How to Get a Class B CDL - Steps and Requirements

Are you looking for a fulfilling career that offers abundant job opportunities and lucrative earning potential – including owning your own business? Look no further than obtaining your CDL (commercial driver's license).

Your Class A CDL can open doors to a world of possibilities. While Class A CDL holders tend to earn the highest salaries, many individuals start their journey with a Class B CDL. For many, the Class B CDL can serve as a valuable steppingstone toward Class A employment, although it's not obligatory.

In fact, it's entirely possible to obtain a Class A CDL without pursuing any other type of commercial licensure. If you're wondering what the difference is between a Class B CDL and a Class A CDL, why some people get a Class B CDL first and how can you move from a Class B CDL to a Class A CDL, this information can help. And, if you're considering obtaining a Class B CDL, the following steps will guide you through the process. For much more detailed information on obtaining a Class A CDL, please refer to Roehl’s Steps to Get Paid While You Get Your CDL A.

1. Learn and Decide: What is a Class B CDL? Is a Class B CDL right for you?

A CDL is a type of license that allows you to drive a vehicle larger than the types of vehicles one can drive with a standard non-commercial driver’s license. CDLs are divided into different classes. Each CDL class licenses you for a different category of commercial vehicle.

A Class B CDL will license the individual to drive a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 26,000 pounds, or a vehicle towing another vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating that does not exceed 10,000 pounds. A Class B CDL can enable you to operate a vehicle that's intended to transport 24 or more passengers. With a Class B CDL, you can typically drive a vehicle like a dump truck, school bus, public transit bus or a delivery truck.

What Are the Requirements for a Class B CDL?

In order to have a Class B CDL, you must:

• Have a non-commercial driver’s license
• Have a clean driving record
• Meet your state's age requirements
• Meet health requirements defined by the Department of Transportation
• Be able to pass the Class B CDL class and test

Class A Vs. Class B CDL

A class A CDL is required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 11,794 kilograms or more (26,001 pounds or more) provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds). With the Class A CDL, you can operate the types of trucks that people usually refer to as 18-wheelers.

The class A CDL is also a more flexible type of commercial driver's license. With a class A CDL and the right combination of endorsements, many drivers can operate class B and C vehicles.

For example, Class A CDL drivers can earn the (P) Passenger Transport Endorsement and the (S) School Bus Endorsement if they would like to drive a school bus.

While it might seem easier to get a Class B CDL, the earning potential for a Class A CDL is much higher. Class B CDL drivers make around $44,200 each year, while Class A CDL drivers often earn significantly more, depending on what they drive and where.

As of November 2024, Roehl drivers with at least one year on the job are averaging $1,360 a week (almost $70,700 a year). It's also important to know that the top 50% of Roehl drivers average $1,540 per week ($80k a year).

In addition to earning more, Class A CDL drivers are also in very high demand, so finding work is often easier, and Class A drivers are able to pick from more opportunities.

Why Do Drivers Get the Class B CDL Instead of Class A?

Getting a Class B CDL takes less time, and if you're paying for your truck driving school, is usually less expensive. However, it's worth noting that there are programs available to help people obtain a Class A CDL. For example, Roehl Transport offers on-the-job Class A CDL training, so if you're worried about the cost of going to trucking school, Roehl Transport makes getting your CDL easy.

2. Earn Your Commercial License Permit (CLP)

Before you can earn your CDL, you must start by earning your commercial license permit (CLP). You'll need to hold the CLP for a minimum of 14 days, although some states have a longer waiting time.

To get the CLP, you must pass a knowledge test and have a driving record free of any concerning incidents for the last 10 years. You must also get medical clearance to ensure that you're healthy enough to safely drive a Class B vehicle. To do this, you'll have to get a complete physical examination through your state's Department of Transportation. The exam will evaluate your hearing, vision, ability to see color, blood pressure and cardiovascular health.

The CLP test will typically cover General Knowledge questions that assess fundamental knowledge of commercial vehicles and covers topics like vehicle inspections, essential vehicle controls, and emergency protocols.

You may also need to take additional knowledge tests for other endorsements, such as double/triple trailers (towing double or triple trailers), tank vehicles (Commercial vehicles equipped with a cargo tank), hazardous materials (any vehicle required to be placarded for hazardous materials), school bus and passenger vehicle (designed to transport or actually transporting 16 or more passengers including the driver).

Studying for the CLP is made easier by using many of the online resources available to you. Take free online exams like Roehl's free CDL practice tests that are great for general knowledge, and use flashcards made by Quizlet. Study alone and in groups, read aloud and to yourself, and take good notes. Using good study habits can help you with this process.

3. Complete CDL Training

Once you have your CLP, you are typically authorized to practice your driving on public roads with a qualified CDL holder sitting next to you. In most cases, you’ll want to get formal CDL B training. And, depending on the endorsements you want to get, you may need to complete Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) instruction at a training provider/training entity listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Training Provider Registry (TPR). Roehl Transport is a registered training provider on the TPR.

Endorsements include:

• (H) Hazardous materials
• (P) Passenger transport
• (S) School bus/ passenger transport
• (T) Tank vehicle
• (X) Tanker and hazardous materials

Consider which endorsements are right for you at this time. You will need to take a written examination to earn these endorsements and may also need to take a special skills test. Decide in advance what kind of endorsement you want and find out what you'll need to do to earn it.

Choosing a Truck Driving School

There's a variety of truck driver training available to people earning their CDLs. Some finish very quickly, while CDL training programs may take months. When you're choosing a truck driving school:

• Consider your availability and how much time you can spend in class every day. Going to school full-time will get you through the program faster. If you're working during the days, a night school may fit into your schedule better.
• Consider costs. Some truck driving schools cost more than others. If you're seeking a Class A CDL, Roehl's program pays drivers as they get their training.
• Know the quality of the school. Some truck driving schools offer better quality instruction than others. Inquire about each school's success rate, and find out how much time you'll spend behind the wheel versus time in the classroom. Look at student reviews and testimonials, and consider the experience of the trainers. Look for programs that have teachers with years of experience in the industry and positive reviews from students.

4. Complete the CDL Tests

Once you've had your CLP for the minimum number of days and have finished the training required (if required), you can pursue your CDL Class B by taking the CDL Skills Exam. You may need to make an appointment at your local DMV or with a third-party tester.

There are three parts to the test: a vehicle inspection test, a basic controls (backing) test and a road test. State may handle the CDL Skills Tests in different ways. If you fail a part of the test, for example, you may be able to take the other parts, or the process may stop there. If you do fail, you may come back again to take the test later, but there may be a waiting period. All of these details vary from one state to the next.

Use these tips for test taking. Become familiar with the requirements in your state, so you know what to expect on the day of the test. This will help you feel more comfortable with the process, and may give you more confidence when it's time to take the test. Be sure you have studied sections 11, 12 and 13 of the CDL driver's guide.

5. Complete the Paperwork

Once you've passed your test, you can get your Class B CDL. You'll need to submit your paperwork to the proper office in your state. Some states will issue the CDL on the same day, others may send it through the mail.

Class A or Class B CDL?

The type of CDL that you pursue impacts your earning power - maybe for years to come. As you're trying to decide which type of CDL is right for you, consider the following:

Class A CDL drivers can do everything Class B CDL drivers can do, and then some. ;If all you want to do is drive a school bus or a dump truck, for example, getting a Class B may be fine. However, if it’s your goal to expand your skillset or eventually own your own trucking business, getting a Class A CDL right from the start will keep this door open for you. Either way, if you don’t have a CDL or if you want to go from a Class B to a Class A CDL, Roehl has the training resources to help you.

You can earn money while getting your Class A CDL with Roehl. If you have concerns that getting a Class A CDL will take too long, and you'd like to start earning money as soon as possible, Roehl can help with that. Roehl Transport offers on-the-job CDL-A training, which means that you can get your truck driving career up and running fast, and you can get paid while doing it. Roehl Transport is one of North America’s safest trucking companies. Many drivers start off successful careers with Roehl, and later go on to own their own trucking companies.

Many Class A CDL truck drivers earn over $100,000 annually. For example, top earners at Roehl earn over $100,000 annually. These drivers have a Class A CDL, an excellent safety record, and schedules that vary depending on the type of fleet that they are in.

Class A CDL truck drivers can enjoy a lot of home time, too. For Class B drivers concerned about home time, Roehl has a variety of fleet options. From home daily, to home weekly to even flexible home time, Roehl’s size and fleet diversity means we have options to help drivers meet their personal and professional needs. In other words, your career can be what you want to make of it. With the right CDL, the right endorsement(s) and a safety record that you can be proud of, you can earn dramatically more than a Class B CDL holder, and it won't take that long.