Know the vehicle

CDL Classes and Endorsements

CDL classes and endorsements determine which commercial vehicles, passengers, and loads a driver may legally handle. A CDL is a state-issued license, not a voluntary professional certification: the class follows the vehicle, while endorsements add authority for certain loads or passengers. See how the license and endorsements fit the full truck-driver career path.

Edited by Taylor Rupe, Founder & Editor Last updated October 9, 2026

License Classes

Class A

Combination Vehicles

Generally covers a combination with a gross combination weight rating or actual gross combination weight of at least 26,001 pounds, whichever is greater, when a towed unit's gross vehicle weight rating or actual gross vehicle weight is over 10,000 pounds, whichever is greater.

Class B

Heavy Single Vehicles

Generally covers a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or actual gross vehicle weight of at least 26,001 pounds, whichever is greater, or that vehicle towing a unit whose rating or actual weight is 10,000 pounds or less, whichever is greater.

Class C

Passenger or Hazardous-Material Vehicles

Covers qualifying commercial vehicles outside Class A or B that transport 16 or more people including the driver, require hazardous-material placards, or carry any quantity of a federally listed select agent or toxin.

Class A training guide Class B training guide

A tractor-trailer route usually points to the Class A licensing process. Heavy straight trucks and many buses may instead call for Class B training with the right endorsement.

Add to your CDL

Common Endorsements

Your state may use additional restriction and endorsement codes. Check its current CDL manual. If you are considering hazmat work, review the H endorsement training and background-check steps before applying.

Code	Endorsement	Training note
H	Hazardous materials	ELDT theory applies to a first H endorsement.
P	Passenger	ELDT theory and behind-the-wheel training apply to a first P endorsement.
S	School bus	ELDT theory and behind-the-wheel training apply to a first S endorsement.
N	Tank vehicle	State testing applies. It is not one of the federal ELDT endorsement curricula.
T	Double or triple trailers	State testing applies. It is not one of the federal ELDT endorsement curricula.

Verify the Rule Where You Live

Federal rules establish the CDL framework, but your state licensing agency handles applications and testing. Start with the FMCSA CDL overview, then follow the link to your state agency.

CDL Class and Endorsement Questions

Is a CDL a Certification?

A commercial driver’s license is a state-issued driver license, not a voluntary professional certification. The license class follows the commercial vehicle, and endorsements authorize certain passengers, loads, or vehicle uses.

Which CDL Endorsements Require Entry-Level Driver Training?

Federal ELDT requirements apply to a first hazardous materials (H), passenger (P), or school bus (S) endorsement. H requires the applicable theory curriculum. P and S require applicable theory and behind-the-wheel curricula.

Who Issues a CDL and Its Endorsements?

A state driver licensing agency issues the CDL and endorsement after the applicant meets federal and state requirements. Use the current CDL manual and application instructions from the state where you are licensed.