The commercial driving license class C (CDL), which is often referred to as a trucker's license provides a variety of vehicles. From buses and recreational vehicles to passenger vans, as well as hazardous transport vehicles, this is one of the most versatile CDLs on the market.Straight trucks can be driven or box trucks, dump trucks and buses that carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
Passenger Vehicles
New York drivers have a wide variety of driver's license classes to pick from. These classes are designed to suit different driving styles and types. If you're planning to cruise down Broadway in dad and mom's 1986 Toyota Corolla or pilot a semi through the Adirondacks knowing the significance of each class is crucial.
The class C non CDL license is ideal for those who want to drive passenger cars such as sedans or station wagons. This permits you to drive single vehicles with capacity of up to 26,001 pounds. You may also tow vehicles with the maximum trailer weight of 10,000 pounds. Drivers can add endorsements on their class C license for more job opportunities. These additional endorsements can include passengers (P), tank (T) or hazardous materials (H). These endorsements are usually added by passing additional knowledge tests as well as specific skill tests.
Passenger vehicles with a class C license for non-CDL are restricted to transporting up to 16 passengers, including the driver. Drivers are also required to limit number of minors they transport to one, unless the passengers are immediate family members or are over 18. Teen drivers who have a driver's license class C and are under 18 must always have a parent present in the vehicle.
To be eligible for a non-CDL class C license, you must be at least 18 years old and pass a medical exam. Additionally you must satisfy federal requirements to drive on interstates or for hazardous materials transport.
A class M license is offered to those who want to ride motorcycles or mopeds. It is only available to junior drivers and is only valid within the State of New York. Class M drivers are only able to operate motorized two-wheeled vehicles. New York teens are required to complete a training program and log practice time before they can obtain their class M license. The teen license may be subject to restrictions, for example, the driver not transporting passengers who are under the age of 21 and not driving from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m.
Combination Vehicles
If you need to drive a combination vehicle for your job then Class C is the right choice for you. It allows you to operate vehicles that have a gross weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or greater with trailer(s) weighing 10,000 pounds or less. This includes small hazmat vehicles, delivery trucks and passenger vans. It also allows you to drive a school bus, in the event that you possess the necessary endorsements and passes the medical tests and background checks required for that kind of vehicle.
A number of states have additional rules and regulations that are applicable to drivers in this class, such as the requirement to keep the log book that details how many hours you've driven and the kind of cargo you're transporting. Failure to keep this log book may result in fines or the suspension of your CDL. You may need an oversized load permit in the event that your cargo exceeds certain limits.
To be eligible for a Class C License you must be 18 years old. To be able to upgrade to a higher-level CDL you must pass the knowledge and skill tests for that category and finish any required training or on-the-job experience. You must also be 21 years old to drive vehicles across state lines and transport hazardous materials.
You must pass a medical exam and undergo a background investigation that includes a criminal background check, to be eligible for the Class C license. Also, you must pass an examination for drugs. Some states may require you to take driver's education courses or participate in truck safety programs before they will issue a CDL.
There are other requirements that you must meet to be able to drive a vehicle with a class-C license. Some of these restrictions are age-based, while others are based on the type of vehicle or number of passengers you're carrying. For instance, certain states won't allow passengers who are not family members to travel who are younger than 21, and others limit the number of non-family passengers to the maximum of one.
Some endorsements that you can add to your class C license include the P-passenger endorsement as well as the T-double or triple trailer endorsement for California and the H-hazardous materials endorsement. Adding these endorsements typically involves passing an additional knowledge test, and sometimes an extra test for skills.
Towing Vehicles
A category C+E license is the most comprehensive HGV license that you can get that allows drivers to drive the widest range of large vehicles. This includes double-trailer and single-trailer vehicles that have a a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 8,250kg. This allows drivers to drive articulated vehicles like lorries, coaches and kartaxpresspoland the more basic drawbar vehicles, also known as tipper or artic trucks.
Along with passenger cars and trucks drivers with a category C licence can operate small commercial vehicles, such as dump trucks, vans, and straight or box trucks. If they have the appropriate endorsements, they may also drive buses that carry more than 16 people for hire, as well as vehicles that transport hazardous material.
Tow truck operators are a different category of drivers that require the category C license. They typically work with tow trucks that have a GVWR less than 26,001 pounds. They can tow other vehicles if the towed vehicle has a GVWR less than or equal to the tow truck.
If the tow vehicle is GVWR over 26,001 pounds, or the driver plans to transport hazardous materials or passengers, they'll require an additional level CDL. There are two levels for tow truck operators licenses that are level 1 and 2. Level 2 certification involves at minimum one year of experience as a tow truck driver and level 2 certification must be obtained in order to be able to operate tow trucks that are more than 10,000 pounds GVWR, when they aren't carrying passengers or towing them for compensation.
Drivers with an a Category C license can also apply for an additional licence called a T endorsement that allows them to drive triple or double-trailer vehicles. They must pass a separate written and practical test, as well as an assessment of driving. This is an additional requirement that can be added to a category C license. Certain employers require drivers to have the T licence only for specific jobs. Others choose to get it to enhance their chances in the industry and demonstrate that they are capable of operating a more sophisticated vehicle.
Hazardous Materials
A Class C commercial driver's license is required if you want to operate any vehicle that is designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver. HazMat vehicles are included in this category as well. This category includes trucks that have a rated tank, as well as passenger vans and smaller HAZMAT vehicles. The class C CDL holder must have an endorsement for tanks and may also have to pass a hazard materials knowledge test.
Hazardous materials refer to any explosive, chemical, gas or other substance that is classified as dangerous in 49 CFR Part 172. It is defined as a material that poses a significant risk to human life or injury, serious damage to property, or a risk of danger or harm to health or safety for persons or the environment, and is transported by any vehicle other than a railcar, aircraft, or vessel. Any agency, department, or instrumentality of the United States or a State that transports hazardous material is considered to be a carrier.
The DOT has established specific rules that apply to the transportation of hazardous materials. These rules establish the requirements for shipping papers, labels placards, and other related topics. Drivers who do not follow the rules could be accused of a DOT violation and face penalties and fines.
To be eligible for a Class C Commercial Driver's License, you must meet these conditions:
To obtain a Class C commercial driver's licence you must be at age 21 and have a solid driving record. You must also be physically fit enough to drive the vehicle that you are planning to drive. This involves taking a medical examination and passing a drug test. In some instances, you may need fingerprinting or a background check. You must also satisfy the DOT's basic training requirements which include a classroom course and on-road training. Some companies require their drivers to complete specific hazardous material training which can be an additional expense in addition to a class-C commercial driver's license.
