Show
When considering obtaining your commercial drivers license, you may have a hard time deciding exactly which CDL you want to obtain. Some of the most common questions we get are about Class A versus Class B commercial drivers licenses. Why choose Class A or Class B CDL? What’s the difference anyway? Is one better than the other? Class A CDL vs. Class B CDLKeep reading to learn the difference between a Class A CDL and a Class B CDL and find out which commercial drivers license is the best option for your career. What is a Class A CDL?If you are looking for a fulfilling career driving a semi-truck, a Class A CDL may be the best choice for you. A class A CDL is the most common type of commercial drivers license. A Class A license is required to operate a wide variety of vehicles that have a gross weight of over 26,000 pounds and a towing capacity of over 10,000 pounds. Class A CDL allows for the operation of 18-wheelers, flatbeds, livestock carriers and more. With a Class A CDL, you may drive interstate or locally, long-haul or over-the-road. You must be over 21 years of age to receive your Class A license. Because Class A can be an all-encompassing license if you have the right endorsements, it allows for the operation of Class B vehicles as well. What is a Class B CDL?A Class B CDL allows for the operation of a single vehicle with a gross weight of over 26,000 pounds but a towing capacity of no more than 10,000 pounds. Examples of vehicles you can drive with a Class B license include buses, garbage trucks, delivery trucks, dump trucks and more. For a Class B CDL, you must be at least 18 years of age. Additionally, a Class B CDL only allows drivers the ability to operate within the state in which they obtained their license. Which CDL is right for you?There are advantages to having both a Class A CDL and a Class B CDL. A Class A CDL allows you to have more opportunity and variety in your career and is the best choice if you are looking for a long-term career as a driver. If traveling the country appeals to you, Class A CDLs allow for interstate travel. Additionally, Class A CDL jobs typically have a higher starting salary and earning potential. On the other hand, a Class B CDL is a great option for those who see truck driving as a short-term job rather than a career. This license is a great choice for those looking for a job as a delivery driver, bus driver or other local trucking jobs. Ready to take the next step in your truck driving career?CDL of AL is Alabama’s top driving school offering superior Class A CDL training at low cost or no cost at all. Still not sure which option is right for you? Don’t hesitate to reach out to CDL of AL with any more questions you may have about obtaining your CDL. For more information on obtaining your Class A CDL, check out our blog, How do you get an Alabama Class A CDL? Are you interested in a career in the transportation industry? Or does your employer require you to have a Commercial Driver’s License or CDL? If you’ve been researching how to get your CDL license in Illinois, you likely have questions related to the licensing process and the requirements to start a truck driving career. Understanding the difference between Class A and Class B CDL can help you better understand which license you need to become a commercial truck driver. This article takes a closer look at the difference between CDL-A and CDL-B classifications to help you understand which is right for you and your career goals.
Schedule a Tour of MTI’s Illinois Trucking School!Difference Between Class A and Class B CDLTo break it down, if your commercial vehicle weighs over 26,001 pounds (excluding trailers), you need a Commercial Drivers License or CDL, to drive that vehicle. Driving a commercial vehicle requires greater knowledge, experience, and physical ability than simply driving a car. If you are pulling a commercial trailer that weighs over 10,000 pounds (most commercial trailers do), you will need a CDL-A. Combination vehicles, such as tractor trailers or semi-trailers, always meet the requirements for CDL-A. If you’re interested in pursuing virtually any commercial driving career, this may be the best option for you. A CDL-B is typically only for lighter vehicles, such as a straight truck or bus. So, a CDL-B could be considered more “limiting” in regards to the type of commercial driving career opportunities you can pursue. We’ll now explore the difference between CDL A and CDL B vehicles and careers, including the benefits and considerations for each. Why should I earn a CDL-A License in Illinois?To operate the following vehicles, drivers are required to hold a CDL-A commercial license. These vehicles and
trailers often require greater training and skill to maneuver:
Common job titles for CDL-A operators include:
If you hold a CDL-A, you are also authorized to operate any vehicle that requires a CDL-B license. This allows you to operate a wider variety of commercial vehicles and have broader career opportunities, which can potentially increase your earning potential. Why should I earn a CDL-B License in Illinois?A CDL-B commercial license is required to drive the following vehicles:
If your job only requires operating one of these vehicles, you may not need to earn your CDL-A. These types of CDL B driving jobs may be ideal for those who want to work in a more limited geographical area (stay close to home), or if trucking is not a long-term career path. Get Your CDL A License in Illinois Training at MTIThe first step toward earning your CDL-A is enrolling in a FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) approved ELDT (Entry Level Driver Training) training program. MTI’s CDL School in Illinois offers a 25-day CDL Training Course in Springfield, Illinois. At MTI, students learn truck driving procedures and techniques through classroom learning and behind-the-wheel driving practice from instructors with real-world trucking experience. Here’s what you can expect when you attend MTI to train for your CDL license in Illinois:
After completion of the CDL Training Course, students will be prepared to take the Illinois CDL licensing exam and earn their CDL A license. CDL Training Springfield, IL 2731 Farmers Market Road Springfield, IL 62707 (217) 527-8324 Satellite Location (CDL Range): 4600 Rodger St. Springfield, IL 62703 In addition to the Illinois CDL school, MTI also offers the CDL Training Course at the Springfield, Missouri campus. Get on the road to earning your CDL A license in Illinois! Connect with MTI’s Admissions Team to learn more. SOURCEShttps://iowadot.gov/mvd/cdl/CDL-Counter-Reference.pdf https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/drivers https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/53-3032.00 What class of CDL is best?Generally, that will be a Class A CDL because you are able to haul more freight in terms of weight, as well as for longer distances. These truckload OTR trucking jobs pay more as a result.
What is the highest CDL license?A Class C CDL is the last license class and it covers the rest, i.e. what Class A and B do not. It authorizes the holder to drive any single vehicle with a GVWR of less than 26,000 pounds, given that the towed vehicle has a GVWR of less than 10,000 pounds.
Which CDL is easiest to obtain?So, if you're still wondering what the easiest state to get a CDL in is, just know it includes Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Indiana, and South Carolina, because that's where our schools are located.
What class C means?Class C. Authorizes an individual to drive: Single vehicle or combination of vehicles that are not included in Class A or B. Single vehicle with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds towing a farm trailer with a GVWR that does not exceed 20,000 pounds. Designed to transport 23 or less passengers including the driver.
|