Whether you’re interested in becoming a truck driver or simply curious about the different types of commercial drivers licenses, there are many terms that can seem confusing. The key is to understand what each classification allows you to operate and what you need to secure additional endorsements for specialized trucks.
Class A
The Class A CDL license allows you to operate vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more. how to get a drivers license in Ontario This includes most single unit vehicles that drivers with a Class E license can operate plus buses.
The tanker (N) endorsement permits you to drive trucks carrying liquid or gas cargo. This type of freight shifts the weight distribution in the truck, so extra training is needed to prepare for it.
The hazmat (H) endorsement allows you to transport hazardous materials, which requires additional testing and safety training. This can be added to a class A or B license.
Class B
A Class B CDL allows you to operate vehicles like straight trucks, segmented buses, school buses, and tourist buses. It can also allow you to transport a double or triple trailer load if you have the appropriate endorsements.
You must be at least 18 years old to get this license in New York. You must also pass a medical screening. Training for this license is usually a combination of classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction. The more you can get certified, the more attractive you will be to employers.
Class C
A class C license permits drivers to operate most single unit vehicles and vehicle combinations up to legal weight limits, depending on endorsements. This includes buses, trucks, and trailers designed to either transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or that carry hazardous materials placarded as Class A.
This is a very versatile license that can allow drivers to operate many different types of vehicles, including tractor-trailer combinations, flatbeds, livestock carriers, and tanker vehicles. This license also requires a Hazmat endorsement. This endorsement is obtained by passing a written knowledge test and road skills test.
Class D
If you want to operate a vehicle that can carry passengers, or trucks carrying flammable liquids or hazardous materials, you will need specialized training and a corresponding endorsement. These include the P (Passenger), T (Tank) and H (Hazardous Material) licenses.
Some states also offer a junior driver’s license, typically known as Class DJ, for young and inexperienced drivers with restricted weight limits and driving curfews. This includes passenger cars, straight CMVs, and truck-trailer combinations with a GVWR less than 26,000 pounds. Also included are vehicles towing small trailers, such as dump trucks.
Class E
Class E licenses allow drivers to operate a wide range of large vehicles. This is the most versatile of all CDL classes and includes rigs, trailers, flatbeds and tankers.
A Class E license can be a standard license in one state, like Florida, or a specialized license for drivers of vehicles-for-hire, like in New York. In both cases, the license is only valid within that state. In addition, the license requires a special endorsement to drive a vehicle carrying passengers.
Class F
A Class F license authorizes operators to drive mopeds and other motor-driven cycles. Those who hold this license type must pass law and skill tests to receive it.
The S endorsement is needed for school bus drivers to transport children from home and from school or school-sponsored events. This endorsement requires a separate written knowledge test, road skills test and background check. The T endorsement permits drivers to operate double or triple trailer vehicles, and the X endorsement allows operators to haul HAZMAT in tanks. Adding these types of endorsements will change your license class.
Class G
A driver’s license is a legal authorization to operate motorized vehicles on public roads. It typically features an image of the driver and the holder’s name.
A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required to drive large trucks and buses, such as tractor-trailers, straight trucks, passenger buses, and dump trucks. There are three different classes of CDLs. These classes determine what types of single and combined vehicle you may drive, depending on your current endorsements and restrictions.
Class H
When most people think of a driver’s license, they imagine a simple card that allows them to operate a standard passenger car. But there are actually many different classes and types of licenses, depending on what you want to drive and what your job entails.
Some commercial drivers may need additional endorsements on their CDL to operate specialized vehicles or carry certain types of cargo. Examples of these endorsements include tank (T), hazardous materials (H), and passenger (P) endorsements. These additional endorsements require a special knowledge exam and specialized training.
Class I
Obtaining the minimum CDL class required to operate certain large vehicles in New York requires passing a written exam and taking a driving test. Obtaining specific endorsements such as an H endorsement that permits drivers to transport hazardous materials in tank trucks or the S endorsement that allows drivers to operate school buses also requires passing additional tests and paying additional fees.
Some jurisdictions offer a state-issued photo ID that doubles as a driver’s license, granting driving privileges. These are often referred to as Real or enhanced IDs.
Class J
A Class J license allows you to drive vehicles whose combined weight rating is 26,001 pounds or more. This class of license is commonly used by firefighters, farmers and military members who drive non-commercial heavy equipment.
Conclusion
To operate certain types of specialized commercial vehicles, you may need to obtain specific endorsements on your license. These include P (Passenger), allowing you to operate vehicles designed to carry more than 15 passengers; Tank (T), allowing you to operate trucks that contain liquid cargo; and H (Hazardous Materials). You must also submit a medical report when applying for these endorsements.
