Class B jobs are positions that require a commercial driver's license (CDL) but not the highest level of truck or bus operation

A Class B CDL lets you drive certain commercial vehicles that are heavier or larger than a regular passenger car, but smaller or less complex than the vehicles Class A drivers operate. The exact vehicles you can drive depend on your state, but Class B typically covers delivery trucks, dump trucks, cement mixers, school buses, and transit buses — vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds, or buses designed to carry 16 or more passengers.

Class B is the middle tier of commercial licensing. Class C is a regular driver's license for personal vehicles. Class A is for the largest trucks and tractor-trailers. If you want to drive a delivery van for a package company, operate a small dump truck, or drive a city bus, Class B is what you need. The job market for Class B drivers is steady — municipalities, delivery services, waste management, and construction companies all hire them regularly.

Key Takeaways

  • Class B CDL jobs include delivery trucks, school buses, dump trucks, and transit buses — vehicles between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds GVWR or buses carrying 16+ passengers.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test, a skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic control, and road test), and a medical examination to get a Class B license.
  • Class B jobs typically pay between $35,000 and $55,000 per year depending on employer, location, and experience, though some specialized roles pay more.
  • Most employers require a clean driving record, a background check, and sometimes a commercial driver training course before hire.
  • Class B is easier to obtain than Class A but requires more training and testing than a standard driver's license.

What vehicles you can legally drive with a Class B license

The vehicles available to Class B drivers vary slightly by state, but federal guidelines set the baseline. You can drive any single vehicle with a GVWR of 10,001 to 26,000 pounds. You can also drive any bus designed to carry 16 or more passengers, regardless of weight. You cannot tow a trailer heavier than 10,000 pounds with a Class B license in most states — that restriction moves you into Class A territory.

Common Class B vehicles include city transit buses, school buses, delivery trucks (like those used by package services), dump trucks, cement mixers, and box trucks used by moving companies or retailers. Some states allow Class B drivers to operate certain RVs or motorhomes within the weight range. The key is that the vehicle itself — not a combination of vehicle plus trailer — must fall within the Class B weight or passenger limits.

If you are unsure whether a specific vehicle requires Class B or Class A, your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website lists the exact classifications. Some employers also provide this information during hiring, since they know which license class their fleet requires.

Steps to obtain a Class B commercial driver's license

Getting a Class B CDL involves three main stages: written knowledge test, skills test, and medical certification. The process typically takes two to four weeks from start to finish, though it can be faster if you schedule tests quickly.

Step 1: Get your commercial learner's permit (CLP). Visit your state DMV with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. Pay the permit fee (usually $20 to $50). Pass a written knowledge test covering commercial vehicle operation, air brakes, and safe driving practices. You will receive your CLP, which allows you to practice driving a commercial vehicle with a licensed supervisor in the passenger seat.

Step 2: Schedule and pass a medical examination. Visit a certified medical examiner (your DMV can provide a list). The exam checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general health. The examiner issues a Medical Certificate if you pass. This certificate is valid for two years and is required before you can take your skills test.

Step 3: Take a commercial driver training course (optional but recommended). Many employers require this, and it significantly improves your chances of passing the skills test on your first attempt. Courses run three to five days and cost $500 to $2,000. They cover vehicle inspection, safe operation, and test-taking strategy.

Step 4: Schedule and pass the skills test. This test has three parts: a pre-trip vehicle inspection (you walk around the vehicle and point out safety features), a basic control test (you maneuver the vehicle in a closed course), and a road test (you drive on public roads with an examiner). Each part must be passed. If you fail any section, you can retake it, but you must pay the test fee again.

Step 5: Get your Class B CDL. Once you pass all three skills test sections, return to the DMV with your passing score, your Medical Certificate, and your CLP. Pay the CDL fee (usually $50 to $150). Your new Class B license will be issued, valid for four to eight years depending on your state.

Common Class B job titles and typical pay ranges

Class B drivers work across several industries, and pay varies by employer size, location, and experience. Entry-level positions typically start at $30,000 to $40,000 per year. Experienced drivers with clean records and specialized skills can earn $45,000 to $60,000 or more annually.

Transit bus driver: Operates city buses on fixed routes. Pay is often set by union contracts in larger cities, ranging from $40,000 to $65,000 per year, plus benefits. Smaller cities and private transit companies may pay less.

School bus driver: Transports students on regular routes. Pay typically ranges from $28,000 to $45,000 per year, depending on district and experience. Many districts offer benefits and pension plans. Hours are often part-time or seasonal.

Delivery driver: Operates box trucks or delivery vans for package services, furniture companies, or retailers. Pay ranges from $35,000 to $55,000 per year, often with mileage bonuses or performance incentives.

Dump truck operator: Hauls and deposits materials for construction or waste management. Pay typically ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 per year, with seasonal variation depending on construction activity.

Cement mixer operator: Operates specialized trucks that mix and pour concrete. Pay ranges from $40,000 to $65,000 per year, often with overtime opportunities.

What employers look for when hiring Class B drivers

Most employers require a valid Class B CDL before you explore, though some will hire you if you have your CLP and commit to obtaining the full license within a set timeframe. Beyond the license, employers check your driving record, criminal background, and employment history.

A clean driving record is essential. Most employers will not hire you if you have serious violations (reckless driving, DUI, at-fault accidents) within the past three to seven years. Some employers are more lenient than others — smaller companies or those with driver shortages may overlook minor violations, but large transit agencies and package delivery companies typically have strict standards.

You will also need to pass a drug and alcohol test, a background check, and often a medical examination (separate from your DMV medical). Some employers require a commercial driver training certificate or proof of prior driving experience. A few specialized roles — such as armored truck driver or hazmat delivery — require additional endorsements on your CDL.

Class B versus Class A: when you need the higher license

Class A is required if you want to drive tractor-trailers, large tanker trucks, or any combination of vehicles where the trailer weighs more than 10,000 pounds. Class A drivers earn more on average — typically $45,000 to $75,000 per year — but the licensing process is longer and more demanding. Class A requires the same written and medical tests as Class B, but the skills test is more rigorous because the vehicles are larger and harder to control.

If you are starting out and unsure whether you want a long-haul trucking career, Class B is a practical entry point. You can work as a delivery driver or bus operator, build experience, and decide later whether to pursue Class A. Many Class B drivers do eventually upgrade to Class A, especially if they want higher pay or more job variety.

Class B is also sufficient if your job involves only local or regional driving. Delivery routes, school bus runs, and city transit are all Class B work. You only need Class A if your employer requires it or if you want access to those higher-paying long-haul positions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Class B license if I have a DUI on my record?

It depends on how recent the DUI is and your state's rules. Most states allow you to obtain a CDL if the DUI was more than five to ten years ago, but some are stricter. Contact your state DMV to ask about your specific situation. Even if you can get the license, many employers will not hire you if the DUI is recent.

How long does it take to get a Class B CDL from start to finish?

The process typically takes two to four weeks if you schedule tests quickly and pass on your first attempt. Getting your CLP takes one day. The medical exam takes a few days to schedule. The skills test can be scheduled within one to three weeks depending on your state's DMV workload. If you fail any part of the skills test, add another week or two for retesting.

Do I need to take a commercial driver training course to get my Class B license?

No, it is not required by law. You can study on your own, take the written test, get your medical certificate, and take the skills test without formal training. However, most people who take a training course pass the skills test on their first attempt, while self-taught drivers often need multiple attempts. Many employers also prefer or require training certificates.

What is the difference between Class B and a regular driver's license for driving a large van?

A regular license (Class C or D) is for vehicles under 10,001 pounds GVWR. If the van weighs more than that, you legally need a Class B CDL. Some rental companies let you rent large vans with a regular license, but that is not legal for commercial use. If you are driving for work — even part-time — and the vehicle exceeds 10,001 pounds, you need Class B.

Can I drive a school bus with a Class B license?

Yes, if the bus is designed to carry 16 or more passengers. Most school buses fall into this category. Some states also require a School Bus Endorsement (an additional test) on top of your Class B CDL, so check your state's requirements. A few states allow Class C drivers to operate school buses under certain conditions, but Class B is the standard requirement.