Are you considering getting started in the trucking industry as a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver? With a high demand for drivers right now, this is a great time to get on board! There are many considerations before you hit the road, many of which Office Tenders can help you with, but one of the biggest ones will be obtaining your commercial driver license (CDL).
What Class CDL Do I Need?
The first question you must answer is what class of license will you need? If you have a realistic idea of what types of CMV’s you will be driving, or what trucking company you will be working for, this can be an easy answer. But if you are just exploring the field, it may not be so straight forward.
To break it down, there are three levels of CDL’s that a driver can obtain.
- Class A: Necessary to operate any vehicle over 26,000 pounds with a trailer or semi-trailer. Most semi’s fall into this class.
- Class B: Necessary to operate any vehicle over 26,000 pounds or towing another vehicle over 10,000 pounds. Common types include school buses and dump trucks.
- Class C: Necessary to operate vehicles transporting more than 15 people other than the driver OR hauling hazardous materials, like a shuttle bus or Hazmat tank.
Consider your work potential in selecting the right class of license. And make sure you are well-prepared for the CDL tests and requirements!
Getting Your CDL
The first step in obtaining your commercial license is to get a copy of your states CDL manual and study hard. When you apply for a commercial learners permit (CLP), your driving record for the last ten years will be checked and you will need to present proof of your medical qualifications. The knowledge test is given at the time you apply for the permit, but you then must have the CLP for two weeks before taking the road test. Be prepared to present proof and pass a DOT physical and a drug/alcohol screening test.
Once you obtain your permit, you can get some hands on practice driving a CMV. But you must have a CDL holder with their license in good standing with you at all times. It’s recommended that you get in what road practice you can to prepare for the skills test.
The road test itself has three parts. You must first pass the pre-trip inspection, demonstrating your knowledge of this regulation. A basic controls test and the actual road test show that you know how to handle the CMV. Note that what vehicle you complete your road test in can affect possible restrictions.
Navigating CDL Endorsements
When it comes to endorsements, you might want to obtain several kinds to cover any possible work you could get. You don’t want to turn down a driving job because you aren’t prepared with the correct endorsement!
There are six different types of endorsements you could have added to your commercial license. Before you can test for any of them, you must have a valid CDL. Each endorsement requires the completion of a written test, but some have added requirements.
- T Endorsement: For driving double/triple semi trailers
- P Endorsement: To drive a vehicle transporting passengers; requires skills test
- S Endorsement: To operate school bus; requires skills test
- N Endorsement: To operate tank truck
- H Endorsement: For transporting hazardous materials; requires a background check and must be repeated every 2 years
- X Endorsement: Combines H and N (tank plus hazmat)
Your CDL may also have restrictions on it that are important to note.
- L: Air break restriction; given for failing the air break section of skills test OR not taking the test in a vehicle equipped with air breaks
- Z: Not allowed to operate vehicle with full air breaks
- E: Restricted from operating a CMV with a manual transmission; given if completing skills test with an auto transmission
- O: Restriction from driving with a 5th wheel connection; given if test was completed in CMV with non-5th wheel connection or pintle hook
- M: Can only drive a B or C class school bus or passenger vehicle
- N: Can only drive Class C CMVs
- V: Indicates that there is information about a medical variance on the CDLIS record
Office Tenders Can Help Get You Started in the Trucking Industry!
Navigating the many steps and hurdles that it takes to get started in the trucking industry can be confusing and challenging. Obtaining your CDL is just one step, especially if you hope to become an owner-operator or run your own fleet. Luckily, Office Tenders is here to help! We can assist every step of the way, from obtaining authority to managing your DOT paperwork needs. We simplify the paperwork so you can spend more time on the road!
