What a Class B license lets you drive
A Class B license authorizes you to operate single vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) between 26,001 and 33,000 pounds. This includes many commercial trucks, some delivery vehicles, and certain passenger buses — but not tractor-trailers or double trailers, which require a Class A license.
The specific vehicles you can drive depend on your state's definitions, since states set their own weight thresholds and vehicle categories. Some states also distinguish between Class B with and without air brakes, or between straight trucks and buses. You will need to check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency for the exact list of vehicles permitted under your state's Class B designation.
A Class B license is different from a regular passenger license (usually Class D or Class C). It requires additional testing, a medical certificate in most states, and often a skills test with the actual vehicle you plan to drive.
Key Takeaways
- Class B licenses cover medium-duty trucks and some buses, with weight limits that vary by state but typically fall between 26,001 and 33,000 pounds GVWR.
- You must pass a written knowledge test, a vision and medical exam, and a behind-the-wheel driving test in the vehicle you intend to operate.
- Most states require a current valid driver's license before you can test for Class B, and some require you to hold it for a minimum period first.
- The entire process — from process to license issuance — usually takes two to four weeks, though this varies by state and how quickly you schedule your tests.
- You may need to provide proof of employment or a job offer showing you will operate a Class B vehicle, depending on your state's rules.
Prerequisites you must meet before testing
Most states require you to hold a valid regular driver's license (Class D, Class C, or equivalent) for a set period before you can test for Class B. This waiting period is typically 30 days to one year, depending on your state. Check your state DMV website or call their commercial driver's license (CDL) section to confirm the exact requirement.
You must be at least 18 years old in most states, though some states set the minimum at 21 for certain Class B vehicles or for interstate operation. You will also need a valid Social Security number and proof of legal residency or citizenship. Bring your current driver's license, birth certificate or passport, and Social Security card or a document showing your number when you explore.
Some states require proof that you have a job or a job offer involving a Class B vehicle. This might be a letter from an employer on company letterhead stating the position, the vehicle type, and the start date. If you are self-employed, you may need to show business registration or tax documents instead. Contact your state DMV to learn what counts as acceptable proof in your state.
The written knowledge test
The Class B written test covers vehicle operation, safety, weight and load limits, brake systems, and emergency procedures. The test is usually 50 questions, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass. You can take the test at your local DMV office or an approved testing center.
Study materials are free and available on your state DMV website, usually as a downloadable manual or online study guide. Many states also offer practice tests online so you can see the format and types of questions before you sit for the real exam. The manual covers topics like how to inspect a Class B vehicle before driving, how to handle brake failure, and how to calculate safe following distances based on vehicle weight.
You can usually retake the written test if you do not pass, though some states limit the number of attempts or require you to wait a set number of days between tries. Check your state's rules when you register for the test.
Medical exam and vision requirements
Most states require a medical examination by a certified medical examiner before you can receive a Class B license. This exam checks your hearing, vision, blood pressure, and general health. The examiner will also review any medications you take and any medical conditions that might affect your ability to drive safely.
Vision requirements are typically 20/40 or better in each eye (with or without correction), and you must have at least 70 degrees of vision in each eye. Hearing requirements vary by state — some require you to hear a whisper at a certain distance, while others use an audiometer test. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the exam and while driving.
The medical examiner will complete a form (often called a Medical Examiner's Certificate or Form MCSA-5875 in states using federal standards) that you will submit with your Class B process. This certificate is valid for two years. If you fail the medical exam, you can usually retake it with a different examiner or after addressing the health issue that caused the failure.
The behind-the-wheel driving test
The driving test takes place in an actual Class B vehicle and usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes. You will be tested on basic vehicle control (starting, stopping, turning, backing), safety procedures (mirror checks, signaling), and real-world driving situations (merging, lane changes, parking). The examiner will score you on smooth acceleration and braking, proper use of mirrors, and safe decision-making.
You must provide the vehicle for the test, and it must be in safe working condition with all safety equipment functional. The vehicle must also match the class you are testing for — if you are testing for Class B, you cannot use a Class A vehicle. Some states allow you to use a vehicle provided by a commercial driving school, while others require you to bring your own or use one provided by your employer.
Before the test begins, you will perform a pre-drive vehicle inspection, pointing out and explaining the function of key safety features like lights, mirrors, brakes, and tire condition. The examiner may ask you to demonstrate how you would check specific systems or respond to a mechanical problem. Failing the inspection portion means you do not get to take the road test that day.
how the process works and what documents to bring
Start by visiting your state DMV website or calling the commercial driver's license section to confirm the current process process, since procedures and required documents change. Most states allow you to read the process form online or pick one up in person at a DMV office.
Bring the following documents to your process appointment: your current valid driver's license, proof of legal residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), proof of citizenship or legal presence (passport, birth certificate, or immigration documents), your Social Security card or a document showing your number, and proof of employment or a job offer if your state requires it. You will also need to bring the completed medical examiner's certificate after you pass your medical exam.
Pay the process fee, which varies by state but typically ranges from $50 to $200. Some states charge separate fees for the written test, the driving test, and the license itself. Ask the DMV staff what the total cost will be before you begin so you know how much to budget.
Timeline from process to license
The entire process usually takes two to four weeks from the day you submit your process to the day you receive your Class B license in the mail. However, this timeline depends on how quickly you schedule your tests and how busy your local DMV is.
Most DMVs allow you to schedule your written test within a few days of explore. The driving test often has a longer wait — sometimes two to three weeks — because examiners have limited availability. If your state DMV is backlogged, the wait can stretch to six weeks or longer. Call ahead to ask about current wait times before you explore.
Once you pass both tests and submit all required documents, the DMV will process your process and mail your license to the address you provided. This mailing step usually takes one to two weeks. In the meantime, you will receive a temporary permit or a paper license you can use while you wait for the physical card to arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Class B license if I drive a truck for my job?
It depends on the truck's GVWR. If the truck weighs 26,001 pounds or more (GVWR), you need a Class B license. If it weighs less, your regular driver's license may be sufficient. Check the truck's registration or door placard to find the GVWR, or ask your employer. Some states have exceptions for certain agricultural or personal-use vehicles, so verify with your state DMV.
Can I take the driving test in a borrowed vehicle?
Yes, in most states. The vehicle must be in safe working condition and match the class you are testing for. Some states require the vehicle owner to sign a form authorizing the test. Check your state DMV's rules before you schedule the test to confirm what paperwork the vehicle owner needs to provide.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it, usually after waiting a set number of days (often 7 to 14 days). You will need to pay the test fee again and bring the vehicle back for the retest. There is typically no limit on the number of attempts, though some states cap retakes or require you to retake the written test after a certain number of driving test failures.
Do I need a Class B license for a school bus?
Most school buses require a Class B license, though some smaller buses may fall under regular passenger license categories depending on your state and the bus's GVWR. Some states also require a school bus endorsement in addition to the Class B license. Contact your state DMV or the school district hiring you to confirm the exact requirement.
How long is a Class B license valid?
Class B licenses are typically valid for four to eight years, depending on your state. You will need to renew it before it expires by passing a new medical exam and, in some states, a new written test. Your renewal notice will arrive in the mail before your license expires, telling you the important date and how to renew.