Driving a commercial vehicle may mean you’ll need to get a CDL, or commercial driver’s license. These licenses are typically available through your state’s department of motor vehicles. Drivers must pass a written test, complete a vision test, submit a medical certificate and perform a series of driving maneuvers and skills in a driving examination. Commercial drivers must also get specialized endorsements for different types of commercial vehicles. Here are some common vehicles that require a CDL.
Bus
Anyone who is interested in driving a large bus, such as a city bus or a school bus, must get a CDL. Passenger safety is one of the key components. Drivers need to get a Class B CDL to be a bus driver. Additionally, if you want to drive a school bus, a separate S endorsement is also usually required. School systems usually conduct a background investigation before hiring school bus drivers. If you have a history of tickets or traffic incidents, it’s essential to talk to a traffic lawyer before going through with your application for a CDL.
Passenger Van
Another option for someone looking into getting a CDL is if you want to drive a passenger van. A passenger van typically transports at least 16 people, including the driver, but is not as large as a bus. Individuals who want to get a job as a passenger van driver, such as driving a shuttle bus for a college or a hotel, must earn a Class C CDL. This type of commercial driver’s license covers passenger vans of 16 or more riders. You may also need to get the P endorsement for passengers.
Tractor-Trailer
Driving a tractor-trailer may require another set of unique driving skills and awareness. To secure the required qualifications for driving a tractor-trailer, you’ll need to get a Class A commercial driver’s license. This class of license covers vehicles that weigh more than 26,001 pounds. If your assignment at work has you driving double or triple tractor-trailers, it’s necessary to also get the T endorsement, which is a separate written test on top of the other CDL requirements.
Delivery Truck
Companies that make deliveries by truck, such as appliance shops, electronics companies and furniture stores, also recruit commercial drivers. If you’re interested in driving these large trucks, you’ll need a Class B CDL. Delivery trucks are usually covered under the box truck category with this type of license. Be prepared to show off a clean driving record to your new employer. A traffic ticket attorney Los Angeles may help you deal with old tickets or other minor driving offenses on your record.
Livestock Carriers
It’s also required to have a CDL if you plan on driving a livestock carrier. Livestock carriers generally require a Class A CDL. Drivers transporting living animals, such as chickens, cows or pigs, must have a strong grasp on the safety rules of the road and must put the animals’ comfort and safety first.
Getting your CDL is a multi-step process that requires careful attention to the rules and standards and an understanding of the type of vehicle you’ll be driving. Having tickets in your past doesn’t necessarily mean you’re out of luck. Find out what to do if you have old traffic tickets from your past.
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