The difference between Class A and Class B licenses

A Class A license lets you drive the largest commercial trucks — typically those weighing 26,001 pounds or more. A Class B license lets you drive smaller commercial vehicles, usually between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds. The weight threshold that separates them is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, or GVWR, and it's printed on the truck itself.

Both are commercial driver's licenses (CDLs), which means they require more training and testing than a regular driver's license. The main reason for the split is safety: larger trucks need different handling skills and pose different risks on the road, so the law requires different training and testing for each.

If you hold a Class A license, you can legally drive any vehicle that a Class B license holder can drive. The reverse is not true — a Class B license does not let you drive a Class A truck.

Key Takeaways

  • Class A licenses cover trucks weighing 26,001 pounds or more; Class B covers trucks between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds, based on the vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
  • Both require a commercial driver's license (CDL), which demands written tests, a skills test, and a medical examination that a regular license does not.
  • A Class A license holder can drive any vehicle a Class B holder can drive, but not the reverse.
  • The specific weight ranges and endorsement rules vary slightly by state, so check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles for exact requirements.

What you can drive with a Class A license

With a Class A CDL, you can drive tractor-trailers (also called semi-trucks or 18-wheelers), tanker trucks carrying liquids, flatbed trucks, and most other heavy commercial vehicles. You can also drive any vehicle that requires a Class B license.

Class A licenses often come with endorsements — additional certifications that let you haul specific cargo or operate specific equipment. For example, a Hazmat endorsement lets you carry hazardous materials, and a Tanker endorsement lets you haul liquids in bulk. These endorsements require separate written tests and background checks.

What you can drive with a Class B license

With a Class B CDL, you can drive straight trucks (trucks with the cargo area attached to the frame, not towed behind), buses, dump trucks, and other commercial vehicles in the 10,001 to 26,000 pound range. You cannot drive a tractor-trailer or any vehicle that requires a Class A license.

Class B licenses also support endorsements. A School Bus endorsement, for example, requires additional testing and a background check, and lets you drive a school bus. A Passenger endorsement lets you drive buses that carry people for hire.

How to get a Class A or Class B license

The process starts with a written knowledge test specific to your class. You study the Commercial Driver's License Manual (provided free by your state's DMV) and take the test at your local DMV office. The test covers vehicle operation, safety, and cargo handling rules.

Next is a skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection (you walk around the truck and point out safety features), a basic controls test (you maneuver the truck in a closed course), and a road test (you drive on public roads with an examiner). You must pass all three parts.

Before you test, you will need to pass a medical examination by a certified medical examiner. The examiner checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall fitness to operate a large vehicle. Your state's DMV can provide a list of certified examiners.

Training requirements and costs

Most states do not legally require formal training before you test for a CDL, but many people attend a truck driving school to prepare. Schools typically charge between $3,000 and $7,000 for a full course and take two to eight weeks, depending on the program. Some schools may provide job placement after graduation.

If you choose to study on your own, you will need to pay for the written test (usually $10 to $50), the skills test (usually $100 to $300), and the medical examination (usually $50 to $150). These fees vary by state.

Some employers, particularly large trucking companies, will pay for your training if you agree to work for them for a set period. This is called a tuition reimbursement program or a company-sponsored CDL program.

Restrictions and endorsements you should know about

A restriction is a limitation on what you can drive. For example, an automatic transmission restriction means you can only drive trucks with automatic transmissions, not manual ones. If you fail the skills test in a truck with an automatic transmission, you will receive this restriction on your license.

An endorsement is an add-on that expands what you can do. Common endorsements include Hazmat (hazardous materials), Tanker (bulk liquids), Doubles/Triples (multiple trailers), Passenger (people for hire), and School Bus. Each endorsement requires a separate written test and sometimes a background check or additional training.

Your state's DMV website lists all available endorsements and the requirements for each. Some endorsements can be added after you receive your license; others must be obtained at the same time.

How Class A and Class B differ from other license classes

Most states use a system of five or six license classes. Class C or D is a regular driver's license for personal vehicles. Class E or F covers medium-duty trucks or vehicles used for business but not classified as commercial. Class A and B are the commercial classes that require a CDL.

Some states also have a Class M for motorcycles, which is separate from the truck classes. A few states use different naming — for example, some call them Class 1 and Class 2 instead of A and B — but the weight thresholds and rules are similar across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive a Class A truck with a Class B license?

No. A Class B license is limited to vehicles under 26,001 pounds. Driving a heavier vehicle without the proper license is illegal and can result in fines, points on your record, and criminal charges in some states.

Do I need a CDL to drive a pickup truck for work?

Not always. If the pickup truck's GVWR is 26,000 pounds or less, you can drive it with a regular license. Check the truck's door jamb or registration for the GVWR. If it exceeds 26,000 pounds, you need a Class A or B CDL depending on whether you are towing a trailer.

How long does a CDL stay valid?

A CDL is typically valid for four or eight years, depending on your state. You will need to renew it before it expires, which usually involves passing a medical examination and a written test. Some states allow you to renew by mail or online if you have no violations.

What happens if I get a traffic ticket while driving a commercial vehicle?

Traffic violations on a CDL record are treated more seriously than on a regular license. Certain violations — like speeding 15 mph over the limit, reckless driving, or driving under the influence — can result in disqualification from holding a CDL for a set period, usually one to three years.

Can I get a Class A license if I have a medical condition?

It depends on the condition. The medical examiner will review your health history and current medications. Some conditions automatically disqualify you; others may be approved with documentation from your doctor. If you are unsure, contact a certified medical examiner before you explore.