What is the difference between a Class A, Class B and Class C CDL?

Knowing the difference between your class license is important. You may only want a job that requires class B so don't worry about spending the money on a license you don't need.

• Class A: Valid for the operation of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds if the towed vehicle or vehicles have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or GCWR of 10,001 or more pounds. The license is also valid for the operation of vehicles with lower GCWRs and other vehicles, except motorcycles (which requires a motorcycle endorsement).

• Class B: Valid for the operation of a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 or more pounds. It is also valid for a combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds if the towing vehicle has a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds and the towed vehicle or vehicles have a GVWR or GCWR of less than 10,001 pounds. A Class B CDL is also valid for the operation of vehicles with lower GVWR or GCWR, with the exception motorcycles (which requires a motorcycle endorsement).

• Class C: This class of commercial license applies only to vehicles that are required to be placarded for hazardous materials or vehicles that are designed to transport 16 or more persons including the driver, or any redesigned or modified vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 or more pounds that has been redesigned or modified to transport less than 16 persons with disabilities. Valid for any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 26,001 pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR.