CDL Overview

Commercial Driver’s License Overview

Commercial drivers have numerous opportunities available to them, and tons of variation for career pathways.  Some of the topics that go into holding and obtaining a CDL license include but are not limited to the different classifications of licenses, the ability to obtain certain endorsements, having restrictions on your license and even various positions. Our team here at CDL Staffing has taken the time to gather all of this important information into one location for you.

Classifications Of Commercial Licenses

Class A: Any combination of vehicles which has a Gross Combination Weight Rating or Gross Combination Weight of 26,001 pounds or more, inclusive of a towed unit(s) with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or Gross Vehicle Weight of more than 10,000 pounds

Class B: Any single vehicle which has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or Gross Vehicle Weight of 26,001 pounds or more, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or Gross Vehicle Weight that does not exceed 10,000 pounds.

Class C: Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is transporting material that has been designated as hazardous and is required to be placarded under subpart F of 49 CFR Part 172 or is transporting any quantity of a material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR Part 73. Unfortunately, we do not offer Class C jobs at CDL Staffing at this time.

Non-CDL: Non-CDL is also known as a Class D license. This is the type of license you get at the age of 16. This level of license allows you to drive vehicles not defined as commercial motor vehicles. This license allows you to tow vehicles like boats, travel trailers and/or small utility trailers. This level of license also allows you to operate small box trucks. However, if driving for a company that is regulated by the DOT, you will still be subject to DOT rules and regulations like the other classifications of licenses.

ENDORSEMENTS

Endorsements are essential for commercial drivers to be able to operate specific equipment and haul specific freight. There are additional tests and requirements to obtain endorsements.

H Endorsement:

An H endorsement also known as  HAZMAT endorsement permits the CDL holder to operate a vehicle loaded with hazardous materials. This endorsement is available for Class A, B and C license holders. Must pass a knowledge exam only to obtain this endorsement.

N Endorsement:

An N endorsement also known as a Tanker endorsement permits the CDL holder to operate a tank vehicle typically transporting liquids or gasses. This endorsement is available for Class A, and B license holders. Must pass a knowledge exam only to obtain this endorsement.

P Endorsement:

P endorsement also known as a Passenger Endorsement permits the CDL holder to operate a vehicle or bus that seats 16 or more people including the driver. This endorsement is available for Class A, B and C license holders. Must pass a knowledge and skills test to obtain this endorsement.

S Endorsement:

S endorsement also known as School Bus Endorsement permits the CDL holder to operate a school bus, this endorsement must be in conjunction with a P endorsement in order to do so.  This endorsement is available for Class A, B and C license holders. Must pass a knowledge and skills exam to obtain this endorsement.

T Endorsement:

T endorsement also known as the Doubles and Triples Trailer Endorsement permits the CDL holder to operate a vehicle towing two or three trailers. This endorsement is only available to Class A CDL Holders. Must pass a knowledge exam only to obtain this endorsement.

X Endorsement:

X endorsement also known as the Tanker and Hazmat Combination Endorsement permits the CDL holder to haul hazardous material within a tank vehicle. This endorsement is available for Class A, and B license holders. Must pass a knowledge test only to obtain this endorsement.

RESTRICTIONS

Similar to how your CDL endorsements grant you specific permission to operate beyond your CDL license, restrictions do the opposite. Restrictions are placed on your license and will limit your permissions and ability to operate certain equipment.

E Restriction:

The E Restriction refers to the type of transmission you’re allowed to operate in terms of commercial vehicles. Specifically known as an Automatic restriction. This prohibits you from driving manual transmission commercial vehicles. This is obtained by performing your skills road test with an automatic transmission.

L Restriction:

The L Restriction refers to the braking system you’re allowed to operate in terms of commercial vehicles. Specifically, an L restriction will prohibit you from operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle with a full air brake system. This is obtained by failing to pass the air brake knowledge exam, or the air brake skills exam.

M Restriction:

The M Restriction refers to the ability to operate Class A passenger vehicles. Specifically, If a Class A driver obtains their P Endorsement and S endorsement with a Class B or Class C vehicle. This prohibits them from operating Class A passenger Vehicles.

N Restriction:

The N Restriction refers to the ability to operate Class B passenger vehicles. Specifically, If a Class B driver obtains their P Endorsement and S endorsement with a Class C vehicle. This prohibits them from operating Class B passenger Vehicles.

O Restriction:

The O Restriction refers to fifth wheel connections. This restriction prohibits you from driving commercial vehicles with a fifth wheel connection. This is obtained by taking your road test in a vehicle without a fifth wheel connection or pintle hook.

V Restriction:

The V Restriction refers to Medical Variances per the FMCSA. If a CDL Driver has a reported medical variance according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) that can be an impairment or hazard on the road. Some of these medical variances include but are not limited to diabetes, hearing issues, seizures, and eyesight impairment.

Z Restriction:

The Z Restriction refers to the braking system you’re allowed to operate, very similar to the L restriction. This prohibits you from driving Commercial Motor Vehicle with full air brakes just like the L Restriction, but you obtain them differently. The Z restriction is obtained by taking the driving test with a Commercial Motor Vehicle outfitted with air over hydraulic brakes.

The following are several examples of commercial driving positions:

  • General CDL A Drivers
  • General CDL B Drivers
  • Regional Drivers
  • Boom Truck Driver
  • Refrigerated Freight Drivers
  • Casual Drivers
  • Dry Van Drivers
  • Dump Truck Drivers
  • Flatbed Drivers
  • Food Service Drivers
  • HAZMAT Drivers
  • Line Haul Drivers
  • Less Than Load (LTL) Drivers
  • P&D Drivers
  • Non-CDL Drivers (smaller vehicles not fitting the other definitions)