Can I get both class A and B CDL?

There are only two essential qualifications for commercial vehicle drivers in the United States: a Class A and Class B Commercial Driver’s License. The federal government issues them, but they vary at the state level. Each class allows a driver to drive a specific vehicle class based on size and complexity.

In this respect, drivers who have both Class A and Class B CDL have a greater scope of job opportunities and flexibility. This blog is b/w class A vs. class B CDL, how to get them, and what advantages one gets with both, all guiding a person toward a career choice or more flexibility in commercial driving.

Introduction

A Commercial Driver’s License is required for anyone who wants to drive trucks and buses in the United States. There are several CDL classes; Classes A and B are major ones. Class A allows a driver to operate combination vehicles with a GVWR of over 26,011 pounds; Class B allows single vehicles with a GVWR of more than 26,011 pounds. Holding both an A and B classification on the CDL provides more excellent job opportunities and flexibility, enabling the driver to operate more types of vehicles. A person can obtain a Class A and a Class B CDL at various truck driving schools.

Understanding CDLs

A CDL is a license required in the United States to enable the operation of commercial vehicles. Federal regulations just set minimum requirements regarding this, but states may have additional classes and endorsements. CDLs are categorized based on vehicle type and weight into several classes:

  • Class A CDL: It allows one to operate a combined motor and towed vehicle at a weight exceeding 10,000 pounds and having a GVWR over 26,000 pounds. The best example of this would be the tractor-trailer.
  • Class B CDL: The holder can operate any vehicle with a GVWR over 26,011 pounds. The towed unit cannot have more than a 10,001-pound GVWR. Examples include dump trucks and buses.

Steps to Obtain a Class A CDL and Class B CDL

To obtain a Class A or Class B commercial driver’s license:

  • Requirements and Process: Meet the eligibility criteria, which are 18 years for intra-state and 21 years for inter-state; have a driver’s license in your pocket; pass a required medical examination; complete a CDL application and pay applicable fees.
  • Picking the Right Program: Enroll in a trustworthy CDL training truck driving institute accredited by your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles or the equivalent. Programs vary, so pick one that suits your schedule and career goals.
  • Pass the CDL Skills Test: Practice for the written knowledge test, which is primarily about regulations and vehicle operation. Upon passing, you should schedule and study for the actual skills test, including pre-trip inspection, basic control skills of the vehicle, and on-road skills testing.

Differences in Testing and Training for Class A and B

Trucks are standing in a row.

Although the main differences between Class A and Class B CDLs are related to testing and training, essentially, the latter involves the operation of different vehicles demonstrating different skills:

  • Kinds of Skillsets and Test Requirements: The Class A CDL course covers training in combination vehicles, primarily handling tractors and trailers. The skills test includes tractor-trailer-specific maneuvers like backing and coupling. Class B would focus on single vehicles like buses or dump trucks, with a skills test around those.
  • Time and Cost Issues: Class A is generally more labor-intensive with more extensive and diversified vehicle configurations. This extended training puts Class A at a higher price than Class B since students must master several vehicle operations. Most Class B trainings are shorter and less expensive, as fewer vehicle types are involved and the maneuvers are more straightforward.

Knowing these differences will help prospective drivers choose the suitable CDL class based on their career aspirations and readiness to invest in training and testing requirements.

Benefits of Holding Both Class A and B CDL

Some of the advantages of having both a Class A and a Class B commercial driver’s license include:

  • Job Availability: Having both licenses maximizes the number of job openings one is exposed to. Class A license holders can drive more vehicle types, specifically tractor-trailers, while in turn, Class B license holders can operate single vehicles like buses and box trucks.
  • Flexibility and versatility: A driver holding dual CDLs can work in different settings depending on the job conditions or other market influences. They can switch between various vehicle classes based on seasonal demand, job availability, or other personal reasons.

Conclusion

Holding different class A and class B CDL commercial driver’s licenses can create many job opportunities. Training through a respected institution, such as Zenith Institute of Logistics, can enable drivers to obtain these licenses.

Zenith Institute of Logistics provides complete training programs to satisfy all ClassACDL and ClassBCDL requirements. It would allow any student who wants to get a commercial driver’s license to be well prepared for the skills portion of the test and thus easily secure job opportunities.

Get started now at Zenith Institute of Logistics and realize your potential within the platform of commercial driving.

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