Is working in the transport industry something you’d be interested in? Then you may need a Commercial Driver’s License or CDL. Only if your work requires it, of course.
If you want to become a commercial truck driver in California, you need to grasp the primary difference between CDL-A and CDL-B. We will describe the basics here; are you ready?
To begin, here are the CDL-A and CDL-B definitions:
Class A-CDL/ CDL-A
CDL-A drivers in California are permitted to operate any vehicle with a semi-trailer or trailer with two or more axles, according to federal regulations. They are the most permissive of all the commercial driver’s licenses. There are no restrictions on the number of cars you can tow as long as the towing vehicle’s GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is at least 10,000 pounds more than the GCWR of the towed vehicle.
Class B-CDL/ CDL-B
To drive a straight vehicle with a GVWR higher than 26,000 pounds, you’ll need a CDL-B. Vehicles carrying a trailer or another vehicle weighing less than 10,000 pounds are also permitted.
The simplest way to explain it is that you need a CDL to drive a commercial vehicle that weighs more than 26,000 pounds (not including trailers). Driving a commercial vehicle takes more than just a basic understanding of how to operate a vehicle.
A CDL-A is required if you are towing a commercial trailer weighing more than 10,000 pounds, which is the case for most commercial trailers. When it comes to tractor-trailers and semi-trailers, the CDL-A criteria are always met.
In most cases, a CDL-B is only required for smaller vehicles, such as a straight truck or a school bus.
We’ll now look at the advantages and disadvantages of getting a CDL-A versus a CDL-B, as well as some prevalent cars and occupations in each category.
Why Should I Earn a CDL-A?
Having a CDL-A commercial driver’s license is a requirement for operating the vehicles listed below. Training and skill are typically required to operate these heavy vehicles and trailers:
- Tractor-trailer combination vehicles
- Combinations of a truck and a trailer
- Trailers that tow two, three, or more vehicles
- Buses with a tractor-trailer attached
- Vehicles that transport lubricating oil and other lub
- Carriers of livestock
- Flatbeds
Heavy truck drivers, over the road (OTR) drivers, semi-truck drivers, and tractor-trailer operators are some of the most common jobs for CDL-A operators.
A CDL-A license holder is also permitted to drive any vehicle that requires a CDL-B license. As a result, you’ll be able to drive a wider range of commercial vehicles, which opens up more job options and raises your earning potential.
Why Should I Earn a CDL-B?
The following vehicles require a CDL-B commercial driver’s license:
- Flatbed tractors
- Trucks in crates (like delivery trucks)
- Extra-large motorcoaches (school, city, tourist)
- Dump trucks with trailers that are smaller than the trucks themselves
You may not need a CDL-A if your employment requires only one of these vehicles to be driven.
For people who prefer to work in a relatively limited geographic area (staying close to home), or if trucking is not a long-term career choice, obtaining a CDL-B may be perfect.
Which is better, Class A or Class B?
Class A-CDLs are known as the “universal” CDLs because they allow drivers to operate a wide range of commercial vehicles, including tractor-trailers and semi-trailers. Unlike a class A CDL, which allows the driver to operate a wide range of vehicles, a class B CDL is more restrictive. If it’s your first time getting a Commercial Driver’s License, then a Class A-CDL is your best option to begin with. However, depending on your needs, don’t forget to stay up to date on all details about the license you’re interested in.
Please contact us at Ticket Snipers if you have any questions about Class A or Class B-CDLs, and how to defend your vehicle against speeding citations. We are available 24/7 if you’d like to chat with one of our trained consultants about speeding ticket defense.