Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) | Fleet Management
A specialized license required to operate heavy or commercial vehicles (trucks, buses, and other large vehicles) in many jurisdictions.
A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is a specialized credential required to operate large or heavy vehicles for commercial purposes, such as tractor-trailers, buses, and vehicles transporting hazardous materials. In the United States, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets nationwide standards for CDLs, while individual states administer the testing and issuance of these licenses. To obtain a CDL, applicants must pass both knowledge and skills tests that assess their ability to safely operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), which demand higher proficiency than standard passenger vehicles due to their size and complexity.[1]
CDLs are categorized into three primary classes based on the type and weight of the vehicle: Class A licenses permit drivers to operate combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 pounds. Class B licenses cover single vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or such vehicles towing another vehicle weighing up to 10,000 pounds. Class C licenses apply to vehicles that do not meet the criteria for Class A or B but are designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or carry hazardous materials requiring placards.[2]
Beyond the basic classifications, CDL holders may need additional endorsements to operate specific types of vehicles or carry certain cargo. These endorsements include designations for transporting passengers (P), hazardous materials (H), tank vehicles (N), and school buses (S), among others. Obtaining an endorsement typically requires passing additional written and, in some cases, skills tests. CDLs are essential for ensuring that drivers have the necessary training and qualifications to handle the demands of commercial driving, thereby promoting safety and compliance within the transportation industry.[3][4]
[1] Commercial Driver’s License Program | FMCSA
[2] Commercial driver’s license – Wikipedia
[3] Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) (What is it & How to get it)
[4] What Is a CDL? A Complete Guide to Commercial Driver’s Licenses