CDL CLASSES

So you want to get your CDL?

It's a rewarding career

A CDL is a license to make money. Millions have went down this path and have had successful careers driving commercial vehicles, and so can you.

Before we begin, let's discuss the various CDL Classes and Endorsements and Restrictions involved in a CDL

There are three CDL Classes, A, B and C. Each of these classes are explained below.

The First step in completing Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is your theory course. Completing our courses will prepare you for the CDL Written permit tests.

Classroom

Online Classroom

Class A

A Class A CDL is a combination vehicle, where the total combination weight rating (GCWR) of the power unit AND trailer is 26,001 Lbs or greater, of which the trailer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is 10,001 lbs or greater.

Here are three examples of Class A Vehicles:

Class A with an O Restriction

These vehicles are a "restricted Class A" or a Class A with an O restriction. These vehicles utilize non tractors, but the main issue is that the coupling system is NOT a tractor trailer fifth wheel. If you test with a truck using a Gooseneck ball, a pintle hitch, or a non tractor-trailer fifth wheel. NONE of these vehicles will get you a full Class A. If you test in this vehicle and decide you need a full class A, you will have to repeat all of the elements of the skills test, just as if you had never taken your test before (NOT RECOMMENDED)

Class B

A Class B CDL is a single vehicle, with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs or greater, or a combination of the vehicle pulling a trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 lbs or LESS. These are examples of Class B vehicles. If you test in this vehicle and decide you need a Class A, you will have to repeat all of the elements of the skills test, just as if you had never taken your test before.

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Class C

A Class C CDL vehicle is designed to carry 16 or more persons to include the driver, or a vehicle carrying placarded hazardous materials, provided the GVWR of the vehicle is under 26,000 lbs. These are examples of Class C Vehicles.

A Class C Vehicle requires you to have either a Passenger or Hazmat Endorsement. In theory, for a Class C Hazmat you could come in a passenger car or truck and test. REMEMBER - You have to take the same pretrip in these small trucks as you do a large truck!

If you are taking the Hazmat Class C, you do not require a licensed driver to accompany you to the CDL Test.

CDL Endorsements

N - Tank Vehicles - Written Test only required to add

T - Doubles/Triples - Written Test only required to add

P - Passenger Vehicles - Written and Entire Skills Test required to add

S - School Bus - Written and Entire Skills Test required to add (even if you have the P endorsement already)

CDL Restrictions

E - Automatic Transmission Only; Road Test only required to remove

L - Hydraulic Brake Only; Full Road Test required to remove

O - No Tractor/Fifth Wheel; Full Test required to remove

K- Kentucky Only (Intrastate Only)

K Restriction

If you are under 21, or you certify KY Only, you cannot drive outside of KY. This includes training and testing. If you go out of state and test, KY will not honor your scores and you will still have to come back to KY to test.

Removing Restrictions

If you want to remove an automatic, air brake or No Tractor/Trailer restriction, you must have a permit to make a CDL Test appointment, so if you wish to remove a restriction, go to a KYTC Regional Drivers License office, and ask for a permit to remove a restriction. We have had many reports they don't understand the process, so understand the only way you can remove a restriction is with a permit. DO NOT LET THEM TELL YOU DIFFERENT! You must wait 14 days again as well before you test.