Class A vs Class B CDL: What’s the Difference?

Tags: For Drivers, Laws and Regulations

If you’re interested in a career in the trucking industry, getting a commercial driver’s license, or CDL will be one of your first major steps. It will be useful to understand the differences in training, expertise, and vehicle specs required for each class of CDL before deciding which CDL to pursue.

To guide you in your desired direction, start by thinking about the types of vehicles you want to learn to drive. This is a critical decision that will help you decide which CDL is best for you.

Let’s take a look at the difference between Class A vs Class B CDLs so you know what’s required to get on the road.

What is a CDL License?

A CDL is a commercial driver’s license. This type of license authorizes the holder to drive any vehicle that requires a commercial driver’s license to operate, including trucks and other large vehicles. In order to get your CDL, you will need to go through a licensing process that varies by state.

While there are three different CDL classifications that pertain to certain vehicles, we’ll be focusing on the most common classes, CDL A vs B.

The Importance of CDL Licenses

Commercial drivers are required by law to pass a number of tests before they can obtain their CDL license. These tests include physical examinations, drug testing, and written exams. These tests ensure that drivers have the skills necessary to operate safely on public roads.

Before the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986, numerous states permitted CMV drivers to operate without sufficient training. The law currently requires all commercial vehicle drivers to obtain a CDL, boosting industry safety.

Now that you know the importance of a CDL, we’ll go over the differences between Class A vs Class B CDLs.

Class A CDL License

A Class A CDL is necessary to drive any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or more when towing a vehicle weighing more than 10,000 pounds.

What Types Vehicles Can Be Driven

Drivers with Class A CDLs and the necessary endorsements can operate the following vehicles:

• Combinations of trucks and trailers
• Tractor-Trailers
• Flatbeds
• Tank-style vehicles (some small Tank Trucks fall under Class C)
• Livestock Transporters
• Vehicles in Classes B and C

Requirements for Obtaining a Class A CDL License

Getting your CDL allows you to become one of the trucks that helps move 70% of the freight in the States.

The following are the requirements for obtaining a Class A CDL:

1. You must be at least 21 years old (at least 18 years of age to drive intrastate)
2. Fill out your state’s CDL application and pay the fee.
3. Give proof of identity and social security number (check your state’s regulations).
4. Provide proof of state and US residency.
5. Send a completed medical examiner’s certificate form and medical examination report form.
6. Pass a vision test
7. Pass a knowledge test
8. Once you reach this point and pass your exams, you will be awarded a commercial learner’s permit (CLP)
9. Allow at least 14 days before scheduling your CDL road skills exam.
10. You must pass a pre-trip inspection.
11. Pass the road skills and driving test (in your own vehicle)
12. Pay the necessary fees for your new CDL after passing (optionally, submit a 10-year record check if you’ve held a driver’s license in any state or jurisdiction other than the one where you’re seeking your CDL).

Additionally, you’ll need to receive theory training from an approved training provider registered with FMCSA if you’d like to apply for a Class A CDL. On top of that, there may be endorsements you need to operate certain vehicles you will need to obtain.

Job Opportunities Available with a Class A CDL License

The CDL-A license allows drivers to operate vehicles like semi-trailers, flatbeds, livestock carriers, and tank vehicles. These are mainly vehicles with a gross weight greater than 26,000 pounds if the vehicle weighs 10,000 pounds or more.

The following job opportunities apply to CDL-A holders:

• Commercial Truck Driver
• Heavy Equipment Hauling
• Long-Haul Cargo Driver
• Short-Haul Cargo Driver
• Terminal Manager
• Truck Driver Instructor
• Transportation Supervisor

Class B CDL License

To operate a single commercial vehicle that is not towing a trailer, a Class B CDL is required. The vehicle could have an attached cargo area with a GVWR of more than 26,000 pounds or a detached towed cargo vehicle weighing less than 10,000 pounds. Class B licenses allow drivers to operate vehicles locally. As a result, drivers must follow local rules and regulations.

What Types of Vehicles Can Be Driven

With the proper endorsements, a Class B CDL permits you to drive the following vehicles:

• Box Trucks
• Dump Trucks with Small Trailers
• Large Passenger Buses
• Straight Trucks

Requirements for Obtaining a Class B CDL License

The following are the requirements for obtaining a Class B CDL:

1. You must be over the age of 21. (at least 18 years of age to drive)
2. Submit your state’s CDL application and pay the required fee.
3. Provide identification and your social security number (check your state’s requirements).
4. Provide proof of state and US residency.
5. Submit a completed medical examiner’s certificate form as well as a medical examination report form.
6. Pass an vision test
7. Pass a knowledge test
8. If you’ve reached this phase and passed your examinations, you’ll be given a commercial learner’s permit (CLP)
9. Give yourself at least 14 days before arranging your CDL road skills test.
10. A pre-trip examination is required.
11. Pass the driving and road skills tests (in your own vehicle)
12. After passing, pay the required costs for your new CDL (You also have the option to submit a 10-year record check if you’ve held a driver’s license in any state or jurisdiction other than the one where you’re pursuing your CDL).

In addition, if you want to apply for a Class B CDL, you must obtain theory training from an FMCSA-approved training provider.

Job Opportunities Available with a Class B CDL License

The following job opportunities apply to CDL-B holders:

• Bus Driver
• Concrete Truck Driver
• Delivery Driver (i.e. furniture)
• Dump Truck
• Garbage Truck
• Limousine

The Difference in Pay: Class A CDL vs. Class B CDL

The gap between CDL A vs B pay is quite varied. According to ZipRecruiter, a Class B CDL can see an annual salary of almost $60,000 or as low as $20,000. ZipRecruiter also noted annual salaries as high as $62,000 to as low as $35,000 for Class A. For Class A, this doesn’t include the specialty vehicles like oversized loads or transporting hazardous waste, which will require a highly-skilled driver and offer higher pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Easiest CDL to Get?

When looking at CDL Class A vs B, Class B is the easiest to get. There are a few steps that aren’t necessary for Class B that A requires.

Which CDL is the Best?

It depends on which vehicles you want to drive and your career goals as a truck driver. If you want to drive more specialized vehicles like hazardous waste, oversized freight, and flatbeds, you will need CDL A vs B. Otherwise, any other CDL will suffice without needing additional endorsements and training to start hauling.

Making Your Next Career Choice

How to become a truck driver isn’t difficult, but you’ll need to go through the Commercial Driver’s License Program to become a CDL holder. Additional special endorsements may be required depending on which company you decide to work with to operate certain kinds of vehicles.

As a new CDL holder, Hale Trailer can provide industry expertise, experienced solutions, and high-quality equipment like our commercial trailers for sale and commercial trailers for rent. Come to one of our locations or browse our inventory online. We are dedicated to assisting you in getting the equipment needed for a successful trucking career.