If you’ve ever seen a big truck on the highway or a large delivery truck in your neighborhood, you might have wondered what kind of license the driver needs. In the United States, drivers need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to operate certain trucks and commercial vehicles. There are different types of CDLs depending on the size and purpose of the vehicle.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the three main types of commercial driver’s licenses, explain each one’s purpose, and explain why they matter.
Class A CDL
A Class A CDL lets someone drive the biggest trucks on the road. This includes vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, with a trailer that weighs over 10,000 pounds.
With a Class A CDL, a driver can operate:
- Tractor-trailers (also called semis or big rigs)
- Truck and trailer combos
- Flatbeds
- Livestock carriers
- Tanker trucks
Drivers with a Class A CDL can also drive Class B and Class C vehicles, but not the other way around. This license is standard for long-distance trucking jobs. Knowing these CDL types is helpful when learning about driver roles in accident cases.
Class B CDL
A Class B CDL is for drivers who operate large, single vehicles that weigh 26,001 pounds or more but have a trailer under 10,000 pounds.
Examples of vehicles needing a Class B CDL include:
- Dump trucks
- Large delivery trucks
- Buses, including school buses and city buses
Drivers with a Class B license handle many large vehicles used for local deliveries or public transport. Learning about CDL types can help people understand who may be responsible if a truck accident happens.
Class C CDL
A Class C CDL is for smaller commercial vehicles that don’t fit into Class A or B but are used to transport passengers or hazardous materials.
Examples include:
- Passenger vans carrying 16 or more people
- Small vehicles carrying hazardous materials (with proper endorsements)
- Small trucks for special cargo
Drivers often need extra training or endorsements to get a Class C CDL, especially if they’re working with dangerous materials or groups of people. Knowing what each license covers is important when investigating truck-related crashes.
CDL Endorsements
Along with the CDL class, drivers may need special endorsements on their license. These endorsements show the driver has extra training to handle certain tasks or types of cargo.
Common endorsements include:
- H – Hazardous materials
- P – Passenger transport
- N – Tank vehicles
Endorsements help ensure the driver understands the added risks tied to these jobs. When reviewing truck accidents or commercial claims, endorsements can show if a driver was fully qualified.
Why CDL Types Matter in Truck Accidents
Understanding the type of CDL a driver holds can make a big difference after a truck accident. For example, if a driver were using a vehicle they weren’t licensed for, it could count as negligence. It may also show that the trucking company failed to check the driver’s qualifications.
Injury claims involving trucks are often more complicated than regular car accident claims. Victims may need help figuring out who was at fault and how to prove it.
How to Get a CDL
To get a CDL, drivers must pass both written and driving tests. They must also meet health and vision standards and complete training programs. Each state may have slightly different steps, but the process is generally similar.
Applicants should understand how to keep their license, including how to avoid disqualifications. Learning these details can help drivers stay compliant and help accident victims know what’s involved in a truck crash investigation.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers At Joel E. Brown, P.C. in Peoria, IL for Assistance Today
To learn more, contact our skilled personal injury attorney at Joel E. Brown, P.C to schedule a free consultation. We are conveniently located in Peoria and proudly serve Peoria County, IL, and the neighboring communities.
Joel E. Brown, P.C
416 Main Street Suite 1300, Peoria, IL 61602
(309) 673 4357
Available 24/7