the united states employs truck classification system, , truck drivers required have commercial driver s license (cdl) operate cmv gross vehicle weight rating in excess of 26,000 pounds.
acquiring cdl requires skills test (pre-trip inspection , driving test), , knowledge test (written) covering unique handling qualities of driving large, heavily loaded commercial vehicle, , mechanical systems required operate such vehicle (air brakes, suspension, cargo securement, et al.), plus declared fit medical examination no less every 2 years. passenger bus drivers, current passenger endorsement required.
a person must @ least 18 years of age obtain cdl. drivers under age 21 limited operating within state of licensing (intrastate operation). many major trucking companies require driver applicants @ least 23 years of age, year of experience, while others hire , train new drivers long have clean driving history.
the u.s. department of transportation (us dot) stipulates various classes of cdls , associated licensing , operational requirements , limitations.
class – combination of vehicles gvwr (gross vehicle weight rating) of 26,001 or more pounds provided gvwr of vehicle(s) being towed in excess of 10,000 pounds.
class b – single vehicle gvwr of 26,001 or more pounds, or such vehicle towing vehicle, not in excess of 10,000 pounds gvwr.
a tanker truck.
class c – single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, not meet definition of class or class b, either designed transport 16 or more passengers, including driver or placarded hazardous materials.
a cdl can contain separate endorsements required operate trailers or haul cargo. these endorsements noted on cdl , appear in advertisements outlining requirements employment.
t – double/triple trailers (knowledge test only)
p – passenger (knowledge test; skills test may required operations. required bus drivers.)
n – tank vehicle (knowledge test only)
h – hazardous materials (knowledge test only, requires fingerprint , background check since september 11 attacks)
x – combination of tank vehicle , hazardous materials
other endorsements possible, e.g., m endorsement transport metal coils weighing more 5,000 pounds (2,300 kg), tested , issued individual states , not consistent throughout states (as of writing, m endorsement peculiar state of new york). laws of state whence driver s cdl issued considered applicable laws governing driver.
if driver either fails air brake component of general knowledge test or performs skills test in vehicle not equipped air brakes, driver issued air brake restriction, restricting driver operating cmv equipped air brakes.
specifically, five-axle tractor-semitrailer combination commonly associated word truck requires class cdl drive. beyond that, driver s employer (or shipping customers, in case of independent owner-operator) specifies endorsements operations require driver possess.
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