Understanding the types of CDLs
CDLs are split into three different classes. The class of your license is determined by the type and weight of the commercial motor vehicle you intend to drive. This classification helps determine the specific requirements and endorsements needed for legal operation.
CDL classes are defined by two different weight ratings, which help determine which class of commercial driver’s license is required:
- Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR): The amount of weight that a single vehicle or trailer can carry safely, used to determine the appropriate CDL class.
- Gross combination weight rating (GCWR): The total maximum weight of the vehicle, occupants, trailer and cargo, which is used to determine the required CDL class for operating a commercial motor vehicle.
Every CDL class has its own GVWR and GCWR requirements, and it’s important to know the difference before you apply. Keep in mind that the following are the minimum CDL rules set by the federal government. Your state might have tighter restrictions.
Class A licenses
The Class A CDL is designed for heavyweight tow vehicle/trailer combinations. It permits you to operate a combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or greater. With a Class A CDL, you’re also allowed to tow a trailer or vehicle, provided the towed unit has a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more.
A Class A CDL is the most versatile option for commercial drivers because it has the highest weight limits. This class is required for vehicle towing operations involving large trailers. If you have the correct endorsements, you can also use this license to operate a Class B or Class C vehicle.
Class B licenses
If you have a Class B CDL, you can legally drive a standalone vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more. You can also tow a trailer or vehicle, as long as it has a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less. A Class B CDL is also required to operate a class b passenger vehicle, such as certain buses designed to carry passengers. With the right endorsements, a Class B CDL also permits you to drive Class C vehicles.
Class C licenses
You’ll need a Class C CDL to operate vehicles that don’t fit into Class A or Class B. This includes:
- Any commercial vehicle with a GVWR that’s less than 26,001 pounds
- Vehicles that are designed to carry 16 people or more
- Vehicles that are used to carry hazardous materials
A Class C CDL is also required to operate a class c passenger vehicle, such as smaller buses or vans designed to carry passengers.
Your state may also require a Class C CDL if you’re transporting students. In Connecticut, for example, you need this license for vehicles that carry more than 10 people—but only if you’re using that vehicle to drive people younger than 21 to and from school. This scenario also requires you to have a V endorsement.
What is a CDL endorsement?
CDL endorsements are certifications that are added to your license. They verify you have the skills and legal permission to operate specialized commercial vehicles, such as school buses. To get an endorsement, you must pass a knowledge test and/or a driving test. Some endorsements require skills testing in addition to the knowledge test. You may also need to complete a specific form as part of the application process. Each one has its own requirements, and endorsements must remain valid and may need to be renewed periodically.
Endorsements aren’t limited to full-fledged CDLs. You may also be able to add them to your commercial learner’s permit (CLP). This is most common among aspiring tanker drivers—if you have the N endorsement on your CLP, you can practice driving an empty tanker truck with a commercially licensed driver. The same goes for the S and P CLP endorsements, which allow you to drive empty school buses or passenger vehicles. Additional tests may be required for certain endorsements.
Types of CDL endorsements
The federal government lays out the basic requirements for six different commercial license endorsements. Endorsements are required for the operation of specific types of commercial vehicles, such as those carrying passengers or hazardous materials. Only eligible drivers may apply for certain endorsements, and each endorsement must be obtained through a formal process that may include additional testing or background checks. Endorsements must also be renewed before their expiration date, which is typically printed on the front of the license near endorsement codes. Federal regulations require that a CDL holder obtain the appropriate endorsements for the operation of specific vehicles, and a CDL holder is only permitted to operate vehicles for which they have the proper endorsements. Additionally, there may be supplementary requirements or procedures for maintaining or renewing endorsements, depending on the type of vehicle or cargo involved.
T endorsement
Get the T endorsement, often referred to as doubles and triples, if you plan to pull two or three trailers, including triple trailers. You might need it for long-distance cargo hauling, towing or construction work. Some states, including Michigan, don’t allow triple-trailer configurations. Note: In those states, your endorsement will only cover a double-trailer setup, but the T endorsement remains essential for jurisdictions where triple trailers are legal. You can get the T endorsement by passing a dedicated knowledge test. It’s only available when you have a CDL; federal law prohibits it for CLPs.
P endorsement
You’ll need the P commercial license endorsement, also known as the passenger endorsement, if you want to drive a commercial vehicle that’s designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver. Passenger endorsements are required for vehicles specifically built to carry 16 or more passengers. The P endorsement is useful for commercial bus drivers, shuttle drivers, and school bus drivers. The application process usually includes a knowledge test and a skills test.
N endorsement
The N endorsement is required for operating tanker vehicles that transport liquids or gases in bulk. In most states, you’ll need it if the total volume of all tanks is more than 1,000 gallons or if individual tanks can hold over 119 gallons. This endorsement is usually available for all CDL classes, and it requires a knowledge test.
H endorsement
The H endorsement, also known as the hazmat endorsement, allows you to transport hazardous material. This endorsement is required for drivers who transport hazardous material, including hazardous waste, in amounts requiring placarding under Department of Transportation (DOT) rules. Any driver who transports hazardous materials (hazmat) in these quantities must obtain the hazmat endorsement, which involves passing a knowledge test.
X endorsement
The X endorsement is a hybrid of the N and H endorsements. Federal regulations require the X endorsement for drivers who transport hazardous liquids or gases in bulk. This endorsement must be obtained through the appropriate knowledge test and background checks. In most states, you can also use the X endorsement to carry nonhazardous materials in a tank.
S endorsement
The S endorsement is required for anyone who wants to become a school bus driver. You must visit a DMV office to apply for the S endorsement, pay the necessary fees, and complete the required tests and documentation. This endorsement covers any commercial vehicle operated to carry students between home and school, as well as vehicles operated to transport students to school-sponsored events such as field trips, band competitions, or sporting events. Students may be in preschool, primary, or secondary school.
If you take your skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you may not be permitted to drive a manual transmission school bus. The m restriction may apply to school bus drivers who are only permitted to operate certain classes of vehicles, such as when combined with passenger or school bus endorsements. In some cases, certain drivers or vehicles may be exempt from the S endorsement requirements, provided they meet specific criteria. In addition to a skill and knowledge test, most states also require you to have a good driving record and a background check.
State specific CDL endorsements
Each state has the freedom to create its own set of endorsements, in addition to those listed above. Some states take advantage of this ability, while others don’t. Requirements and processes can also differ in other states, so it’s important to check local regulations if you plan to add endorsements outside your home state. Examples of additional endorsements are:
- Farm endorsements: Many states offer specific CDL endorsements for farm vehicles. In New York, the F and G endorsements can be added to Class A and Class B CDLs. In Michigan, you can get a farm endorsement on a Class B or Class C CDL; the requirement is waived if you have a Class A license. Eligibility for these endorsements may depend on having an endorsement prior to a certain date, especially for vehicles operated as covered farm vehicles before 2016.
- Recreational vehicle endorsements: Depending on your place of residence, you may need a special endorsement for your RV. Class C CDL holders in California need a fifth-wheel recreational trailer endorsement for rigs between 10,001-15,000 pounds.
- Air brakes: This endorsement is designed for commercial vehicles with air brakes. In most states, it’s covered under restrictions. However, some states, such as New Hampshire, have designated endorsements.
What’s the difference between CDL restrictions and endorsements?
While CDL endorsements allow you to drive more types of vehicles, restrictions place limits on what you are permitted to do. Restrictions determine which vehicles you are allowed to be operating, and may prevent you from operating certain types of commercial vehicles or hauling specific cargo. Restrictions are applied to your CDL after you take the knowledge and skills test. You may get them if you fail to take or pass specific knowledge or skills tests.
Restrictions can also be based on the vehicle you use for your CDL skills test. For example, if you complete the Class A road test in a vehicle that does not have a fifth-wheel connection, you’ll get the O restriction. It prevents you from operating fifth-wheel Class A setups.
The best way to avoid CDL restrictions is to consider the type of vehicle you want to drive for work. Then, take your CDL test in the same type of vehicle. This is particularly important if you’re planning to drive school buses or vehicles with air brakes, as certain types of vehicles or endorsements may be subject to specific restrictions.
Common CDL restrictions:
- E: No manual transmissions
- L and Z: No vehicles with full air brakes
- V: Indicates that you have a medical variance
- M: You can only drive school buses and passenger vehicles if they are Class B or Class C
- N: If you want to drive a passenger vehicle or school bus, it must be Class C
- K: Intrastate travel only
How to get CDL endorsements
Both CDLs and CDL endorsements are administered at the state level. You must get a CDL in your state of residency. Endorsements must be renewed before their expiration date to remain valid. Then you can take the skills and knowledge tests for specific endorsements. If you’re applying for a new CDL, it’s often most efficient to test for endorsements at the same time, ideally while you’re handling other business licensing and insurance tasks.
If you already have a CDL, the process for earning endorsements is straightforward:
- Complete the required application form for the endorsement.
- Make a testing appointment with your local Department of Motor Vehicles or Secretary of State office (DMV office) and submit your form.
- Pay the fee for the endorsement.
- Take the knowledge test on the office computers.
- If necessary, schedule and pass a road skills test, as skills testing may be required for certain endorsements.
- Wait for your new CDL to arrive in the mail; it will be printed with your new endorsement, which must remain valid by renewing before the expiration date.
Some endorsements have a longer timeline. The H endorsement is a prime example. Since it enables you to transport dangerous substances, you’ll need to jump through a few extra hoops. Before you’re allowed to apply and test, you must pass the Hazardous Materials Endorsement Threat Assessment Program. During your appointment, officials will take your fingerprints and ask for documentation proving you’re an American citizen or a lawful permanent resident. The background-check process takes an average of 30 days.
