Class B CDL licenses let you drive certain large vehicles that don't require a Class A

A Class B Commercial Driver's License covers vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, but only if the vehicle doesn't tow a trailer weighing more than 10,000 pounds. The most common Class B vehicles are city buses, delivery trucks, dump trucks, and box trucks. You need a Class B CDL if your employer requires one or if you're driving for compensation — not if you're driving the same vehicle for personal use.

The requirements differ by state, but the federal baseline is the same everywhere: you must pass a written knowledge test, a skills test, and a medical examination. You'll also need to hold a valid regular driver's license and meet age requirements, which vary by state and by whether you're driving intrastate (within your state) or interstate (across state lines).

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a valid regular driver's license before you can get a Class B CDL, and most states require you to be at least 18 for intrastate driving and 21 for interstate.
  • The written test covers vehicle inspection, safe driving practices, and air brakes if your vehicle has them; you study the CDL manual provided by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.
  • The skills test includes a pre-trip inspection, a basic control test (backing, turning, parking), and a road test with an examiner in the vehicle.
  • You must pass a Department of Transportation medical examination and receive a Medical Examiner's Certificate before you can take the skills test.
  • Processing time from process to license varies by state but typically takes four to eight weeks once all documents are submitted.

Age and licensing requirements that vary by state

Most states allow you to obtain a Class B CDL at age 18 if you're driving only within your state. If you plan to drive across state lines, federal law requires you to be at least 21. Some states have additional restrictions — for example, drivers under 21 may be prohibited from carrying certain hazardous materials or may face restrictions on the hours they can drive.

You must already hold a valid regular driver's license (Class D or equivalent in your state) before you can even explore for a CDL. Some states require you to hold that license for a minimum period, often 30 days, before you're allowed to test for the commercial license. Check your state's DMV website for the exact age and holding period rules.

The written knowledge test and what it covers

The written test for a Class B CDL is administered by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and typically consists of 50 questions. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. The test covers vehicle inspection, braking systems, safe driving practices, and cargo handling. If your vehicle has air brakes, you'll face additional questions on that system — and if you fail the air brake portion, you'll receive a restriction on your license that limits you to vehicles with hydraulic brakes only.

Your state's CDL manual is the official study material. It's free and available on your state DMV website or in print at your local DMV office. Most people study for two to four weeks before testing. You can take the written test as many times as needed, though some states charge a fee each time and may require you to wait a set number of days between attempts.

The skills test: pre-trip inspection, basic control, and road test

The skills test has three parts, all administered on the same day by a state-certified examiner. The pre-trip inspection requires you to walk around the vehicle and identify key components — lights, tires, mirrors, coupling devices, brakes — and explain what you're checking and why. You don't need to take anything apart; the examiner is listening to your knowledge, not watching you perform repairs.

The basic control test takes place in a closed course or parking lot. You'll back the vehicle in a straight line, back into a 90-degree alley, perform a 180-degree turn, and park the vehicle. The examiner is watching for smooth control, proper mirror use, and safety awareness. Hitting cones or curbs, rolling backward unintentionally, or taking more than a set number of attempts at any maneuver results in failure.

The road test

The Department of Transportation medical examination

Before you can take the skills test, you must pass a medical examination performed by a DOT-certified medical examiner. This is not your regular doctor — it must be someone on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, which you can search on the FMCSA website. The exam checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general health. You'll also be asked about any medications you take and any medical conditions you have.

If you pass, the examiner issues a Medical Examiner's Certificate valid for two years. You must carry this certificate with you while driving and renew it before it expires. If you fail, the examiner will tell you what condition needs to be addressed. Some conditions disqualify you permanently; others can be resolved with treatment or a specialist's clearance. The exam typically costs $100 to $150 out of pocket.

Endorsements and restrictions that affect what you can drive

A basic Class B CDL allows you to drive most large trucks and buses. However, certain vehicle types or cargo require additional endorsements. A Passenger (P) endorsement is required if you drive a bus carrying 16 or more people. A Tank (T) endorsement is required for vehicles carrying liquids in bulk. A Hazmat (H) endorsement is required for vehicles carrying hazardous materials. Each endorsement requires passing an additional written test.

Restrictions are limitations placed on your license. The most common is the air brake restriction (noted as "L"), which means you can only drive vehicles with hydraulic brakes. If you fail the air brake portion of the written test, this restriction is automatic. Other restrictions may explore based on medical conditions or the type of vehicle you tested in.

Timeline and costs from process to license

The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks, though it can be faster or slower depending on your state and how quickly you schedule your tests. The written test can usually be scheduled within days of explore. The skills test often has a longer wait — some states have backlogs of several weeks. Once you pass both tests, the license is usually issued within one to two weeks.

Costs vary by state. The written test fee ranges from $10 to $50. The skills test fee ranges from $50 to $200. The medical examination costs $100 to $150. The CDL license itself costs $50 to $150 depending on your state and how long you want it valid. Some states charge additional fees for endorsements or for replacing a lost license. Budget $300 to $500 total for the entire process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test before I have my medical certificate?

Most states allow you to take the written test without the medical certificate, but you cannot take the skills test until you have passed the medical examination and received your Medical Examiner's Certificate. Some states require the medical certificate before you even explore for the CDL permit.

What happens if I fail the skills test?

You can retake the skills test. Most states allow you to retake it when ready or within a few days, though some charge a fee for each attempt. You do not need to retake the written test unless your state requires you to renew your permit after a certain period of time.

Do I need a Class B CDL if I drive a large truck for my own business?

It depends on whether you're driving for compensation. If you own the truck and use it for your own business, you need a CDL. If you own a large truck and use it only for personal use, you do not. Check your state's specific rules, as some states have exceptions for certain types of farming or construction work.

Can I get a Class B CDL if I have a medical condition?

Many medical conditions don't disqualify you, but some do. The medical examiner will determine whether your condition meets DOT standards. If you're denied, you can request a second opinion from another DOT-certified examiner or ask about obtaining a waiver or special certificate from your state.

How long is a Class B CDL valid?

Most states issue CDLs valid for four to eight years, depending on your age and state law. Your medical certificate must be renewed every two years, and you must carry it with you while driving. If your medical certificate expires, your CDL remains valid but you cannot legally drive a commercial vehicle until you renew it.