What is the difference between a Class A vs a Class B CDL? - Halvor Lines (2024)

To be a professional truck driver, you need a Class A or Class B Commercial Drivers License. You can go to truck driving school to earn either a Class A or Class B license, but first you should understand what’s the difference between a Class A and Class B CDL. Find out by watching this Class A vs Class B CDL video, or read on below.

What can I drive with a Class B CDL ?

Drivers with a Class B CDL can drive a truck or a truck/trailer with a maximum gross weight of up to 26,000 pounds. Tractors or vehicles being pulled cannot weigh more than 10,000 pounds (and that contributes to the total combined weight limit mentioned above).

Class B CDL drivers often drive school buses, delivery trucks, garbage trucks, and road work vehicles like cement mixers. Class B holders can also operate farm machinery, though many states do not require a Class B CDL for farm work.

How much can I earn with a Class B CDL?

The average annual salary for a driver with a Class B CDL is $67,671 in the U.S., according to the employment site Glassdoor. Top earners can take home more than $90,000 a year with a Class B license, while the national average for drivers on the low end of the scale is about $50,000. The range of salaries varies widely depending on the region or state where you live.

What can I drive with Class A CDL?

Drivers with a Class A CDL can drive trucks and trailers with a maximum gross weight of 80,000 pounds – far more than allowed with a Class B CDL. You also need a Class A CDL if they want to drive commercially outside of the state where you license is issued.

Class A licenses are required to drive semi-tractor trailers, often referred to as “semis” or “18-wheelers.” While most Class A license holders drive semis, this license also allows you to drive vehicles listed in the Class B CDL section above.

How much can I earn with a Class A CDL?

In the U.S., the average annual salary for drivers with a Class A CDL is currently $103,742 a year, according to the career site Indeed. Top Class A CDL drivers can earn more than $200,000 annually. On the low end of earnings, drivers with Class A CDLs average $51,444 a year.

Which is better – a Class A or Class B CDL?

That depends on what type of truck(s) you want to drive and the type of job you’re seeking. For example:

  • If you want to drive a school bus or a cement mixer, a Class B CDL is enough
  • If you want to drive a semi-truck or drive a commercial truck across state lines, you need a Class A CDL

Can I have both a Class A and a Class B CDL?

Good news – a Class A CDL covers everything in the Class B CDL category. So if you’ve been wondering if Class A covers Class B, the answer is yes.

If you have a Class B CDL and obtain a Class A CDL, the Class A license will replace your Class B.

So technically, you will never have both a Class A and a Class B, because a Class A license will cover everything in the Class B category.

Just remember, this doesn’t work in reverse – you can’t drive Class A with a Class B license.

Which class CDL is the best?

If you want to drive everything up to and including a semi-truck, a Class A CDL is definitely best for you. If you want to limit your options to the types of vehicles listed in the Class B CDL section above, then a Class B CDL could be the right choice for you. What class CDL is the best is up to you!

Do I need to go to a CDL school or training program to earn a CDL?

Yes. CDL training programs are required for both Class B and Class A licenses.

I want to drive a semi-truck. How do I find a good Class A CDL training school near me?

Wherever you live right now, we encourage you to check out our Halvor Gold paid CDL training program.

We cover the cost of lodging for trainees outside of our local training areas. We offer paid CDL training and paid OTR training as part of our federally recognized ELDT program.

If you live east of the Mississippi River, and you meet our training requirements, we’ve got a program for you. Apply for a good-paying truck driving job today!

What is the difference between a Class A vs a Class B CDL? - Halvor Lines (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between a Class A vs a Class B CDL? - Halvor Lines? ›

Drivers with a Class A CDL can drive trucks and trailers with a maximum gross weight of 80,000 pounds – far more than allowed with a Class B CDL. You also need a Class A CDL if they want to drive commercially outside of the state where you license is issued.

What is the difference between class A and class B? ›

A class A license is considered the “universal” CDL, providing the opportunity to drive multiple types of commercial trucks and tractor trailers. A class B license also allows operation of different types vehicles such as straight trucks and dump trucks, but it is more limiting than a class A CDL.

Can you make $100k in your first year trucking? ›

You can earn $100,000 or more a year as a truck driver. It generally takes a few years, and usually means that you have become a trainer or work as a team driver. Drivers who transition from company drivers to owner-operators often earn more than six figures annually.

What class of CDL is best? ›

Why Choose a Class A CDL? When deciding between a CDL A or CDL B, you want to weight your career options. Your Class A CDL will generally be able to garner you the highest wages of any type of truck driver. Most students who graduate with their Class A CDL will get into over-the-road (OTR) trucking.

What does class C mean? ›

A Class C commercial driver's license (CDL) is the type of driver's license needed to drive commercial motor vehicles or a combination of vehicles that don't meet the requirements for Class A or Class B licenses, including both intrastate and interstate transportation.

Is a Class B worth the money? ›

For travelers looking for a fuel-efficient RV for their trips, a Class B motorhome can be an ideal option. Since most models feature a fuel tank size of 25 to 35 gallons, you can rest easy knowing you'll have fewer trips to make to the gas station and more time to explore your destination.

Do UPS drivers really make 100K? ›

According to CNBC, full time workers at UPS at the end of the newly negotiated 5 year contract will earn 49 USD per hour and will make 170,000 USD per year with overhead and benefits. 49 USD per hour is roughly a little over 100K USD per year.

What is the hardest test with CDL? ›

The general consensus is that the road test is the hardest part of getting your commercial driver's license (CDL). However, that could depend on how much you study and practice or how you feel about taking written tests.

Which CDL is easiest to obtain? ›

While it's typically easier to get a Class B CDL, the earning potential for a Class A CDL is much higher. Class B drivers make around $44,200 each year, while Class A drivers often earn significantly more, depending on what they drive and where.

What's the highest CDL license? ›

Like most grading systems, the Class A License is considered the highest ranking of licensure and provides drivers with the opportunity to drive vehicles of all class levels. Allowing them to operate combination and single vehicles from Class A to Class C. Vehicle types requiring a Class A License include: Flatbeds.

Should I buy Class A or Class C? ›

If you're planning to travel full-time and stick to big campgrounds with paved spots, you might look at a Class A RV with its residential feel and ample storage. Maybe you want the whole family to visit a national park or two each summer. In which case, a shorter Class C might be the better option.

What is Class B or C? ›

What is the difference between a Class B RV and a Class C RV? A Class B is usually smaller and more fuel-efficient than a Class C. Because of its size and car-like characteristics, some consider a Class B easier to drive. A Class C offers more interior living space and more exterior storage.

Is Class A or Class C better? ›

Class A RVs have ample exterior storage, while shorter Class Cs have minimal. Larger Class C campers have a moderate amount of exterior storage for camp chairs and gear. Considering Class A vs. Class C, Class A motorhomes clearly win when it comes to living and storage space, but this all comes at a compromise.

Is Class A or Class D better? ›

Class A design is the least efficient but has the highest sound fidelity. Class B design is a little more efficient, but has a lot of distortion. Class AB design packs a punch with power efficiency and superb sound. Class D design offers the highest efficiency but isn't quite as high-fidelity.

Why are Class B more expensive? ›

Despite their smaller size, however, Class B motorhomes can come with a higher price tag due to the labor-intensive process of converting a van into a livable space. However, for those looking to save money and customize their RV, DIY options are available to build the perfect Class B motorhome to meet your needs.

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