What is the difference between a Class A, B, and C? If you have a Class A can you do what is in the Class B? What's the difference between endorsements, and what are the ones that are the most important? Personally, I'd love to have as many trucking endorsements I can get. (Because it'd mean that anything outside of Railroad Operations and Aviation Transport, and Marine Terminal Operations would be well within my area as far as job opportunities in the future go) How does one go about in getting the endorsements? Do they just "automatically" come with the CDL? Or are they all separate from each other? (like only Class A CDL holders can get this, that and this endorsement, and only Class C can get that that and this endorsement, etc.?) Needless to say, if it's got wheels, I want to be able to drive it. Regardless if it's cargo is human, animal, Radioactive, explosive, flammable, boxes, rocks, logs, what have you. If it can be loaded on a truck, I want to be able to drive it, and/or transport it. Any information would be greatly appreciated. I've searched these forums for several weeks now with nothing to show for it. (out of the years this site has existed, I can't believe no ones ever asked....) And thank you in advance for any info. =)
Here in CA, you can get a Class A, B, or C license. Or you can get any of those Commercial, which is driving for compensation. Class C is the basic license, passenger car, etc, weighing less than 26k. Class B is for larger vans or dump trucks, etc. that are not for hire, and weigh less than 54k. Meaning you own it and you drive it for yourself, not for anyone else. Class A is for vehicles with trailers weighing more than 10k lbs. If you have an RV trailer that weighs this much, you must have a Non-commercial Class A license. Same for a livestock trailer, etc. If you own a full tractor-trailer combo, and drive it around for your own personal enjoyment, this license is good for that too, as long as you test in that vehicle. CDL A is for any legal combo of vehicles, weighing in # 80k or less, for compensation. CDL B is for straight trucks, dump trucks, or large passenger vehicles (15 or more) with the passenger endorsement, for compensation. No trailers. CDL C is for a few circumstances, per haps if you haul large amounts of propane in a pickup, or have a diesel tank in the back, you must have this license with Tank and HazMat endorsements. Endorsements are: T-double/triple trailers N-tank vehicle H-hazmat X-if tank and hazmat are combined on one license. P-passenger vehicle S-school bus M1 is an addition to your license class for motorcycles. For example, it would say "Class A M1," with any endorsements listed below.
Washington has Class A, B and C CDLs which was more of what I was going too, but if you have the CDL, do you have to got the non-commercial versions as well? (like say you're a truck driver as your profession, but you have a trailor or something do you have to get that on top of the CDL?) And what are the requirements to get the T, X, P and S endorsements? I plan on getting my M1 as well, but that would be later down the road. (I want to be able to drive anything with wheels. ) So Class A CDL, can do everything a Class B can since it's 80Klbs and under? (provided you have the proper endorsements, like say I got my Class A CDL, I could drive a Dump Truck, or a Truck with say a Tractor Trailer at will without having to get the Class B CDL)? And if I may ask, what is the difference between the Passenger Vehicle, and the Passenger Bus endorsements? does it just mean one can carry more people than the other?
Have you tried your own state's DMV website? Pretty much everything you asked is explained in some detail there: http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/cdl.html More general information: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/cdl/cdl.htm No one said "passenger bus," they said "passenger vehicle" and "school bus."
Information is great! =) thank you all for clarifying. Regarding my own states DMV. The "training book" or Drivers Ed Guide they have on the WA DOL site, hasn't been updated since 2006. (when I got my Drivers License as a 16 y/o) And calling the DMV, they weren't of much help on info. Couldn't even get a hold of them after 3 1/2 hours on the phone "waiting for an employee to answer the call" lol. And thanks a lot for clarifying on what they all lead to/mean.
LRT, you're in my neck of the woods. The WADOT website has some pretty good answers. On Hazmat, there is only one spot on our side of the state to get the background check started. It's near where 520 and 405 junction (2-3 blocks west of 405), but don't have the addy memorized. I'd advise you to get the background check started as soon as you start school, as it can take 4-8 weeks. Oh and watchout for those maniacs in the Seattle region. We got some real dipsticks behind the wheels around here, eh?
Some of the dumbest drivers I've ever seen are here in Western WA. On my way on 405 going to Bothell, some idiot drove against traffic. Ignored the "Do not enter sign" and just started coming down the exit ramp. Dumbest thing I've ever seen someone do... But yeah, I'll definitely be looking into it. Found jobs to be a Tanker (for transporting fuel) and also found a gig I could get transporting "Militarized Material" if I can get my Hazmat Endorsement. (and gotta look into what I'd have to do for a Tanker Endorsement) The pay for Hazmat transport seems to be pretty dang good LOL. All hours are logged in for night time. (not surprised) but hey, pay looks pretty good. Department of the Army will pay $25 an hour transporting "Militarized Materials". And here I thought the Army had their own Truckers. LOL Department of the Navy also has some Truck Driving gigs transporting "Militarized Materials". up to 75,000lbs! lol But unfortunately, driving for the Army, and Navy require 5 years experience. But Getting a CDL will most likely prove to be the best move I've ever made.
