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Class A vs. Class B CDL: which training do you need?
The license class depends on the vehicle you plan to drive. The training you take has to match that class.
| Class A | Class B | |
|---|---|---|
| What it covers | Combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 lb or more, where the towed unit is over 10,000 lb (for example, tractor-trailers) | Single vehicles of 26,001 lb or more, or one of those towing no more than 10,000 lb (for example, straight trucks, dump trucks, many buses) |
| Typical jobs | Over-the-road and regional trucking, tankers, flatbed | Local delivery, construction, refuse, transit and school buses (with endorsements) |
| Can drive the other class? | Generally can also drive Class B and C vehicles, given the right endorsements | No. Moving up to Class A requires ELDT for the upgrade |
Endorsements that need ELDT
- Passenger (P): vehicles designed to carry 16 or more people, including the driver.
- School bus (S): also requires the P endorsement.
- Hazmat (H): theory training only. You also need a TSA security threat assessment.
Use the filters on any state page or in search to find schools registered for each program.
General information based on FMCSA definitions. Your state's CDL manual has the exact rules.