CDL Classes: Class A, Class B, and Class C

The CDL class you need depends on the type of commercial vehicle you will drive. Federal regulations under 49 CFR Part 383 define the three CDL classes.

Class A CDL: Required for any combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs or more, where the towed vehicle(s) weigh more than 10,000 lbs. This includes semi-trucks (tractor-trailers), flatbed trucks, livestock carriers, and most 18-wheelers. Class A holders can also operate Class B and Class C vehicles. This is the most comprehensive CDL and the most in-demand for long-haul trucking careers.

Class B CDL: Required for single vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs or more, OR vehicles towing a trailer 10,000 lbs or less. Includes straight trucks, box trucks, dump trucks, garbage trucks, city buses, and school buses. Class B holders can also operate Class C vehicles but not Class A combination vehicles without upgrading their license.

Class C CDL: Required for vehicles not meeting Class A or B weight thresholds but designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including driver), or placarded hazardous materials. Includes passenger vans, small shuttle buses, hazmat vehicles, and certain emergency vehicles. Class C CDL is the most limited of the three classes.

Which class do you need? Most professional truck driving careers require Class A CDL. Class B is commonly required for bus drivers, local delivery drivers, and sanitation workers. Class C is less common and typically applies to specific niche commercial vehicle roles. Consult your employer or the vehicle's GVWR documentation to confirm which class applies.

CDL License Requirements 2026–2026

Federal CDL requirements are set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and apply in all 50 states. States may add requirements beyond the federal minimums.

Age requirements:

• Intrastate (within your state only): You can get a CDL at age 18 in most states. You will be restricted to driving within your state's borders.
• Interstate (crossing state lines): Federal law requires age 21 to drive commercially across state lines. The federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act created an apprenticeship program allowing 18–20-year-olds to drive interstate under supervision — check FMCSA for current program status in your state.

Medical requirements:

• Pass a DOT physical examination conducted by a FMCSA-registered medical examiner. The medical certificate must be current and on file with your state DMV.
• Vision requirements: at least 20/40 in each eye (with correction), adequate peripheral vision
• Certain medical conditions (insulin-dependent diabetes, epilepsy, hearing impairment) require special federal exemptions

Driving record requirements:

• Only one state can issue your CDL — you must surrender licenses from other states
• Cannot have had your license suspended, revoked, or cancelled in any state
• DUI/DWI convictions are major disqualifying offenses — one lifetime disqualification for a second CDL-related DUI
• Drug and alcohol testing: pre-employment, random, post-accident, and return-to-duty testing are mandatory under FMCSA regulations

Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP): You must hold a CLP for at least 14 days before taking the CDL skills test. The CLP is issued after passing the CDL knowledge test and requires a valid medical certificate. With a CLP, you can practice driving a CMV accompanied by a CDL holder with at least 1 year of experience in the vehicle type.

Prepare for the knowledge test with our CDL general knowledge practice test, and use our full CDL practice tests collection for endorsement-specific preparation. Our CDL air brakes practice content is essential for Class A applicants who need the air brakes endorsement.

CDL Training Programs and Cost

CDL training is not federally required before taking the CDL knowledge test, but the skills test requires behind-the-wheel practice, and most applicants use a structured training program to prepare for both tests.

Types of CDL training programs:

• Employer-sponsored paid training: Major trucking companies offer paid CDL training programs where you receive a salary during training in exchange for committing to drive for the company for 1–2 years after receiving your license. This eliminates out-of-pocket training costs. Programs from carriers like Werner, Schneider, Roehl, Swift, and CR England are widely available. The trade-off is a below-market starting salary during the first year of your driving contract.
• Private CDL schools: Focused, intensive programs typically 3–7 weeks. Costs range from $3,000 to $10,000+. Many private schools have job placement partnerships with carriers. Financing options including student loans and payment plans are often available.
• Community colleges: Some community colleges offer CDL programs through their workforce development departments at lower tuition ($1,500–$5,000) but may have longer program durations and less flexible scheduling.

CDL total cost breakdown:

• CDL knowledge test: $10–$50 per attempt (state fee)
• CLP issuance fee: $20–$75 (state fee)
• CDL skills test: $50–$200 (state/third-party examiner fee)
• CDL card issuance: $15–$75 (state fee)
• DOT physical: $100–$200 (healthcare provider)
• Training: $0 (employer-sponsored) to $10,000+ (private school)

CDL Endorsements

Endorsements are additions to your CDL that authorize you to drive specific vehicle types or haul specific cargo. Each endorsement requires passing an additional knowledge test, and some require an additional skills test or background check.

Common CDL endorsements:

• H — Hazardous Materials: Required to haul HAZMAT cargo. Requires TSA background check and fingerprinting (not just a knowledge test). The H endorsement is the most complex to obtain but commands higher pay.
• N — Tank Vehicles: Required for driving liquid or gas tank trucks
• P — Passenger: Required for buses and passenger vehicles
• S — School Bus: Required for school bus drivers (state background check also required)
• T — Double/Triple Trailers: Required for pulling double or triple trailers
• X — Tanker + Hazmat Combination: Combined N+H endorsement for liquid hazmat haulers