are used for a wide range of vehicles, they are divided into different classes, in order to ensure that operators have appropriate skills for the type of CMV they will handle.
How to Get a CDL
CDL applicants must complete a written knowledge exam and driving skills test in order to obtain their CDL. The written knowledge exams must be completed prior to the driving skills test, and a separate test is given for each individual endorsement.
CDL Training in Texas Truck Driving Schools
With a wide range of career opportunities for CDL holders, the decision to take classes to get a commercial drivers license is simple. Southern Careers Institute is an excellent trade school.
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.
What is a CDL permit?
You will need a CDL permit before you can become a truck driver, even if you plan on working for a small truck driving company. You can receive your permit once you pass your general knowledge exam at your local department of motor vehicles.
CDL endorsements
When you are getting your CDL, there are plenty of endorsements that you can add on to your license. Depending on the endorsements you want with your license, you will need to pass a written CDL endorsement test. Other endorsements like HazMat will require you to have a background check before being added to your CDL license.
CDL training
You may wonder if CDL training school is it even worth it. While it's possible to get your CDL without a training school, it is also not a good idea. Everyone that has tried to get their CDL license without training school has soon realized how hard it is to run, operate, and drive a commercial vehicle.
How long does it take to get a CDL?
CDL training classes on average tend to take up to seven weeks, but that’s with dedicated time and up to five days a week. Starting your career in truck driving is a big commitment and means you will have to spend a lot of time learning before you can get good at it.
What is a CDL license?
A commercial driver's license ( CDL) is a driver's license required to operate large, heavy, or placarded hazardous material vehicles in commerce.
How old do you have to be to get a CDL in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, the minimum age for a CDL is 21. The minimum age for a CDL license distinguishes from the minimum age to drive a commercial vehicle in interstate commerce (to move goods across state lines).
When did the CDL start?
Before the implementation of the commercial driver's license (CDL) in 1992, licensing requirements for driving larger vehicles and buses varied from state to state. This lack of training resulted in a large number of preventable traffic deaths and accidents.
Do you need a CDL to drive a recreational vehicle?
In the United States, the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 established minimum requirements that must be met when a state issues a CDL. In some states, a CDL may be required to drive a recreational vehicle or agricultural vehicle. However, such vehicles are federally exempt from having to obtain a CDL.
What is the minimum age to get a CDL?
The minimum age to apply for a CDL is 18 with exceptions in two states – New York requires a minimum age of 21 for a Class A license but allows the issue of a Class B or Class C license beginning at age 18. In Hawaii, the minimum age for a CDL is 21.
How many questions are asked on the General Knowledge Test?
The General Knowledge Test, required for a commercial learner permit, consists of 50 questions, where 80 percent of questions must be answered correctly to pass.
Do you need a CDL in New York?
A driver licensed in New York must have a CDL to legally transport passengers in school buses and other vehicles listed in Article 19-A of the state's Vehicle and Traffic Law . Drivers licensed in California must have a CDL if their primary employment is driving, whether or not they actually drive a commercial vehicle.
What determines the type of CDL license?
The federal government regulates the laws for these licenses in the United States. The type of vehicle, the cargo, the number of passengers riding and the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) normally determine the type of CDL required.
How old do you have to be to get a CDL?
Be at least 18 years old (21 to drive interstate or with hazardous materials) Have obtained at least 1-2 years of experience driving (varies by state)
What is a CDL license?
502-458-1000. A commercial driver’s license (CDL) allows a tested and approved driver to operate certain types of motor vehicles including 18-wheeler trucks, tour buses, school buses, tanker vehicles and vehicles transporting hazardous materials. The federal government regulates the laws for these licenses in the United States.
What is a class A CDL?
A class A Commercial Driver’s License is a type of CDL required to operate any combination of vehicles that together have a GVWR at least 26,001 pounds. This also incorporates a vehicle being towed that weighs more than 10,000 pounds.
Why is a CDL required?
Now, a CDL will be required if the vehicle meets one of the definitions of a commercial motor vehicle.
What license do I need to be a trucker?
If you have hopes of becoming a trucker in the near future, you’ll need to acquire a special license to do so: a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Before signing up for a training program, it’s important to educate yourself on what a CDL is and the requirements for earning it.
How old do you have to be to get a CDL?
Must be aged 21 years or older to operate a vehicle with hazardous materials or driving across state lines. Must not have any prior disqualifying criminal offenses. There are also basic federal CDL application requirements that must be met, including: Testing for and obtaining a CLP (commercial learner’s permit)
Can a CDL driver tow a Class B car?
With proper endorsements, a driver may be able to operate: With the right endorsements, drivers with a CDL A may be able to operate certain Class B and Class C vehicles.
What is a CDL license?
A commercial driver’s license, or CDL, is a special license required to operate large or heavy vehicles. The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 established the requirements that must be met when states issue a CDL license. Prior to 1986, each state had its own requirements for obtaining a license to operate commercial motor vehicles.
How many questions are asked in a medical exam?
You must also pass a knowledge and skills test and pay the associated fees. Tests will vary from state to state, but tests must have at least 30 questions and you must obtain a score of at least 80%.
Do you need endorsements for a Class B license?
You may also be required to obtain certain endorsements when operating some vehicles with a Class B license. Some of the vehicles you may be able to operate include: With certain endorsements, you may be able to operate certain Class C vehicles with a Class B license.
What type of truck is a Class B CDL?
With a Class B CDL and the appropriate endorsements, you may drive the following types of vehicles: 1 Straight trucks 2 Large passenger buses 3 Segmented buses 4 Box trucks 5 Dump trucks with small trailers 6 Tractor-trailers
What is a CDL license?
A commercial driver's license (CDL) is a driver's license required to operate large, heavy, or placarded hazardous material vehicles in the United States in commerce. There are several different types of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) that require a driver to hold a valid commercial driver's license. To drive certain specialized types of vehicles ...
What is Class C endorsement?
Some Class C vehicles with the correct endorsements. Required to operate a single vehicle with GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds or a vehicle towing another vehicle that weighs less than 10,000 pounds, or transports 16 or more passengers, including the driver. Below is a list of all Commercial Driver’s License classes.
What is the weight rating for a Class A CDL?
A Class A commercial driver's license is required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the towed vehicle is heavier than 10,000 pounds. With a Class A CDL and the proper endorsements, you may drive the following types of vehicles: ...
What is a tractor trailer?
Tractor-trailers (also known as Semi, Big Rig or 18-wheeler), Truck and trailer combinations, Tanker vehicles, Livestock carriers, Flatbeds. Most Class B and Class C vehicles, depending on endorsement requirements. Class B CDL. Required to operate any single vehicle that isn’t hitched to a trailer ...
How to get a school bus endorsement?
To obtain an endorsement, you will need to pass a specialized knowledge exam and possibly a specialized driving skills test. To obtain a School Bus (S) endorsement, you must also undergo a thorough background check. Get professional CDL training from the comfort of your home. Pass Guarantee.
When did CDL become mandatory?
On October 27, 1986 , the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act was signed into law. This law made it mandatory for all drivers of commercial vehicles to have a CDL. By ensuring that bus drivers and operators of large trucks are highly trained and qualified, this law has improved highway safety significantly.
What is a Class C CDL?
Class C. Each CDL classification is distinguished by the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) among other items. Keep in mind that the CDL classification you apply for will determine not only the type of vehicle you are allowed to drive, but also which endorsements you may be required to obtain.
How many passengers are allowed on a Class C CDL?
At least 16 passengers (to include you, the driver). Hazardous material (HAZMAT) as laid out by federal guidelines. Examples of vehicles you might be able to operate with a Class C CDL (with proper endorsement) include: Small HAZMAT vehicles.
Do you need a CDL to drive a car?
To drive certain types of commercial motor vehicles in the United States, the federal government requires drivers to possess a commercial driver's license (CDL). These licenses, however, are not all created equal. The type of vehicle you intend to operate dictates your CDL classification, and vice versa. Classes for commercial driver licenses are:
What is the weight rating for a Class A commercial driver's license?
A Class A commercial driver's license is required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more , to include a towed vehicle that is HEAVIER than 10,000 lbs.
Can you drive a flatbed with a Class A license?
Flatbeds. In addition, a Class A license may allow you to drive some Class B and Class C vehicles as long as you possess the correct endorsements.
What vehicles can you drive with a Class A CDL?
While your towing allowances will depend on which endorsements you obtain, a few of the vehicles you MAY be able to drive with a Class A CDL (with proper endorsements) include: Tractor-trailers. Truck and trailer combinations . Double and triple trailers. Tractor-trailer buses.
Do you need endorsements for a Class A license?
As with Class A licenses, you may be required to possess specific endorsements to operate some vehicles with a Class B license. Some of the vehicles you may be allowed to operate (with the right endorsement) include: Straight trucks.
Overview
United States
In the United States, the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 established minimum requirements that must be met when a state issues a CDL. In some states, a CDL may be required to drive a recreational vehicle or agricultural vehicle. However, such vehicles are federally exempt from having to obtain a CDL. The following types of CDL licenses are:
Class A – Allows the cardholder to operate combination of vehicles in commerce. This includes …
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom the PCV Licence (PCV stands for Passenger Carrying Vehicle) enables the holder to drive buses and/or minibuses, subject to what kind of Practical Driving Test the licence holder passes.
• Category C+E Vehicles over 3,500 kilograms (7,700 lb) with a trailer over 750 kilograms (1,650 lb), also known as Large Goods Vehicle, normal max gross weight 44,000 kilograms (97,000 lb): …
Australia
All places in Australia have a mostly similar driver licence system, although some things can change in each state or territory (e.g. what classes of license are available).
• C Car: A 'Class C' licence covers vehicles up to 4.5 tonnes (4.4 long tons; 5.0 short tons) gross vehicle mass (GVM)
GVM is the maximum recommended weight a vehicle can be when loaded. A 'Class C' Licence al…
New Zealand
In New Zealand, driver licensing is controlled by the NZ Transport Agency. There are six classes of motor-vehicle licence and nine licence endorsements. Class 1 governs vehicles with a GLW (gross laden weight) or GCW (gross combined weight) of less than 6,000 kg, and Class 6 governs motorcycles. Classes 2–5 govern heavy vehicles.
A Class 2 licence allows the holder to drive:
Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, Transport Department is responsible for issuing driver licences. Private light bus (class 4), public light bus (class 5), taxi (class 6), private bus (class 9), public bus (class 10), franchised public bus (class 17), medium goods vehicle (class 18), heavy goods vehicle (class 19), articulated vehicle (class 20) and special purpose vehicle (class 21) are vehicles requiring commercial driving licences., whereas private car (class 1), light goods vehicle (class 2), motorc…
See also
• Commercial Driver's License Information System
• Truck classification
• Trucking industry in the United States
External links
• Department of Transportation
• Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
• Western Australia Department of Transport Driver and Vehicle Services
• NZTA licensing information page