A commercial driver’s license (CDL) allows a tested and approved driver to operate certain types of motor vehicles including 18-wheeler trucks, tour buses, school buses, tanker vehicles and vehicles transporting hazardous materials. The federal government regulates the laws for these licenses in the United States.

1. Trucking 101:
Commercial Driver’s License
(CDL)?

2. What is a CDL?
A commercial driver’s license (CDL) allows a tested and approved
driver to operate certain types of motor vehicles including 18-wheeler
trucks, tour buses, school buses, tanker vehicles and vehicles
transporting hazardous materials. The federal government regulates
the laws for these licenses in the United States.

3. What is a Class A CDL?
A class A Commercial Driver’s License is a type of CDL required to operate any combination of
vehicles that together have a GVWR at least 26,001 pounds. This also incorporates a vehicle
being towed that weighs more than 10,000 pounds.
Including:
★ Tractor-trailers
★ Truck and trailer combined
★ Tanker vehicles
★ Livestock carriers
★ Tractor-trailer buses
★ Flatbeds

4. What is a Class B CDL?
A Class B Commercial Driver’s License allows drivers to operate any single vehicle at least
26,001 or heavier or any type of vehicle that is towing another vehicle of 10,000 pounds or
less.
Including:
★ Larger buses e.g. city, tourist and school buses
★ Box trucks, usually used for delivery
★ Straight trucks
★ Segmented buses
★ Dump trucks (including small trailers attached)

5. What is a Class C CDL?
If the vehicle being operated does not meet the criteria for either a Class A or B license and is meant
to transport a minimum of 16 passengers including the driver, or a hazardous material, it will fall
into Class C.
Other certifications may be needed by CDL drivers to operate specific vehicles e.g.
tanks.

6. CDL Requirements
Commercial driver’s license requirements vary by state, however many requirements are
universal with some even federally mandated.
To successfully obtain a CDL driving license students must usually:
★ Already have a valid non-commercial driver’s license
★ Be at least 18 years old (21 to drive interstate or with hazardous materials)
★ Have obtained at least 1-2 years of experience driving (varies by state)
★ Have good medical/physical health (DOT medical certification)
★ Have lawful permanent residency (e.g. US Citizen/Green card)
★ Have no active driver’s license suspensions or revocations in any state
★ Be able to read and speak English

7. What Is Involved in CDL Training?
Commercial driver’s license training (typically Class A CDL training) is geared towards both
the written and road aspects of the CDL driving test.
Topics covered in the CDL license training include:
★ Map reading
★ Trip planning
★ DOT law compliance
★ Backing and turning
★ Hooking a trailer
★ Road driving

8. How Long Does It Take to Get a CDL?
The amount of time it can take to get a CDL and pass your CDL driving
test can vary depending on program or study option chosen, ranging
from a few weeks to 6 months.

9. FOR MORE CDL RESOURCES
https://www.isaacsandisaacs.com/glossary/cdl-
commercial-drivers-license