Class B License

What is a Class B license? A class B license is one of three special class definitions that fall under the commercial driver’s license, commonly called the CDL. CDL class B gives drivers designation to drive trucks or other vehicles that weigh in at 26,001 pounds or more, or tow vehicles weighing less than 10,000 pounds. Vehicle weight is determined by an official gross vehicle weight rating, or GVWR and these weights limit vehicles to certain roads and insurance conditions within the United States.

Truck drivers interested in truck driving jobs that require a CDL B license can focus their CDL training on this particular vehicle class. This type of licensing affords drivers the ability to become city or tour bus drivers, giving them the tools to drive for a living at a decent rate, while working for an organization. This absolves the licensed driver from the responsibility of obtaining his own truck insurance, and having to pay for other vehicular costs. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the vehicle in question is properly insured and road-ready.

This might or might not suit you and your truck driving career goals, and there are numerous opinions about Class B driving on the Truckers Report trucking forum. A wide variety of personalities post opinions, so it’s a good way to feel out different types of driving jobs when you’re doing initial research. Answers to the question: what is a Class B license, is so important to the budding driver. He or she must determine if the CDL license classification is the best option for his or her career goals.

There are long-haul opportunities for CDL Class B drivers who desire to keep the rubber on the road. Tour bus driving is one possibility that keeps a CDL B driver behind the wheel for extended trips. There are various scenarios that could present job opportunities. Whether it’s a famous act in the midst of their summer tour, or a group of travelers wanting to take a trip to Las Vegas (enjoying the trip without the hassle of driving) being a tour bus driver might keep you on the road and give you a change of scenery on a daily basis. Keep in mind, however, if you’re under 21, you might not be able to get your Class B just yet – it depends on where you live.

Where you live will affect what the requirements are for obtaining and maintaining a class B CDL. For example, if you live in New York State and don’t mind shuttling screaming children to and from school every day, you’ll need to get your CDL to drive the school bus. If you make a living driving in California, you’ll need your CDL there, too, even if you’re only driving a car commercially. Those looking to make their living behind the wheel should ask not only what is a Class B license, but also what else do I need to perform my job duties legally where I live and throughout the nation?

The federal and individual state governments set the rules for all CDL licensure requirements. Therefore you must be properly licensed to drive a truck, bus or any other commercial vehicle anywhere in the USA. Whatever licensing level you achieve, you should be proud of the work you do. One thing is certain, all truck drivers, Class A, B or C are important. Without CDL drivers, we wouldn’t have the advanced transportation system that has made the United States of America as prosperous as it has become. Without skilled drivers, commuters and school children would have limited mobility and consequently limited opportunities. CDL training provides drivers with the knowledge they need to be successful haulers of needed good across the country. Truckers Report is the best place to answer the question: what is a Class B license? Simply put, it’s an important part of the United States’ transportation industry.

By Samuel Barradas.