Types of Commercial Driver’s Licenses

Personal Injury | January 14, 2025

Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) are crucial for people who drive large or specialized vehicles in the United States. But what is a Commercial Driver’s License? It’s a special type of license required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for operating vehicles like buses, trucks, or trailers. In this blog, we’ll explain the different types of CDLs and how they are used. Whether you’re thinking about getting one or dealing with a legal case involving a commercial vehicle, this guide will help.

What Is a CDL?

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) lets someone drive vehicles that are very heavy or carry certain types of goods. The FMCSA oversees these licenses to make sure roads are safe. 

Commercial drivers must show more skill and knowledge than regular drivers.

CDLs are divided into three main types: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Each type allows drivers to handle specific vehicles based on size, weight, and purpose.

Class A CDL: For Heavyweight Hauling

A Class A CDL is required for operating vehicles with a combined weight of 26,001 pounds or more, where the towed vehicle weighs over 10,000 pounds. This type of license is common for drivers handling:

  • Tractor-trailers (18-wheelers)
  • Livestock carriers
  • Tanker trucks

The versatility of a Class A CDL allows drivers to operate a broad range of heavy-duty vehicles. It’s the go-to license for long-haul truckers who transport goods across state lines. Drivers must pass both written and skills tests to qualify.

Class B CDL: The Medium-Duty Workhorse

A Class B CDL permits the operation of single vehicles weighing over 26,001 pounds or towing a vehicle not exceeding 10,000 pounds. Examples of vehicles requiring a Class B license include:

  • Dump trucks
  • Box trucks (like those used by delivery companies)
  • Passenger buses

This license is ideal for drivers who operate within city limits or for businesses needing to transport people or materials without crossing state lines.

Class C CDL: For Specialized and Small-Scale Operations

What is a Class C license? A Class C CDL is for drivers operating vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or transporting hazardous materials (HAZMAT). Examples include:

  • School buses
  • Passenger vans
  • Vehicles carrying hazardous materials

This license is specialized, and additional endorsements may be necessary, such as the Passenger (P) or Hazardous Materials (H) endorsements, depending on the type of vehicle or cargo.

Key Requirements for Obtaining a CDL

To apply for a CDL, individuals must meet certain requirements, including:

  • Passing a vision test
  • Holding a valid non-commercial driver’s license
  • Completing written and skills-based exams specific to the CDL class
  • Meeting the minimum age requirement (usually 18 years for intrastate and 21 years for interstate driving)

Additionally, endorsements are required for specific vehicles or cargo, such as double/triple trailers, HAZMAT, or school buses. These endorsements require passing separate written and practical tests.

For more detailed information, check the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s CDL guidelines or the FMCSA’s official CDL manual.

Why CDLs Matter in Personal Injury Cases

In Kentucky, accidents involving commercial vehicles can create complicated legal issues. These vehicles are large and powerful, so they need to follow strict safety rules. If a driver doesn’t follow these rules and causes an accident, they can be held responsible for the damages. This is called liability, and it’s a big part of personal injury cases involving commercial vehicles.

For example, if a truck driver doesn’t have the proper CDL or endorsements for their vehicle, it might mean they aren’t qualified to drive it safely. Understanding CDL requirements can help uncover important details about the driver’s training and whether safety laws were broken.

Understanding Commercial Driver’s Licenses

A CDL is a specialized license that allows people to drive large or specialized vehicles. Understanding the different types—Class A, B, and C—is crucial for both drivers and those involved in accidents with commercial vehicles. These licenses ensure drivers are properly trained for safety.

For more information on commercial vehicle accidents, visit HJV Car Accident Personal Injury Lawyers’ resources or contact us for a free consultation with a Louisville truck accident lawyer. With decades of experience, we’ve secured hundreds of millions of dollars for clients injured in commercial vehicle accidents.

Contact the Louisville Personal Injury Law Firm of HJV Car Accident Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

For more information, don’t hesitate to contact HJV Car Accident Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Louisville today. We have two convenient locations in Louisville and Fort Mitchell, Kentucky.

We proudly serve Jefferson County, Kenton County, and its surrounding areas:

HJV Car Accident Personal Injury Lawyers – Louisville, KY Office
600 W Main St Ste 200
Louisville, KY, 40202
(502) 540-5700

HJV Car Accident Personal Injury Lawyers – Fort Mitchell, KY Office
2380 Grandview Dr
Fort Mitchell, KY, 41017
(859) 578-4444

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