Is Class B Experience Okay?

Sika Group - recommended by Romy Schneider via Lual

 

The short answer is NO! Class B experience will not count when it comes to driving a tractor-trailer rig. It does count as far as job history goes in compliance with Part 391. If all you can do right now is class B driving so be it. However, be forewarned, you might be forced to undergo a refresher if you spend a long time driving class B vehicles.

 

Most insurance requirements always said "23 and 2 years experience in 'LIKE' equipment.

Class B does count as experience on a DOT [Part 391] driver application but usually dosen't work with the insurance carrier unless they offer a refresher training course.

 

As others have stated, companies primarily want class A exp., but there are decent paying class B jobs, and some companies (like Coca-Cola and some dump truck companies) have both, and you could start out driving class B and potentially move up to A.

I will say that if the vehicle is a manual transmission, it will be the exact same whether it is a class A or B vehicle. So if you are able to drive a manual, then you possess a skill that is becoming increasingly invaluable (sometimes I wonder if these mega OTR carriers have only automatics simply so that new CDL holders won’t know how to drive a 10-speed, therefore decreasing the likelihood of them leaving once they have driving experience).

 

I had 20 years experience as a coach bus driver with a Class B CDL, and I was treated like a rookie when I did upgrade my license and get my first truck driving job.