CDL Classes, Endorsements and ELDT Training
You need a CDL to drive a vehicle rated 26,001 pounds or more, one built for 16 or more people, or one that carries placarded hazmat. Class A is a heavy combination with a trailer over 10,000 pounds. Class B is a heavy single vehicle. Class C is the small passenger and hazmat group. First-time Class A and B drivers must finish entry-level driver training before the test (49 CFR 383.91 and 380.609).
Facts checked October 16, 2026
Key Points
- Class A is a combination vehicle with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, when the trailer's own weight rating is over 10,000 pounds (49 CFR 383.91(a)(1))
- Class B is a single vehicle rated 26,001 pounds or more, or one that tows a trailer rated 10,000 pounds or less (49 CFR 383.91(a)(2))
- Class C covers vehicles that are not A or B but carry 16 or more people, including the driver, or carry hazmat that needs placards (49 CFR 383.91(a)(3))
- A Class A driver may also drive Class B and C vehicles, and a Class B driver may drive Class C, if the endorsements match (49 CFR 383.91(c))
- There are five endorsements: double or triple trailers (T), passenger (P), tank (N), hazmat (H) and school bus (S). A tank plus hazmat endorsement is coded X (49 CFR 383.93 and 383.153)
- A commercial learner's permit (CLP) requires you to be 18. You may not take the skills test for 14 days, and a CLP is valid for up to one year (49 CFR 383.25)
- Entry-level driver training (ELDT) from a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry is required before the first Class A or B test, and before a first P, S or H test (49 CFR 380.609)
CDL classes and endorsements at a glance
| What it covers | Tests required | |
|---|---|---|
| Class A (combination) | Combination rated 26,001 pounds or more, with a towed unit rated over 10,000 pounds | Knowledge and skills |
| Class B (heavy straight vehicle) | Single vehicle rated 26,001 pounds or more, or towing a unit rated 10,000 pounds or less | Knowledge and skills |
| Class C (small vehicle) | Not A or B, but built for 16 or more people including the driver, or carrying placarded hazmat | Knowledge and skills |
| T: double and triple trailers | Pulling doubles or triples | Knowledge |
| P: passenger | Vehicles that carry passengers | Knowledge and skills |
| N: tank vehicle | Tank vehicles: single tanks over 119 gallons and 1,000 gallons or more in all | Knowledge |
| H: hazardous materials | Hazmat that needs placards. A TSA security check is required | Knowledge |
| S: school bus | School buses | Knowledge and skills |
Which CDL class do you need?
It depends on the weight rating of the vehicle, not what it weighs loaded. The rating is the value the manufacturer sets. For a combination, the rating is the larger of the power unit's own combination rating or the sum of the ratings of the power unit and the trailer (49 CFR 383.5). Class A is a combination rated 26,001 pounds or more where the trailer is rated over 10,000 pounds. Class B is a single vehicle rated 26,001 pounds or more. It may tow a trailer rated 10,000 pounds or less. Class C is the small group. It covers a vehicle built to carry 16 or more people, including the driver. It also covers a vehicle of any size that carries hazmat that needs placards (49 CFR 383.91 and 383.5). A truck under 26,001 pounds that pulls a trailer rated 10,000 pounds or less is not a Class A or B vehicle.
Which endorsements do you need, and what are the tests?
You need an endorsement to drive double or triple trailers, passenger vehicles, tank vehicles, hazmat loads and school buses (49 CFR 383.93). The double and triple, tank and hazmat endorsements need a knowledge test. The passenger and school bus endorsements need a knowledge test and a skills test. A hazmat endorsement also needs a TSA security check (49 CFR 383.71(b)(8)). Your skills test vehicle sets limits on your license. For example, if you test in an automatic truck, the license is restricted from manual transmissions. If you test in a vehicle with air over hydraulic brakes, you are restricted from full air brakes. A test without air brakes brings an air brake restriction (49 CFR 383.95).
What is a commercial learner's permit, and how do you get one?
A CLP lets you practice on public roads, but a CDL holder with the right class and endorsements must sit in the front seat next to you. You must be 18 or older and pass the general knowledge test. You must also certify that you have no disqualification and only one license. You must give proof of your age and where you live, and proof of citizenship or permanent residency, unless you qualify under the non-domiciled rules. You must name every state that licensed you in the past 10 years (49 CFR 383.25 and 383.71(a)). A CLP may carry only the passenger, school bus and tank endorsements. Hazmat loads are not allowed. The CLP is valid for up to one year. You cannot take the skills test in the first 14 days (49 CFR 383.25).
Who has to complete entry-level driver training?
Entry-level driver training (ELDT) is required before you take the skills test for a Class A or B CDL for the first time, or before you upgrade to Class A or B. It is also required before the skills test for a first passenger or school bus endorsement, and before the knowledge test for a first hazmat endorsement (49 CFR 380.609 and 383.71). Tank and double or triple trailer endorsements do not need it. The training must come from a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry. The rule has applied since February 7, 2022. If you got a Class A or B CDL, or a P, S or H endorsement, before that date, you do not need training for it (49 CFR 380.603).
What does entry-level driver training include?
Training has two parts. Theory is classroom or online instruction. Behind-the-wheel training has a range part and a public road part, and you must have actual control of the vehicle (49 CFR 380.605). The rule does not set a minimum number of hours. The provider must cover every topic in the curriculum for your class or endorsement (49 CFR 380, appendices A to E). You must score at least 80 percent on the written theory assessment, and your instructor must record your skill in each driving task (49 CFR 380.715). Except for the hazmat endorsement, you must finish the theory and driving parts within one year of the first part (49 CFR 380.603). Within two business days of your finishing, the provider reports your training to FMCSA through the registry, including the clock hours of driving (49 CFR 380.717).
Who is exempt from the CDL or the training rules?
States must exempt military drivers who operate military vehicles for military purposes (49 CFR 383.3(c)). A state may choose to exempt farmers driving farm vehicles within 150 miles of the farm. It may also exempt firefighters and emergency vehicle drivers, and local government drivers who plow, sand or salt roads in some cases (49 CFR 383.3(d)). Alaska and farm-related service industries can have restricted CDLs in some cases (49 CFR 383.3(e) and (f)). People in those groups do not have to complete entry-level driver training. Neither do military drivers who qualify for a skills test waiver, or drivers who only remove a restriction (49 CFR 380.603).
What other rules apply before you can drive a truck for pay?
A CDL is only part of it. To drive a commercial vehicle you must be at least 21 to cross state lines. You must read and speak English well enough to talk with the public, understand road signs, answer officials and fill in reports. You must also be physically qualified, hold a license from only one state, and not be disqualified (49 CFR 391.11). If you will drive across state lines, you must be medically examined and certified by an examiner on FMCSA's National Registry (49 CFR 383.71(h)). A carrier must also keep a driver qualification file for each driver it hires.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a CDL to drive a box truck?+
Only if the truck's weight rating is 26,001 pounds or more. Look for the GVWR on the certification label. Under 26,001 pounds, you need no CDL unless the truck carries 16 or more people or hazmat that needs placards (49 CFR 383.91).
Do I need a CDL for a pickup and a gooseneck trailer?+
Usually not. You need a Class A only if the combination is rated 26,001 pounds or more and the trailer is rated over 10,000 pounds. If the trailer is rated 10,000 pounds or less, the pickup is not a Class A vehicle. Check both ratings (49 CFR 383.91).
Do I need entry-level driver training if I already have a CDL?+
Not for a Class A or B CDL, or a P, S or H endorsement, that you got before February 7, 2022. You do need it to upgrade to Class A or B, or to get a first passenger, school bus or hazmat endorsement. Tank and double or triple trailer endorsements do not need it (49 CFR 380.603 and 380.609).
How many hours of CDL training are required?+
The rule sets no minimum hours. The provider must cover every topic in the curriculum, you must score at least 80 percent on the theory assessment, and you must show skill in each driving task. The provider reports your driving clock hours to FMCSA (49 CFR 380.715 and 380.717).
How long is a commercial learner's permit good for?+
Up to one year from the date it is first issued. You cannot take the skills test for the first 14 days, and you must have passed the general knowledge test to get it (49 CFR 383.25).
How old do I have to be to drive a truck across state lines?+
At least 21 (49 CFR 391.11). You can get a CLP at 18 (49 CFR 383.25). Check your state's rules for driving inside one state.
More federal trucking rules
- Hours of Service Rules for Truck Drivers
- ELD Mandate: Who Needs an ELD
- DOT Roadside Inspection Levels Explained
- DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Rules
- Driver Qualification File Requirements
- DVIR and Vehicle Maintenance Rules
- New Entrant Safety Audit Requirements
- Hours of Service Exceptions and Exemptions
- Motor Carrier Insurance Requirements
- DOT Physical and Medical Card Requirements
- Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Requirements
- Cargo Securement Rules for Trucks
- Hazmat Basics for Truck Drivers and Carriers
- USDOT Number and Biennial Update Requirements
- Safety Ratings, Compliance Reviews and DataQs
- Federal Truck Size and Weight Limits
- California Clean Truck Check (HD I/M)
- Truth-in-Leasing Rules for Owner-Operators
- Form 2290 Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax
- Truck Driver Phone, Texting and Seat Belt Rules
- Railroad Crossing Rules for Truck Drivers
- Truck Emergency Equipment and Warning Triangle Rules
- Truck Windshield, Dash Cam and Mirror Rules
- CDL Disqualification: Major and Serious Offenses
- Truck Tire Rules: Tread Depth, Retreads and Pressure
- Trailer Reflective Tape (Conspicuity) Rules
- Truck Brake Rules: Pushrod Stroke, Lining Thickness and ABS
- Driver Conduct Rules: Alcohol, Drugs, Fatigue, Passengers and Pre-Trip Checks
- English Language Proficiency for Truck Drivers: The 391.11(b)(2) Rule
- Weigh Station Rules: Who Must Stop and What Happens If You Skip
- Truck Lighting Rules: Required Lamps and Reflectors (49 CFR 393)
- Driver Road Test Rules: The Company Road Test and Certificate (49 CFR 391.31)
Related terms and pages
Sources
- 49 CFR 383.91, Commercial motor vehicle groups (eCFR)
- 49 CFR 383.93, Endorsements (eCFR)
- 49 CFR 383.25, Commercial learner's permit (eCFR)
- 49 CFR 383.71, Driver application and certification procedures (eCFR)
- 49 CFR Part 380, Subpart F, Entry-level driver training (eCFR)
- 49 CFR 391.11, General qualifications of drivers (eCFR)
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This is a plain-language summary for reference, not legal advice. Check the official rule text before you rely on any detail. Ask a compliance professional about your own operation.