Getting the Right Class C License
Know how a regular and CDL Class C are different. Many states use "Class C" to indicate you have a normal driver's license for noncommercial vehicles. Unfortunately, there is also a "Class C" for commercial driver's licenses (CDL) which can lead to confusion. Drivers of both licenses (regular and CDL) can operate the same vehicles, but unlike regular drivers, CDL drivers are authorized to operate vehicles with hazardous materials or more than 15 passengers. Other states use "Class D" (or something a different letter or number) for regular driver's licenses to help differentiate from the CDL Class C. If your state, on the other hand, uses "Class C" as the regular license, you may want to contact employers of driving jobs if by "Class C" (on the job description), they mean the regular "Class C" or the CDL Class C. If you would like to apply for a CDL Class C, read the Get a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) article. You must have a regular Class C license, be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and be at least 18 years of age (you must be 21 or older to transport hazardous materials or to operate in interstate commerce).
Put the definition into more practical terms. Class C can be a bit confusing, because it’s basically meant to cover larger vehicles that don’t fit into Class A (over 26,000 lbs. total GVWR, including at least 10,000 lbs. towing) or Class B (over 26,000 lbs. total GVWR, with no more than 10,000 lbs. towing). Practically speaking, though: Small passenger busses, small HAZMAT vehicles, and smaller trucks towing trailers generally fit Class C criteria. Full-size school or city busses, tractor-trailers, box trucks, and flatbed trucks usually don't fit Class C criteria because they weigh more than 26,000 pounds in GVWR which exceeds the maximum GVWR allowed for a Class C license.
Find the “Class C” equivalent in your state. Some states, including Connecticut, Kansas, Utah, and Virginia, have a Class C license that follows the general criteria very closely. Several others break the larger Class C down into smaller sub-categories, or simply use a different classification terminology altogether. Visit an informational site to get the basics for your state, then contact your state DMV directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Following the General Guidelines for a Class C Permit
Determine if you need to be at least 18 or 21 years old. In order to to get any type of CDL that permits you to drive across state lines in the U.S., federal code requires that you be at least 21. However, some states do offer CDLs for intrastate driving only, if you’re at least 18 years of age. If you’re over 21 and get the proper, valid CDL for your “Class C” driving needs in your state, this licensure will be valid even in states that have different “Class C” requirements.
Get a copy of the CDL manual for your state. These should be freely available at your local DMV office, and may be accessible online at your state’s DMV website. The CDL manual for your particular state will give you the most specific and up-to-date guidance for the process where you live. Some CDL test-prep or training websites offer to “sell” you a copy of your state’s CDL manual. However, you should be able to get one of these for free no matter which state you live in.
Fill out your state’s CDL application. Each state is responsible for developing its own application, so the particulars will vary based on where you live. However, expect to provide basic identification information, along with perhaps information on your driving history and any criminal history. Plan to pay an application fee as well. You’ll probably need to provide proof of identity and residency (e.g., copies of your Social Security Card, current driver’s license, passport, utility bills, etc.).
Provide a medical exam report and vision test. Again, the details will vary here by state, but you should expect to undergo both a physical exam and a vision exam as part of your application process. Because you’ll be licensed to carry precious (e.g., passengers) or dangerous (e.g., HAZMAT) cargo with a Class C CDL, you must demonstrate adequate physical health and eyesight for safety reasons.
Prepare for and take your state’s written CDL exam. Each state prepares its own written exams, so use your state’s CDL manual for guidance on the test’s format and content. Additionally, since you’ll probably be carrying either passengers or HAZMAT with a Class C license, see if you need to take additional written exams in order to get “endorsements” in one or both of these categories. Numerous websites will sell you test prep services and practice tests that are advertised as specific to your state’s CDL Class C exam. These can be very helpful, but look over your options carefully and ask for recommendations from other CDL drivers before forking over money for one of these programs.
Keep your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) for at least 14 days. Once you’ve passed your written test(s) and earned your CLP, the process for getting your permanent license will once again vary by where you live. However, federal code requires that you possess your CLP for at least two weeks before you can take any driving tests to earn your CDL. But don’t just sit around for two weeks. Instead, practice and prepare for your driving test! Testing anxiety is real. And it affects people in different settings, in the classroom and workplaces, and definitely on the driving exam. If you plan to sit for your driving exam, preview the testing area and instrument to prepare yourself. Practice with someone with whom you do not normally drive. You will have a mock experience of what it will feel like when the examiner gets in your car.
Going from a Permit to a Class C License
Complete any training programs that are required by your state. Once you’ve earned your permit (CLP), some states require that you take a specific type of training program in order to proceed toward your full license. These requirements might include classroom training, on-the-road training, or both. Check your state’s CDL manual for details. If you’ll be carrying passengers or HAZMAT, you may need to take training programs that are specific to these areas as well.
Get on-the-road practice alongside an experienced CDL driver. Whether it’s required by law where you live or not, your chances of passing your driving test will greatly improve if you get in the cab and practice under supervision. Work with a driver who has a valid Class C CDL, and ask lots of questions and take their instruction to heart. Some states may require that your supervising driver have a specific amount of experience, or be licensed very specifically (e.g., a HAZMAT or passenger endorsement). They may also need to keep track of and sign off on your practice sessions. Check your CDL manual for details, or contact your DMV.
Schedule a date and time for your driving test. Contact your DMV for information about when and where you can take your CDL Class C driving exam. Keep in mind that you need to bring a vehicle (that meets the Class C criteria in your state) to the test. So, if you need to borrow a vehicle from a friend or current/potential employer, set that up ahead of time as well.
Pass all three components of your Skills Test. Each state conducts its CDL licensing tests independently, but U.S. code does require that this “Skills Test” include three elements: a Vehicle Inspection Test, in which you demonstrate your knowledge of the vehicle type you’ll be driving. a Basic Controls Test, which covers the primary control mechanisms (steering, brakes, etc.) for the vehicle. a Road Test, in which you will drive the vehicle and be evaluated by a licensed inspector. There may also be specific passenger or HAZMAT tests as part of your Class C exam.
Pay the fee and drive away with your Class C CDL. Once you pass all elements of the Skills Test, you’ll be the proud owner of a Class C CDL (or its equivalent) in your state. Make sure all the information on your license is accurate, pay any required fees, and drive off into your new career!
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