Commercial driver's license
Commercial driver's license (CDL) is a legal authorization that permits the holder to operate certain types of motor vehicles. These vehicles are typically used for transporting goods or passengers over specified distances. In many jurisdictions, a CDL is required to drive vehicles above a certain weight, for transporting hazardous materials, or for carrying a certain number of passengers.
Requirements[edit | edit source]
To obtain a CDL, an individual must meet certain requirements. These typically include being at least 18 years old (21 if driving across state lines or for the transport of hazardous materials), possessing a valid driver's license, passing a medical examination, and successfully completing a training course. The individual must also pass a series of written and practical tests that assess their knowledge and skills related to the operation of commercial vehicles.
Classes[edit | edit source]
There are several classes of CDLs, each corresponding to a different type of vehicle. These include:
- Class A: This class covers any combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Class B: This class covers any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR.
- Class C: This class covers 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.
Endorsements[edit | edit source]
In addition to the basic CDL, drivers may obtain endorsements that allow them to operate special types of vehicles. These endorsements are typically indicated by a letter code on the license. Common endorsements include:
- H - Hazardous materials (HazMat)
- N - Tank vehicles
- P - Passenger vehicles
- S - School buses
- T - Double/Triple trailers
See also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD