Large trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles present unique challenges when it comes to driving them safely. For this reason, a special type of license is required to operate them — a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Drivers of commercial vehicles who do not have CDLs can face penalties if they cause accidents that result in injuries or fatalities on the road.
But what is a commercial driver’s license, and how do you obtain one in California? Here is what you need to know.
What Is a CDL?
A commercial driver’s license is a special type of driver’s license that allows the holder to operate large vehicles, as well as vehicles that transport hazardous materials or a certain number of passengers.
The process of getting a CDL begins when you turn 18 years of age (or, in some cases, 21 years old) and pass a U.S. Department of Transportation medical exam. You can then apply for a commercial learner’s permit (CLP).
This involves obtaining a standard California driver’s license and visiting a DMV office, where you will:
- Submit a 10 Year History Record Check
- Submit a completed Medical Examination Report (MER) & Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC)
- Verify your identity
- Pass a knowledge test
- Have your photo taken and thumbprint scanned
- Pay an application fee
You must wait at least 14 days before you can apply to take a CDL skills test. Once you pass the test (including a vehicle inspection), you will be granted a CDL.
To keep your CDL in good standing, you must do more than simply renew it on time. You will need to possess a current medical certificate attesting to your fitness to drive commercial vehicles. In addition, you must avoid committing major traffic infractions, as these can cause you to lose your commercial driver’s license.
3 Types of Commercial Driver’s Licenses
There are three classes of CDLs. The class of CDL you need depends on the type of commercial vehicle you intend to operate and its weight.
The three classes of licenses include:
1. Class A CDL
A Class A license allows you to operate all manner of commercial trucks, including tractor-trailers, flatbeds, and tankers. You are permitted to operate a vehicle with a gross weight in excess of 26,001 pounds as long as the towed portion of that vehicle is at least 10,001 pounds.
In California, a Class A license holder can pass additional tests to earn endorsements. These endorsements allow the Class A holder to transport volatile gases, hazardous materials, and multiple trailers.
2. Class B CDL
If you hold a Class B commercial driver’s license, you can also operate vehicles with a gross weight of 26,001 or greater. However, unlike Class A holders, you are not permitted to tow any trailer or load that weighs more than 10,000 pounds (or, for 3-axle vehicles, more than 6,000 pounds). You can drive straight trucks and commercial buses.
Like with a Class A license, you can also obtain additional endorsements. For example, one such endorsement allows a Class B license holder to operate a school bus.
3. Class C CDL
If you hold a Class C license, you can operate commercial vehicles that are 26,000 pounds or lighter. You can also tow a trailer or other vehicle that is less than 10,000 pounds.
As is true with the other classes of CDL licenses, Class C license holders can obtain endorsements that permit them to transport certain cargo. For instance, obtaining your HM endorsement allows you to transport hazardous materials in a Class C vehicle.
Commercial Drivers Are Held To a Higher Standard
One of the key reasons that trucks and other heavy vehicles require specialized licenses is that these vehicles can pose more dangers to motorists than other vehicles can. Drivers of commercial vehicles without the proper license and endorsements who then get into a truck accident that results in serious injury or death can face both civil and criminal penalties.
For those who do experience an accident with a commercial vehicle, consulting a qualified truck accident attorney is vital.
Contact Robles Babaee, Personal Injury Lawyers or Visit Our Law Firm in Santa Ana for Help Today
Robles Babaee, Personal Injury Lawyers
1851 E 1st St Suite 810, Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 263-3700