Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL) Certification: Overview of Programs
While certification programs to prepare drivers to obtain a Class B commercial driver license (CDL) aren't available, drivers can enroll in CDL training programs to get ready for the required licensing exam. These programs combine behind-the-wheel training with classroom instruction.
Class B CDL Description
A Class B CDL allows a driver to operate commercial trucks that have an attached cab and cargo area with a combined weight greater than 26,000 pounds, as well as trucks with a detached towed cargo vehicle that weighs less than 10,000 pounds. Examples of vehicles that drivers with a Class B CDL license may operate include tow trucks, dump trucks, delivery trucks and utility trucks. Drivers of certain special-purpose vehicles, such as school buses, commercial buses, certain farm vehicles and fire engines, may have to satisfy additional test requirements.
Minimum requirements for earning a CDL license have been established by the federal government. State requirements may vary but must be at least as strict as federal regulations. CDL testing may be conducted by the state or through an authorized school or training program.
Training Program Information
Class B CDL training programs are offered by vocational schools and community colleges to provide training in the skills and knowledge needed to pass the state CDL examination. Program length varies by school but may be completed in four weeks or less. During the first few days of training, students are taught applicable traffic and trucking laws from their state's CDL manual and federal safety regulations. Students may learn about federal rules that apply to truck and cargo transportation, and they may learn how to complete relevant paperwork associated with transporting freight.
Instruction then moves outdoors where students learn how to perform a pre-trip truck and freight inspection. Significant time is devoted to behind-the-wheel training. Drivers enrolled in CDL training practice their truck driving skills while accompanied by a driver that already holds a CDL. Skills covered include:
- Gear shifting and vehicle control
- Backing, parking and docking
- Loading and unloading
- Highway and city driving
- Defensive driving
Common Prerequisites
CDL training programs may require that applicants have a Class B CDL learner's permit, which usually requires a taking a test. Other requirements may include a minimum age of 18 (although 21 is also common), possession of a valid driver's license without infractions and completion of a medical and drug tests.
Related to Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL) Certification: Overview of Programs
- Related
- Recently Updated
- Popular
Hearse Driver: Job Description, Career Outlook and Salary
Driving a hearse may be an ideal job for those who seek a position requiring compassion and exceptional interpersonal...
Former Garbage Truck Driver Nominated for Prestigious Writing Prize
Recently shortlisted for the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction, 'Aliens in the Prime of Their Lives' offers a hard look...
Pile-Driver Operator: Job Outlook and Career Information for Becoming a Piledriver Operator
Every building needs a strong foundation. Pile-Driver Operators handle the machines that pound steel, concrete and...
How to Choose a Driving School
Whether you're a new teen driver an experienced driver looking to save money on auto insurance, choosing the right...
Commercial Truck Driver: Job Description, Duties and Requirements
- Become an Airport Limo Driver: Career Information and Requirements
- Bus Driver: Job Description, Duties and Requirements
- Salary and Career Info for a Limo Driver
- Top Ranked School for International Business - Chicago, IL
- Top Ranked School for a Degree in Human Resource Management - Irvine, CA
- Top Ranked School for Computer Information Systems - Colorado Springs, CO
- Top Ranked School for Operations Management Degrees - Jacksonville, FL
- Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Instructor: Career Info and Requirements
- Hazardous Waste Truck Driver: Job Description, Duties and Outlook
- Top Accounting and Financial Management Degree Programs - Denver, CO
- Top School for Earning a Teaching Degree - Bakersfield, CA
- Best Business Degree Programs - Arlington, VA
5 Popular Schools
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must have either two or more years of college or active military status if you are under 24 years of age
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- All programs require applicants to have graduated high school in 2008 or earlier
- Must be 22 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Bachelor
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Illinois (2 campuses)
Classroom-Based Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
- Currently not accepting applicants from Minnesota or Tennessee
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Bachelor
-
- BBA in Business Administration - Supply Chain and Logistics Management
-
Other Related Schools:
-
School locations:
- Montana (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at The University of Montana include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Transportation and Distribution
- Ground Transportation
- Heavy Equipment Operation
- Ground Transportation
-
School locations:
- North Dakota (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at North Dakota State University include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Transportation and Distribution
- Ground Transportation
Other Popular Schools:
-
Areas of study you may find at Iowa State University include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Agriculture
- Architecture
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at University of Michigan include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Legal
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at New England Institute of Technology include:
-
- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Medical and Health Professions
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
