License guide
Class B CDL training
Class B CDL training is built for heavy single vehicles and certain smaller towing combinations. It can be the direct route for straight trucks, buses, and similar equipment, but the correct course has to match both the vehicle class and any passenger or school bus endorsement the job requires. The truck-driving career guide places that license decision in the full permit-to-employment process.
Edited by Taylor Rupe, Founder & Editor Last updated
When Class B is the right license class
Under the federal definition, Class B 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 one of those vehicles towing a unit whose rating or actual weight is 10,000 pounds or less, whichever is greater. The class can fit work in heavy straight trucks, dump trucks, large box trucks, and buses, depending on the vehicle and required endorsements.
Start with the vehicle used by the employer, not a job title alone. A bus role can require passenger training, school bus training, or both. A combination-vehicle role may point instead to Class A CDL training.
Class B, passenger, and school bus ELDT
Federal ELDT applies to a first Class B CDL and to first-time passenger, school bus, and hazardous materials endorsements, unless an exemption applies. Class B, passenger, and school bus curricula include theory and behind-the-wheel instruction. Hazardous materials ELDT is theory only.
Compare Class B CDL training by the exact license and endorsement path, then check the provider's federal training fields before enrolling. Our CDL class and endorsement comparison separates the vehicle class from the H, P, S, N, and T endorsements.
Vehicle class
Confirm that the provider is listed for full Class B theory and behind-the-wheel training.
Passenger
Needed for qualifying passenger vehicles. First-time applicants complete the applicable P curriculum.
School bus
School bus applicants generally need the S and P endorsements plus any separate state school bus requirements.
Published Class B program examples
The examples below come from official school or state program pages. They show different course scopes, so compare the credential column before comparing price. Then use the CDL school budget guide to account for permits, testing, travel, and other required costs.
| Provider | Published format | Published price | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Standard Trucking SchoolMilton, Washington | 80 hours over 3 weeks | $3,000 | Official school page |
| Commercial Driver SchoolLakewood, Washington | 110 hours over 3 weeks for Class B Bus | $4,245 tuition plus $1,377 in listed required fees | Washington Career Bridge program record |
| New Sound CDL SchoolFife, Washington | 2-week full-time Class B, with part-time options published | $4,175 | Official Class B page |
| GSF Truck & Bus Driving SchoolsLos Angeles and Sylmar, California | 160 hours for Complete Class B with passenger training | $5,895 in the 2026 catalog | 2026 official catalog |
Questions to Ask a Class B CDL School Before Enrolling
- Which exact TPR training types will the location report for you?
- Does the course include Class B only, or Class B with passenger and school bus training?
- What vehicle will you use for training and the skills test?
- How much range and public-road practice is available?
- Which tuition, school fees, permit costs, licensing charges, and retest fees are included?
- Who schedules the state skills test, and how soon are appointments available?
The broader school comparison question list also covers refund terms, class availability, and what happens when you need extra practice.
Find Class B training near you
Check each local listing for the exact Class B and endorsement training offered at that address.