1. Class of Driver’s License

2. Driver’s License Class The class of driver’s license needed to operate a vehicle is determined by the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Combination Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of a combination of vehicles. The GVWR can normally be found on the door frame of a towing unit and the manufacture plate of a trailer.

6. Driver’s License Classes Class A driver’s license allows the operation of vehicles with a combined gross vehicle weight rating over 26,000 pounds and includes a trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating of at least 10,001 pounds or more.

10. Class B Class B allows the operation of a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 26,000 pounds. This vehicle may also tow a trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 10,000 pounds. Note that the towing vehicle will have a GVWR of over 26,000 pounds.

13. Class C Class C driver’s license allows the operation of vehicles that are not commercial motor vehicles. These vehicles include vehicle combinations whose Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings collectively are less than 26,001 pounds. This license also allows the operation of Fire Trucks and Emergency Medical Trucks with gross vehicle weight ratings higher than 26,000 pounds in the performance of Fire and Rescue duties.

14. Commercial Driver’s License As of 1 APRIL 1992, no person shall drive a commercial motor vehicle without a Commercial Driver’s license in their possession. What is a commercial motor vehicle?

15. Commercial Motor Vehicle Class A: Combined GVWR of 26,001 or more and has as part of its combination a trailer with a GVWR 10,001 or more. Class B: A single unit vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more. This class also includes a towing vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds and a trailer with a GVWR of less than 10,001 pounds.

16. Commercial Motor Vehicle Class C: A Class C commercial vehicle includes a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver or, a vehicle transporting hazardous material in a quantity requiring placards as required by 49CFR part 172.

17. Farm Exceptions to CDL A farm vehicle that meets all of the following criteria are exempt from having a CDL license: 1.Is controlled and operated by the farmer or farm employee and is used EXCLUSIVELY for farm use. 2.Is used to transport farm supplies, products and machinery to and from the farm.

18. Farm CDL Exemptions 3. Is not used in a FOR-HIRE operation. 4. Is used within 150 miles from the farmers farm. Note: A medical card is required for articulated farm vehicles with a Combined GVWR over 26,000 pounds.

19. Other CDL Exemptions Armed service drivers operating vehicles owned by the Department of Defense or the National Guard in the pursuit of a military purpose. Fire and EMS service drivers operating vehicles for an emergency. Commercial vehicles used for personal use such as recreational vehicles.

20. Endorsements In addition to having the proper class of driver’s license, some types of vehicles require the operator to qualify for CDL endorsements. Hazardous material hauling vehicles, vehicles with tanks totaling 1000 gallons collectively, vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers, and vehicles pulling two CMV trailers.