Buy Category B Driving License
A class B commercial driver's license allows you to drive a single vehicle with a weight of 26,001 pounds or more, and towing a trailer of up to 10,000 pounds. You can also gain CDL endorsements that give you the extra permission to drive certain types of vehicles and carry specific cargo.
A class B CDL permits you to drive straight trucks city buses tour buses, segmented buses, and dump trucks with trailers that are small. A class C CDL permits you to operate vehicles that are not covered by Class A or Class B, as well as transporting hazardous materials.
Qualifications
There are many different classes, or categories of driving licenses drivers need to be able to operate commercial vehicles. The requirements for each differ by state, but generally they will require the high school diploma as well as evidence of identity, a clean driving record and the age requirements. Drivers who wish to obtain a category B license must also pass the written and driving tests that are required by their state's law.
A class B commercial driver’s license (CDL) issued in the US, allows drivers to drive heavy vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight of at least 26,000 pounds with or without a trailer. This includes trailers and vehicles that have an aggregate weight of more than 10,000 pounds. This includes straight trucks, city buses tour buses, segmented busses, box trucks and dump trucks that have small trailers.
A Class B driver's licence can be augmented with CDL endorsements or other permits which permit them to drive different types of vehicles and transport certain materials. A driver who is class B, for example, can add a hazardous materials endorsement to their license in order to transport hazardous waste.
For drivers who wish to drive more specialised vehicles, there are classes MR (medium rigid), HR (heavy rigid) and MC (multi-combination). Each of these classes requires additional instruction and tests and must meet certain medical requirements to be licensed.
If you're not sure which type of driving license is appropriate for your needs it is recommended to contact the authorities in your country to learn more about the specific requirements. For instance, some states require truckers to have a class B license before they are able to drive vehicles across state boundaries. In this instance it could be logical to get the class B license prior to when you start working as a driver, but upgrade to a CDL later. Roehl offers some helpful information if you wish to know more about how to upgrade from a class B driver's license to the class A CDL.
Requirements
Class B licenses are given to drivers who want to operate a vehicle with a weight of less than 10,000 pounds or greater than 26,000 pounds. This is a great option for trucking jobs near to home, and is a great option to get into the business even if your age isn't enough to allow you to obtain a Class B commercial driver's licence (CDL).
Qualifications for a Buy Category B license vary from state to state, however most states require drivers to possess high school diplomas or a GED certificate, a clean driving record and a medical approval form that is signed by a doctor. You may have to pass both a knowledge as well as a skills test. Certain states require you to have a certain amount of time before taking the test, and some have a minimum age for new drivers.
You must complete the entry Level Driving Training (ELDT) before you are able to drive. You must be 18 years old to begin this course, which gives you experience behind the wheel of commercial vehicles. To enroll you must also have an official noncommercial driver's license. After you have passed the ELDT you can apply for an CDL.
CDLs can be classified into classes A-C. Each class has its own opportunities for trucking. The most common is the Class B CDL that lets you drive straight trucks over 26,000 lbs, but they aren't connected to trailers and can be hauled by a small trailer. Other options include the Class A CDL that lets you operate larger vehicles and tow even larger trailers, and the Class C CDL that allows you to drive passenger cars and combined vehicles not covered by the Class A or B, and to carry dangerous materials.
You must first obtain an CDL permit before you can be eligible for a Class A CDL. This permit must be held for a minimum of 14 consecutive days. You must pass a test of knowledge and physical. The physical examination evaluates your hearing and vision, as well as your ability to see colors, blood pressure, cardiovascular health, and blood pressure. You should also be free of any medical conditions that could affect your driving. For instance, diabetes that is controlled by medication.
Training
The right CDL training will help you begin your journey to becoming a truck driver. Although you can begin with a Class B license, which permits you to drive any vehicle that is not towed and weighs less than 26,000 pounds, obtaining your Class A CDL sooner rather than later is likely to provide more opportunities for employment. Roehl has the tools and knowledge to help you achieve your goal of becoming Class A drivers.
The first step towards earning your Class A or Class B CDL is to obtain your commercial learner’s permit (CLP). With the CLP you can test driving a commercial vehicle with a CDL holder sitting in the seat of the passenger. Once you have obtained your CLP you can take the CDL knowledge test and the skills test.
Once you have obtained your CDL you are able to drive a single car weighing 26,001 pounds or more or a tow vehicle that weighs 10,000 pounds or less. You can also earn endorsements, or extra permissions, to allow you to operate vehicles with weight restrictions that are higher and other requirements. Some endorsements include Passenger which allows you to drive buses with passengers Tank, which permits you to drive trucks that carry liquid cargo and Hazmat which permits you to transport hazardous materials.
The medical standards for drivers of heavy vehicles are set by the National Transport Commission and Austroads, and can be found in 'Assessing Fitness to Drive' (available from the NTC or at http://www.austroads.com.au/publications/assessing-ftd). You must be physically fit and have a valid driving licence in addition to meeting the requirements.
The classes of heavy vehicles are MR (medium rigid), HR (heavy rigid) and HC (heavy combination). Drivers who want to operate a class HC or MC vehicle must pass the hazmat advanced training course. MR and HC classes are usually offered through trucking companies, while MC training is usually offered by trucking schools. It is crucial to make sure your doctor has passed the appropriate hazmat examinations, regardless of which school or training option you select. This is a requirement for obtaining your heavy vehicle license, and failing to satisfy these requirements could lead to delays in completing the hazmat testing and training process.
Safety

As a commercial driver, you must take proper precautions when driving. You should always check the weather before setting out, and make sure that you are wearing the seatbelt. Ensure that your vehicle has a fully fueled gas tank and is maintained. You can refer to the manual of your vehicle if have any concerns about how to maintain it. It is also important to adhere to local traffic laws and avoid driving distracted at all times. Additionally, you should be careful not to speed or engage in reckless driving as this can cause serious accidents.
You must first obtain a Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) before you are able to begin your career in trucking. This type of license allows drivers the ability to operate vehicles with an GVWR of more than 26,001 pounds. This includes dump trucks, buses and small passenger vans. A Class B CDL, however, is only valid in the state of origin.
You may have to add endorsements to your license if you plan to drive specialized vehicles. These include the Passenger which allows you to carry passengers; Tank (T) that allows you to drive tanks and HazMat which allows you to transport hazardous materials. These endorsements require you to pass a test of knowledge and possibly an examination conducted by the DOT.
secret info to prepare for the CDL test is to attend an accredited trucking school. These schools offer hands-on instruction. Many of these schools offer pre-trip inspections, basic vehicle control classes, and on-road driving evaluations. You can also prepare for your CDL exam by studying the CDL manual.
There are a lot of opportunities for people with the Class B CDL. From delivery truck drivers working for companies like Amazon and FedEx to bus drivers (school or tourist) and tourist bus drivers, a CDL Class B is a good option. The employment prospects for both kinds of drivers are expected to rise by 2028, according the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Selecting the right trucking company is equally important. Verify that the company is licensed and has the proper certifications, and has a safe fleet of vehicles. Make sure the company pays well and has flexible home time. Roehl offers a range of options for truck driving fleets, including those that offer regular and weekly hometime.