What are the 3 Types of CDL Licenses in 2026? Class A, B & C Explained

There are three types of commercial driver’s licenses in the United States: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Each class authorizes operation of different commercial vehicle types based on weight and configuration.

• A Class A CDL is required to operate a combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is more than 10,000 pounds.
• A Class B CDL allows you to operate a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or such a vehicle towing another vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less.
• Class C CDLs apply to a vehicle that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B but is designed to transport 16 or more people, including the driver, or used to transport hazardous materials requiring placarding.

At SAGE Truck Driving Schools, we’ve trained commercial drivers for over 35 years across 20+ locations nationwide. Our programs are designed to meet Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Entry-Level Driver Training standards. 

CDL Class	Weight Requirements	Typical Vehicles	Common Uses
Class A	GCWR 26,001+ lbs with towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs	Tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations, tankers, livestock carriers, flatbeds	Over-the-road freight, long-haul trucking, interstate transport
Class B	Single vehicle 26,001+ lbs or towing vehicle under 10,000 lbs	Straight trucks, large buses, box trucks, dump trucks	Local delivery, municipal services, passenger transport
Class C	Vehicles transporting 16+ passengers or hazardous materials	Small HazMat vehicles, passenger vans, combination vehicles not covered by A or B	Passenger transport, hazardous materials delivery

What is a Class A CDL?

A Class A commercial driver’s license is required to operate vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds, as long as the towed vehicle is heavier than 10,000 pounds. With a Class A CDL and the proper endorsements, you may drive the following types of vehicles:

• Flatbeds
• Tractor-trailers
• Truck and trailer combinations
• Tank vehicles
• Livestock carriers

What is a Class B CDL?

A Class B commercial driver’s license is required to operate a single vehicle with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds, or tow a vehicle not heavier than 10,000 pounds. With a Class B CDL and the appropriate endorsements, you may drive the following types of vehicles:

• Straight trucks
• Large passenger buses
• Segmented buses
• Box trucks
• Dump trucks with small trailers.

What is a Class C CDL?

A Class C commercial driver’s license is required to operate a vehicle that is designed to transport 16 or more occupants (including you, the driver) or transport hazardous materials (HazMat), materials that are classified as hazardous under federal law. With a Class C CDL and the proper endorsements, you may drive the following types of vehicles:

• Combination vehicles not covered by Classes A or B
• Small HazMat vehicles
• Passenger vans

What is the Difference Between a CDL Class and an Endorsement?

Your CDL class determines the size and type of commercial vehicle you’re authorized to operate. Endorsements allow you to operate certain specialized vehicles or transport particular types of passengers or cargo.

Common CDL endorsements include:

• H – Hazardous Materials
• N – Tank Vehicles
• P – Passenger
• S – School Bus
• T – Double/Triple Trailers
• X – Combination Tank and HazMat

What is a Commercial Driver’s License?

A Commercial Driver’s License is required to drive commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) such as tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, dump trucks, and passenger buses. If you long for a career on the road rather than in an office, you’ll most likely need a CDL. There are three classes of CDLs that determine the kinds of vehicles you’re permitted to drive: Class A, Class B, and Class C. CDL classification is also determined by the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and other specific requirements.

Operating a commercial motor vehicle requires specialized knowledge and skills. But prior to 1986, many states allowed anyone with an automobile driver license to operate a CMV. As a result, many drivers throughout the country were driving CMVs without proper training. On October 27, 1986, the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act was signed into law. This law made it mandatory for all drivers of commercial vehicles to have a CDL. This law has significantly improved highway safety by ensuring commercial drivers receive proper training.

What is a Commercial Learner’s Permit?

A commercial learner’s permit (CLP) is a permit given by your state that authorizes you to practice driving a commercial motor vehicle. Obtaining a CLP is the first step towards earning a commercial driver’s license.

How Do I Get a Commercial Driver’s License?

In most states, drivers may obtain a CDL beginning at age 18, but drivers generally must be at least 21 to operate a commercial motor vehicle across state lines (interstate). Drivers under age 21 are restricted to operating in a single state (intrastate). When the driver turns 21, that restriction is automatically removed. You can apply for a CDL at a local DMV office. There are strict federal guidelines for obtaining a CDL, and each state has its own requirements that need to be also met. You must pass the required CDL knowledge test and a CDL skills test administered according to federal and state requirements.

Since February 7, 2022, ELDT applies to drivers who seeking to obtain a Class A or B CDL for the first time; upgrading from B to A or obtaining a school bus, passenger or hazmat endorsement for the first time. ELDT does not apply to Class C applicants. This federal requirement ensures all new commercial drivers receive standardized theory and behind-the-wheel instruction before testing.

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements include:

• Theory instruction covering all federally required curriculum knowledge topics
• Behind-the-wheel training on a range and public roads
• Proficiency-based assessment (no minimum hour requirement)
• Training must be provided by a provider listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry
• Training completion is electronically certified to FMCSA

While federal regulations establish minimum CDL standards nationwide, individual states may have additional requirements. These can include:

• Specific documentation requirements
• Additional fees
• State-specific endorsement testing
• Varying CLP holding periods (14 days is the federal minimum and is not just a state requirement)

Check your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles website for state-specific requirements and fees. You can find your state’s DMV contact information through the official USA.gov portal. SAGE Truck Driving School offers a wide variety of driving and CDL training programs across the country to meet the needs of new drivers and employers. SAGE’s basic CDL training programs are designed based upon the entry-level driver training (ELDT) standards set by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The programs are continually improved and updated by the schools’ program advisory committee, comprised of a broad base of the trucking industry.

How long does it typically take to obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)?

Obtaining a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) typically takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on state processing times and individual preparation for required tests. After submitting an application and passing the necessary written exams, a CLP can be issued. Applicants need to study the commercial driving manual and meet any other state-specific requirements, such as medical examinations, before taking the test.

Are there any medical or physical requirements for obtaining a CDL?

Most CDL drivers must meet specific medical and physical requirements, including passing a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination conducted by a certified medical examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry.

The examination assesses physical ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle and includes:

• Vision tests (minimum 20/40 acuity in each eye with at least 70° peripheral vision)
• Hearing tests
• Blood pressure measurement
• Evaluation of medical conditions that could impair driving ability
• Urinalysis for diabetes screening

The DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate is typically valid for up to 24 months. Drivers with certain medical conditions may receive shorter certification periods requiring more frequent monitoring.

Current Electronic Reporting: Since June 2025, medical examiners electronically submit CDL medical examination results directly to FMCSA, which transmits the data to state licensing agencies. CDL holders should follow their state guidance on medical cards, as the certification is now maintained electronically in state systems.

All CDL applicants must also self-certify their type of commercial driving:

• Non-Excepted Interstate: Operating across state lines and meeting Federal DOT medical requirements (most common)
• Excepted Interstate: Operating across state lines in excepted activities (no Federal medical certificate required)
• Non-Excepted Intrastate: Operating only within one state and meeting state medical requirements
• Excepted Intrastate: Operating only within one state in excepted activities (no medical certificate required)

Most CDL holders are non-excepted drivers and require a Medical Examiner’s Certificate.

Can individuals with a CDL from one state operate a commercial vehicle in another state, or are there restrictions?

A CDL issued in one state is valid for operating commercial vehicles in all other states, thanks to nationwide CDL recognition across the United States. This means that a CDL obtained in one state allows driving commercial vehicles in all other states, subject to any restrictions or endorsements on the license. However, drivers must comply with the specific traffic laws and regulations of each state they operate in. It’s important to note that while the license is widely recognized, certain endorsements or requirements, especially for specialized cargo like hazardous materials, may vary slightly by state.

Make Your Decision Now

Ready to start your CDL training? SAGE Truck Driving Schools offers Class A and Class B CDL programs at over 20 locations nationwide. Our programs provide behind-the-wheel instruction designed to prepare you for your commercial driving career.

Contact your nearest SAGE location or call 602-813-0343 to speak with an enrollment specialist about which CDL class is right for you.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on the data available as of its writing and is meant to inform and guide prospective CDL trainees. For the most current information and specifics about CDL training programs, please contact SAGE Truck Driving Schools directly.