Types of Licenses Available from Truck Driving Schools
December 21, 2023 by JoyAnswer.org, Category : Education
What types of licenses are available for truck driving school?Learn about the various licenses offered by truck driving schools. This guide outlines the different types of licenses and endorsements available through these programs.
What types of licenses are available for truck driving school?
Truck driving schools typically offer training for various types of commercial driver's licenses (CDLs), which are categorized based on the type of vehicle and cargo you'll be operating. Here are the primary types:
Class A CDL: Allows you to drive combination vehicles, like tractor-trailers (also known as semi-trucks or big rigs), with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the towed vehicle is heavier than 10,000 pounds.
Class B CDL: Permits driving single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more and towing trailers under 10,000 pounds GVWR.
Class C CDL: This is for vehicles not covered in Class A or B, but are designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or vehicles used to transport hazardous materials requiring placards.
Within these classes, endorsements may also be necessary for specific types of cargo or driving conditions:
- Tanker endorsement: Required for drivers transporting liquids in bulk.
- Hazmat endorsement: Needed for transporting hazardous materials.
- Double/Triple trailers endorsement: Required for towing multiple trailers.
- Passenger endorsement: Necessary for transporting passengers.
- School bus endorsement: Required for driving a school bus.
- Air brake endorsement: Needed for vehicles equipped with air brakes.
Truck driving schools usually tailor their programs to help individuals obtain these various licenses and endorsements based on their career goals and the type of driving they aim to pursue.
What kinds of licenses can be obtained through truck driving school programs?
Truck driving school programs typically prepare you for and help you obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). However, the specific type of CDL you can get depends on the types of vehicles you want to operate. Here's a breakdown:
Class A CDL: This is the most common type of CDL and allows you to drive the largest and heaviest vehicles, including combination vehicles (semitrailers with tractor units) and double/triple trailers.
Class B CDL: This allows you to drive single-body vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than 26,000 pounds (including buses and certain straight trucks).
Class C CDL: This is for smaller vehicles with a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less, such as delivery trucks and box trucks.
Endorsements: In addition to the main CDL class, you can also get endorsements to authorize you to drive specific types of vehicles or haul hazardous materials. Some common endorsements include:
- Tanker endorsement: Allows you to transport liquids in bulk.
- Hazmat endorsement: Allows you to transport hazardous materials.
- Passenger endorsement: Allows you to drive a bus carrying 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
Other licenses: Some truck driving schools may also offer training for other licenses related to the trucking industry, such as:
- Forklift Operator Certification: This certifies you to operate forklifts safely and efficiently.
- DOT Physical Exams: This is a mandatory medical exam required for all CDL holders.
To determine the specific license you need, it's important to consider the types of jobs you're interested in and the vehicles you want to drive. Consult with your chosen truck driving school for more information on the licenses and endorsements they offer training for.
I hope this clarifies the types of licenses you can obtain through truck driving school programs! Let me know if you have any other questions.
