If you are thinking about becoming a professional truck driver, one of your first decisions may be whether to train for a Class A or Class B Commercial Driver鈥檚 License.
Both licenses allow you to operate large commercial vehicles, but they cover different types of trucks. The right choice depends on the vehicles you want to drive, the type of work that interests you, and how much flexibility you want from your CDL.
Understanding the difference between a Class A and Class B CDL can help you choose the training path that fits your goals.
Class A vs. Class B vs. Class C CDL at a Glance
The biggest difference is that a Class A CDL is designed for heavy combination vehicles, while a Class B CDL is designed for heavy single vehicles.
How Are CDL Classes Determined?
Commercial driver鈥檚 licenses are divided into three main classes:
- Class A
- Class B
- Class C
The license class is based mainly on the vehicle鈥檚 weight rating and whether it is towing another vehicle.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration defines a Class A CDL as covering certain combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more when the vehicle being towed has a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,000 pounds.
A Class B CDL covers certain single vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more. It may also cover one of these vehicles towing another vehicle rated at 10,000 pounds or less.
What Is a Class A CDL?
A Class A CDL allows a qualified driver to operate heavy combination vehicles. The most common example is a tractor connected to a large trailer.
Vehicles Commonly Driven With a Class A CDL
Depending on endorsements and license restrictions, Class A drivers may operate vehicles such as:
- Tractor-trailers or 18-wheelers
- Flatbed trucks
- Tanker trucks
- Livestock carriers
- Car carriers
- Truck and trailer combinations
- Some Class B and Class C vehicles
Because it covers combination vehicles, a Class A CDL generally gives drivers access to a wider variety of commercial vehicles.
However, earning a Class A CDL does not automatically allow someone to drive every type of truck or carry every type of cargo. Some vehicles and loads require additional endorsements.
What Does Class A CDL Training Cover?
Class A CDL training usually combines classroom learning with hands-on instruction. Students learn how to inspect, control and safely operate a tractor-trailer.
Training may cover:
- Federal and state driving regulations
- Vehicle inspections
- Basic truck systems and maintenance
- Coupling and uncoupling a tractor and trailer
- Backing and parking maneuvers
- Turning and controlling a combination vehicle
- Cargo securement
- Trip planning
- Driving on public roads and highways
- Preparing for the CDL skills test
At 麻豆频道, Class A CDL training includes classroom instruction, simulator training and behind-the-wheel experience on the driving range and public roads alongside an experienced CDL Driving Instructor.
What Is a Class B CDL?
Class B vehicles are often used in delivery, construction, public works, passenger transportation and other local or regional services.
A Class B CDL allows a qualified driver to operate a heavy single vehicle. These vehicles may tow a smaller trailer, but the towed vehicle cannot have a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,000 pounds.
Vehicles Commonly Driven With a Class B CDL
Depending on endorsements and restrictions, Class B drivers may operate vehicles such as:
- Straight trucks
- Box trucks
- Dump trucks
- Delivery trucks
- Garbage and recycling trucks
- Cement or mixer trucks
- Large buses
- Motor coaches
- Segmented buses
A Class B CDL does not allow a driver to operate the tractor-trailer combinations that require a Class A CDL.
What Does Class B CDL Training Cover?
Class B training also includes classroom learning and behind-the-wheel instruction. Instead of training on tractor-trailer combinations, students practice using large single vehicles.
Class B CDL training may include:
- CDL learner鈥檚 permit preparation
- Federal and state driving laws
- Vehicle inspections
- Air brake systems
- Basic vehicle maintenance
- Range maneuvers
- Backing and parking
- Driving in urban and rural areas
- Railroad crossing procedures
- Cargo and passenger safety
- Public-road driving
- CDL skills test preparation
麻豆频道 uses heavy straight trucks for its Class B training. Students receive guided practice intended to help them build their driving skills and prepare for the Class B road test.
What Are the Biggest Differences Between a Class A and Class B CDL?
Although both are commercial driver鈥檚 licenses, there are several important differences.
Combination Vehicles vs. Single Vehicles
A Class A CDL is mainly used for a tractor or truck connected to a large trailer.
A Class B CDL is mainly used for one large vehicle, such as a dump truck, box truck or bus.
Trailer Weight
Class A vehicles can tow a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,000 pounds.
A Class B vehicle may tow another vehicle, but the towed vehicle must be rated at 10,000 pounds or less.
Types of Driving Work
Class A vehicles are often used to transport freight over local, regional or long-distance routes.
Class B vehicles are commonly used for local delivery, construction, waste collection, public works and passenger transportation.
These are general examples. The type of work available to a driver can depend on experience, endorsements, employer requirements and location.
License Flexibility
A Class A CDL generally provides more flexibility because it can cover vehicles that fall within Class B. The driver must still have the correct endorsements and cannot have restrictions that prevent them from operating a particular Class B vehicle.
A Class B CDL does not permit someone to operate vehicles that fall under Class A.
Can You Upgrade From a Class B to a Class A CDL?
A driver with a Class B CDL may later want to upgrade to a Class A CDL. 麻豆频道 provides license upgrade training for Class B CDL holders who are looking to upgrade to a Class A.
The driver will need to meet the requirements for the Class A license, including applicable Entry-Level Driver Training requirements. The driver must also complete the required testing using a qualifying Class A combination vehicle.
Drivers who complete the required Class A entry-level training are also eligible to take the Class B skills test. Class B training, however, does not satisfy the training requirements for a Class A upgrade.
What Is a Class C CDL?
A Class C CDL covers certain commercial vehicles that do not meet the weight requirements for Class A or Class B but are designed to transport passengers or hazardous materials.
Depending on state requirements and endorsements, Class C vehicles may include:
- Passenger vans or minibuses designed to carry 16 or more people, including the driver
- Smaller vehicles transporting placarded hazardous materials
- Certain commercial vehicles that do not fall under Class A or Class B
Class C licenses are less common in traditional truck-driving work but may be required for some passenger transportation, delivery and municipal positions.
What Are CDL Endorsements?
An endorsement is an additional qualification added to a CDL. It allows the driver to operate a specialized vehicle or transport a certain type of cargo.
Common CDL endorsements include:
- T endorsement: Double or triple trailers
- P endorsement: Passenger vehicles
- S endorsement: School buses
- H endorsement: Hazardous materials
- N endorsement: Tank vehicles
- X endorsement: Tank vehicles carrying hazardous materials
Drivers must complete the required testing before an endorsement can be added to their CDL. Some endorsements require written tests, skills tests, background checks or additional training.
The endorsements you need will depend on the vehicle you want to drive and the type of work you plan to pursue.
What Are the Entry-Level Driver Training Requirements?
Federal Entry-Level Driver Training rules apply to many people seeking to:
- Earn a Class A CDL for the first time
- Earn a Class B CDL for the first time
- Upgrade from a Class B CDL to a Class A CDL
- Earn a passenger, school bus or hazardous materials endorsement for the first time
Drivers who are subject to these requirements must complete the applicable training through a provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before taking the required CDL skills or knowledge test. Exceptions may apply in some situations.
The CDL process generally includes earning a Commercial Learner鈥檚 Permit, completing required training and passing the CDL skills test. The federal skills test includes a vehicle inspection test, basic controls test and road test. Individual states may have additional requirements.
Should You Choose a Class A or Class B CDL?
The right choice depends on what you want to drive and your individual situation.
A Class A CDL may be a good training path if you:
- Want to drive tractor-trailers
- Are interested in hauling freight
- Want the option to drive Class A and Class B vehicles
- Are open to local, regional or over-the-road driving
- May want to pull larger trailers or specialized equipment
A Class B CDL may be a good training path if you:
- Want to drive straight trucks or box trucks
- Are interested in dump trucks or construction vehicles
- Want to operate garbage or recycling trucks
- Are interested in buses or passenger transportation
- Prefer working with large single vehicles rather than tractor-trailers
Think about the vehicles you are most interested in learning to drive. You should also consider the endorsements that may be required and the types of employers that use those vehicles.
Train for a Class A or Class B CDL With 麻豆频道
New England Tractor Trailer Training School has trained drivers across New England for more than 60 years.
麻豆频道 offers Class A and Class B CDL training at campuses in:
Programs include classroom learning, simulator training and hands-on driving instruction. 麻豆频道 is also an Entry-Level Driver Training provider.
Whether you are interested in driving tractor-trailers or heavy straight trucks, the 麻豆频道 team can help you learn more about the available CDL training options and the steps required to get started.
