- Drivers License Class Meaning
- Regular Drivers License Class Type Of State
- Drivers License Class Indiana
To drive certain types of commercial motor vehicles in the United States, the federal government requires drivers to possess a commercial driver's license (CDL). These licenses, however, are not all created equal.
Drivers License Class Meaning
There are 3 general types of driver’s licenses: (1) the commercial driver’s license; (2) the chauffeur’s license; and (3) the personal vehicle driver’s license. The 3 types of commercial drivers are Class A, B, and C licenses. What are the different types of Driver's Licenses in California? There are different types of driver's licenses based on the type of vehicle, the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GCWR) of a vehicle, and whether the vehicle is used for commercial or non-commercial purposes. The most common type of a driver's license is the Class C non-commercial.
The type of vehicle you intend to operate dictates your CDL classification, and vice versa. Classes for commercial driver licenses are:
A class C license is sometimes referred to as a regular license, and individuals with this license are legally allowed to operate everyday cars and trucks. Many drivers who work in the commercial trucking industries will need to have certain endorsements on their licenses. An endorsement allows a driver to operate certain types of vehicles. A Class D License is a regular driver license and is required to operate a passenger vehicle. Click for more information. NOTE: For teens having completed the requirements for the Intermediate Unrestricted License, congratulations! You're 18 and you may now obtain a Regular Class D Driver License.
Code of Colorado Regulations 2 This class does not include school buses which are subject to special regulations set forth by the Colorado Department of Education. Drivers of school buses must apply for a special school bus drivers' license. The Class S license applicant must qualify or have in possession a valid Colorado Class.
- Class A.
- Class B.
- Class C.
Each CDL classification is distinguished by the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) among other items. Keep in mind that the CDL classification you apply for will determine not only the type of vehicle you are allowed to drive, but also which endorsements you may be required to obtain.
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Here is a breakdown for each CDL classification and the examples of vehicles you may be allowed.
What is a Class A CDL?
A Class A commercial driver's license is required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more, to include a towed vehicle that is HEAVIER than 10,000 lbs.
While your towing allowances will depend on which endorsements you obtain, a few of the vehicles you MAY be able to drive with a Class A CDL (with proper endorsements) include:
- Tractor-trailers.
- Truck and trailer combinations.
- Double and triple trailers.
- Tractor-trailer buses.
- Tanker vehicles.
- Livestock carriers.
- Flatbeds.
In addition, a Class A license may allow you to drive some Class B and Class C vehicles as long as you possess the correct endorsements.
What is a Class B CDL?
Regular Drivers License Class Type Of State
A Class B commercial driver license is required to operate:
- A single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or heavier.
AND/OR - Any vehicle as described above that is towing another vehicle weighing UP TO 10,000 lbs.
As with Class A licenses, you may be required to possess specific endorsements to operate some vehicles with a Class B license. Some of the vehicles you may be allowed to operate (with the right endorsement) include:
- Straight trucks.
- Large buses, including:
- City buses.
- Tourist buses.
- School buses.
- Segmented buses.
- Box trucks, such as:
- Delivery drivers.
- Couriers.
- Furniture delivery.
- Dump trucks with small trailers.
In addition, a Class B license may allow you to operate some Class C vehicles if you possess the correct endorsements. For more information, visit our guide to CDL endorsements.
What is a Class C License?
Drivers License Class Indiana
A Class C commercial driver's license may be required if:
- The vehicle you intend to drive does not meet the criteria described for either a Class A or Class B license.
AND - Is meant to transport EITHER:
- At least 16 passengers (to include you, the driver).
OR - Hazardous material (HAZMAT) as laid out by federal guidelines.
- At least 16 passengers (to include you, the driver).
Examples of vehicles you might be able to operate with a Class C CDL (with proper endorsement) include:
- Small HAZMAT vehicles.
- Passenger vans.
- Combination vehicles not described in class A or B.
- EXAMPLE: A small truck towing a trailer.