Class A CDL license
Classes of License:
Class A -- Any combination of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
Class B -- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR.
Class C -- Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is placarded for hazardous materials.
Endorsements and Restrictions:
Drivers who operate special types of CMVs also need to pass additional tests to obtain any of the following endorsements on their CDL:
T - Double/Triple Trailers (Knowledge test only)
P - Passenger (Knowledge and Skills Tests)
N - Tank Vehicle (Knowledge Test only)
H - Hazardous Materials (Knowledge Test only)
X - Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials
To obtain a commercial drivers license (CDL) the following requirements have to be met:
There are several different written exams. Which ones you will be required to take and pass depends upon the type of commercial vehicle that you will be driving.
1. General Knowledge Test - Must be taken and passed by ALL CDL applicants no matter what Class of CDL or Type of Endorsement(s) are needed. You WILL take this written test. You WILL have to pass this written test if you are to obtain a CDL.
2. Air Brakes Test - Must be taken and passed if any vehicle you drive has air brakes.
3. Combination Vehicles Test - Must be taken and passed if you drive combination vehicles requiring a Class "A" CDL.
4. Passenger Transport (P) Test - Must be taken and passed by all bus driver applicants. An additional written test may be required if transporting children to and from school.
5. Hazardous Materials (H) Test - Must be taken and passed if you transport hazardous materials requiring "placarding".
6. Tank Vehicles (N) Test - Must be taken and passed if you drive a "tank" with a capacity of more than 1000 gallons.
7. Doubles & Triples (T) Test - Must be taken and passed if you pull double or triple trailers.
The skills exams consist of the following:
1. Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Test - You will be tested to see if you know whether your vehicle is safe to drive. The examiner will score each item that you correctly inspect and explain.
2. Basic Vehicle Control Test - You will be tested on your basic skills in controlling the vehicle: including moving your vehicle forward, backward, and turning within a defined area. You will be scored on how well you stay within the boundaries and how many pull-ups you make.
3. On-Road Test - You will be tested on your skill to safely drive the vehicle in several different situations.
