Know the vehicle
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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. |
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.
