In the trucking industry, we hear a lot about Class A and Class B CDLs. What some people may not know is that there’s a third Class of CDL as well, called a Class C. This is the lowest rank of CDL a driver can hold. While it can be a great steppingstone to a CDL A or B, a Class C on its own is very limited. If you’re a Class C driver, the good news is that upgrading your CDL isn’t that difficult. What is a Class C CDL?The FMCSA defines a Class C vehicle as,
In layman’s terms, this means that Class C holders can transport passengers and HAZMAT in any vehicle under 26,000 pounds. Most commonly this means school buses and other smaller passenger vehicles, like a shuttle bus or limo. Class C does not cover large city buses, since those on average weigh more than 26,000 pounds. Since Class C is the lowest rank of CDL a person can hold, it’s also the most limited in terms of what you can drive with it. CDL B drivers can drive dump trucks, straight trucks, and more in addition to Class C vehicles. CDL A drivers are allowed to drive just about any CMV, as long as they have the necessary endorsements. These endorsements are crucial, as there are virtually no jobs available for class C drivers who don’t have their “H”, “P”, or “S” endorsements. This is why many drivers find it advantageous to skip getting their C altogether and jump right into a CDL Class B or A. Should I Upgrade My Class C CDL?The answer to this question really depends on what you plan on doing with your driving career. If you don’t ever see yourself driving larger vehicles, like straight trucks, dump trucks, or even a semi, then your CDL Class C is a fine option. If you do have any interest in doing those jobs somewhere down the line, it may be in your best interest to get a CDL A or B license instead of a CDL C. When you think about all the available jobs for CDL A and B drivers right now, it’s worth your consideration to jump up to one of those levels. You can still get all the same endorsements that allow you to drive a school bus or HAZMAT vehicle, you’ll just be able to drive bigger CMVs as well. How Do You Upgrade a Class C CDL?If you already have your Class C, the good news is that you can upgrade it to an A or B whenever you’re ready. To upgrade to a B, you’ll need to pass the written air brakes exam, then retake your on the road skills test in a CDL class B vehicle. Keep in mind that you’ll need to bring your own Class B vehicle to the testing site, and it will need to have air brakes. The process for upgrading to your Class A is very similar. The only difference is that in addition to airbrakes, you’ll need to take the combination vehicle test as well. You’ll also need to retake your road test in a Class A vehicle too. While the number of jobs available to Class C CDL holders is more limited than Class A or B, it’s a fine option for those who are only interested in the unique driving jobs mentioned above. But, most drivers might find it worth their time to invest in a Class A or B CDL instead. Find a Truck Driver JobWhile Drive My Way doesn’t offer any Class C jobs, we have hundreds of Class A and B jobs available right now. Create your free profile and get matched with your perfect job today. The post Upgrading Your Class C CDL appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/9qbPiIG
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