Your cdl expires every five years on your birthday. A commercial drivers license cdl is required to drive commercial motor vehicles such as tractor trailers, semitrucks, dump trucks, and. A class b driver s license is a type of commercial driver s license that allows the driver to operate a large truck under certain conditions. See california dmv, california driver license classes. Apply to truck driver, delivery driver, route driver and more.
A class b cdl gives drivers more opportunities for local and flexible truck driving jobs in areas like construction, shipping, and public transit. Class a, b, c, and m driver licenses are issued to individuals who are exempt from obtaining a commercial driver license cdl or who are not required to obtain a cdl. Next, you have to apply to get your permit, which is covered by the entire united states. A driver with a class a license may, with the proper endorsements, operate vehicles requiring a class b, c, or d license. With a class c, you can transport up to 16 passengers. Cdls required for hauling hazardous substances or for driving tractortrailers are also issued only if the applicants are over 21 years of age. Generally, a class c license is required if youre driving a small passenger bus, transporting hazardous materials, or driving a truck towing a large trailer. Keep in mind that the cdl classification you apply for will determine not only the type of vehicle you are allowed to drive. Types of drivers licenses aaa digest of motor laws. What are the different types of drivers licenses in california.
Each cdl classification is distinguished by the vehicles gross vehicle weight rating gvwr among other items. A class a driver will usually have a b, c and d license designation, permitting him to. The process of becoming a professional truck driver in california goes like this. The class a drivers license in illinois is for drivers who operate the heaviest loads, with vehicles weighing more than 26,000 pounds and towing weight of more than 10,000 pounds. Nov 07, 2019 a class c license refers to a class c commercial driver s license cdl, and the specifics of the license can vary from state to state in the us. Individuals who are exempt from obtaining a cdl may still be required to obtain a class a or b driver license if the type of vehicle driven meets the weight requirement for. Drivers license examination aaa digest of motor laws. However, for getting a commercial drivers license that will allow you to drive commercial vehicles outside california state lines, you must be at least 21 years old. G for graduated, d for operator, m for motorcycle, and a, b, c for commercial.
If you have a class c cdl, you may drive a threewheel vehicle, but not a twowheel motorcycle with a side car. A class c commercial driver s license may be required if. Training programs california truck driving academy. The license restricts the size of the trailer that the truck is allowed to carry. Truck tractorsemi trailer combination in which the combination weight exceeds 26,001 pounds and trailing unit exceeds 10,000 pounds and vehicles in class b and c. With this license, you may drive cars, pickups and trucks whose gross vehicle weight is 16,000 pounds or less. With a class b commercial drivers license you may drive a bus other than a trailer bus, a single vehicle with a gvwr of more than 26,000 lbs, a 3axle vehicle weighing over 6,000 pounds, a farm labor vehicle and any vehicle that a class c driver is. With this license, a driver is not allowed to pull a trailing unit weighing over 10,000 pounds 4,536 kg. The following may also be operated on a class d license. A class c commercial drivers license may be required if. Holder can operate class c vehicles, but not class a vehicles. Drivers with a class a license can pull any legal combination of vehicles in classes b and c. The driver must keep in the vanpool vehicle a statement signed under penalty of perjury, that he or she has not been convicted of reckless driving, drunk driving, or.
With a class c cdl and the proper endorsements, you may drive the following types of vehicles. Applicants must possess a class c drivers license before obtaining a class a and be at least 18 years of age. Class m2 endorsements may be included on class a, b, or c licenses upon completion of the exam. What are the different types of drivers licenses in. Many driving permits and id cards display small digits next to each data field. Types of drivers licenses in california california car laws. In addition, the a, b and c classes each have separate weight restrictions for both the main operational vehicle and any items being towed. For example, some states like california, georgia and kansas call a standard license a class c license. The class of license you are issued is dependent upon the type of vehicle that you drive. Covers cas gdl process, including drivers ed requirements, provisional permits, and provisional licenses.
The different class codes for noncommercial licensing are. Iowa also uses class c to designate its basic license, but calls a chauffeur license a class d. With a class b commercial driver s license you may drive a bus other than a trailer bus, a single vehicle with a gvwr of more than 26,000 lbs, a 3axle vehicle weighing over 6,000 pounds, a farm labor vehicle and any vehicle that a class c driver is permitted to drive. Below is a list of all commercial drivers license classes. If you hold a class b license and you have the correct endorsements, you may also operate vehicles listed in class c. The class c license is the standard drivers license. Cdl classifications, endorsements, and restrictions. The minimum age to obtain a restricted driver license in the us varies from 14 years, three months in south dakota to as high as 17 in new jersey. Commercial motor vehicle means any vehicle or combination of vehicles that requires a class a or class b license, or a class c license with an endorsement issued pursuant to paragraph 2, 3, 4, or 5 of subdivision a of section 15278. California divides its commercial driver s licenses into classes. A class a driver will usually have a b, c and d license designation, permitting him to haul any weight or drive any vehicle. California driver handbook driver license classes california dmv. Class c is your basic drivers license, and you can drive a truck less than 26,000 lbs, or tow a trailer less than 10,000 lbs. How to become a class b commercial driver in 5 steps.
How to obtain a class b license in california it still runs. Colorado issues a drivers license for operators age 21 and older, m class. Apr 03, 2020 class b license also allows the holder to drive buses, farm labor vehicles, and any housecar or trailer over under 45 feet 14 m. A class a commercial drivers 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. Class b cdl license training the class b cdl is the second heaviest weight class, with commercial motor vehicles cmvs weighing more than 26,001 pounds and trailers weighing less than 10,000 pounds. A commercial drivers license cdl is a drivers license issued to an individual by a state or other jurisdiction of domicile, in accordance to federal regulations and standards. License classes georgia department of driver services. A class c commercial drivers license is valid for any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating gvwr of less than 26,001 pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds gvwr. Mar 28, 2020 a class b commercial driver s license is required to operate a single vehicle with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds, or tow a vehicle not heavier than 10,000 pounds.
Cdl class b class b cdl drivers can operate a single vehicle that has a gross weight of more than 26,000 lbs, a vehicle with 3 axles that weighs more than 6,000 lbs, busses and farm vehicles. Classification guide wyoming department of transportation. A passenger vehicle, regardless of weight, may not tow more than 1 vehicle. Motor vehicles 26,001 or more pounds gvw trailers 10,000 pounds or less. What does class c mean on a california state driver license. Any single vehicle, or a combination of vehicles, that are not class a or b vehicles, but can carry 16 or more people including the driver, or have a hazmat placard. The basic class c license allows you to drive two and threeaxle vehicles up to a certain weight in california, 26,000 lbs. Please refer to section 1 of the cdl manual for more information on deciding what class of cdl you may need a class a cdl is required to operate a combination vehicle truck and trailer if the gross combined weight rating gcwr is 26,001 or more pounds when the gross vehicle weight rating gvwr of the. A driver of a vanpool may operate with a class c license but shall possess evidence of a medical examination required for a class b license when operating vanpool vehicles. Requirements for obtaining a license to drive vary by state. Combination of class f tractor and class g trailer motorcycles. Commercial driver licenses cdls are divided into three classes. Find out how to get your class a, b, and c commercial driver license cdl, as well as how to add endorsements. The deopartment of motor vehicles or similar state agency determines restrictions and.
In most states, a graduated licensing law applies to newlylicensed teenage drivers, going by names such as provisional driver, junior operator, probationary driver, or intermediate license. This license allows the driver to operate any vehicle with a gvwr greater than 26,000 pounds, as well as any vehicle towing a trailer that does not exceed a gvwr of 10,000 pounds. Types of drivers licenses issued by the dmv netquote. How to pass the california cdl class b license test. A class b drivers license is a type of commercial drivers license that allows the driver to operate a large truck under certain conditions. To aquire this class of license, go to the nearest secretary of s. To obtain a class c cdl, you must pass the cdl general knowledge test, either the hazardous materials examination or the passenger. Truck trailer or tractorsemi trailer combination in which the combination weight exceeds 26,001 pounds and the unit being towed exceeds 10,000 pounds. Jul 26, 2018 the class a driver s license in illinois is for drivers who operate the heaviest loads, with vehicles weighing more than 26,000 pounds and towing weight of more than 10,000 pounds. A class c commercial drivers license is required to operate a vehicle that is designed to transport 16 or more occupants including you, the driver or transport hazardous materials hazmat, materials that are classified as hazardous under federal law. Any combination of vehicles, if any vehicle being towed has a. Dmv may accept a certificate of competence in lieu of the driving exam for class a or b applications so long as applicant has first qualified for a class c license, and for class m1 applications, if approved by law.
An operator license is what most people think of as a regular driver license. Hazardous material hazmat as laid out by federal guidelines. Many states share a common system of license classes, with some exceptions, e. What is the difference between cdl a, cdl b, and class c. The most common type of a drivers license is the class c noncommercial license. For an applicant for a class d or a class e drivers license, the required examination shall include a test of the applicants eyesight 2040 visual acuity required given by the drivers license examiner designated by the flhsmv or by a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist and a test of the applicants hearing given by the drivers license examiner or a licensed physician. If the class m license is combined with any other class of license, it will be added as an endorsement on the back of the current license. Any housecar over 40 but not over 45, with endorsement. Mississippi, on the other hand, designates one of its four commercial drivers licenses class d, while its basic noncommercial license is a. It allows you to drive a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less. A commercial drivers license is a necessity for certain types of jobs. Overview of types of drivers licenses in california in 2020 and relevant laws and regulations.
A cdl is required for operators of larger or more complex vehicles. The most common type of a driver s license is the class c noncommercial license. Class a driver may operate vehicles in class b and c with required endorsements. With a class b cdl and the appropriate endorsements, you may drive the following types of vehicles. This course will give you the knowledge to obtain a class c driver s license that provides you the permit to drive the following types of vehicles. Dec 15, 2007 class b is for trucks over 26,000 lbs, but not towing a trailer, and for buses or vans capable of carrying 15 or more passengers passenger endorsement required. California driver license classes california dmv ca. The basic requirement for becoming a professional trucker in california is a commercial drivers license. Applicants must possess a class c license before obtaining a class a and be at least 18 years of age. To obtain a california cdl class b license, you have to be at least twentyone years old and not have had your regular drivers license suspended by the california department of transportation. Any legal combination of vehicles, including vehicles under class b and class c.
Illinois drivers license classifications legal beagle. All commercial endorsement training is included in this course. You can get it from the california department of transportation. This course will give you the knowledge to obtain a class c drivers license that provides you the permit to drive the following types of vehicles. A licensed driver at age 15 may drive a farm vehicle within 150 miles of drivers farm, having a gross weight of not more than 50,000 pounds, when transporting agricultural products or farm supplies. A class d license to operate any motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 16,000 pounds or less, is the most basic drivers license to operate a car, suv, or pickup truck. Class e driver license restrictions for individuals under 21.
A driver with a class b license may, with the proper endorsements, operate vehicles requiring a class c or d license. To get an operators license, you will have to pass the vision screening. These licenses include class a, b or c depending upon the gross vehicle weight rating gvwr. A class c license refers to a class c commercial drivers license cdl, and the specifics of the license can vary from state to state in the us.
A state may also suspend an individuals driving privilege within its borders for traffic violations. Aug 26, 2017 a class d license to operate any motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 16,000 pounds or less, is the most basic drivers license to operate a car, suv, or pickup truck. The class b cdl is the second heaviest weight class, with commercial motor vehicles cmvs weighing more than 26,001 pounds and trailers weighing less than 10,000 pounds. Permits the sale, service and consumption of beer and wine at a restaurant, tavern, nightclub, hotel and multipurpose facility. For drivers towing trailers with less than 10,000 pounds of gvwr. California divides its commercial drivers licenses into classes. Class c any single vehicle, or a combination of vehicles, that are not class a or b vehicles, but can carry 16 or more people including the driver, or have a hazmat placard.
Class b license also allows the holder to drive buses, farm labor vehicles, and any housecar or trailer over under 45 feet 14 m. Class c any vehicle that is not included in classes a or b that carries hazardous materials requiring placards or is designed to carry 16 or more occupants, including the driver. The vehicle you intend to drive does not meet the criteria described for either a class a or class b license. Please refer to section 1 of the cdl manual for more information on deciding what class of cdl you may need.
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