CDL Class A vs Class B vs Class C
Updated October 27, 2026
Commercial driver’s licenses come in three classes, set by federal rules (49 CFR 383.91). The class you need depends on what you’ll drive. Here’s how they differ.
The three classes
| Class | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Class A | A combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, where the towed vehicle(s) have a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds |
| Class B | A single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or such a vehicle towing a vehicle of 10,000 pounds GVWR or less |
| Class C | A vehicle that is neither Class A nor Class B but is designed to carry 16 or more passengers including the driver, or is used to transport placarded hazardous materials |
Typical vehicles
| Class | Examples |
|---|---|
| Class A | Tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations, tanker combinations |
| Class B | Straight trucks, large buses, segmented buses, box trucks, dump trucks with small trailers |
| Class C | Small passenger vans and buses, small hazmat vehicles |
Moving down a class
A Class A driver may drive Class B and C vehicles, and a Class B driver may drive Class C vehicles, as long as they have the required endorsements (such as passenger or school bus).
Which tests you take
Everyone takes General Knowledge. Class A drivers also usually take Combination Vehicles and Air Brakes. Endorsements add their own tests. See the CDL permit test guide and CDL endorsements and restrictions. Your state’s CDL manual has its exact rules.
Pass your CDL permit test on the first try
- All 215 questions for General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles and Hazmat
- An explanation for every answer, from the CDL manual and federal rules
- Unlimited practice tests for each knowledge test, scored like the real one (80% to pass)