The Different Kinds of Commercial Driver’s Licenses
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The Chicago, Illinois personal injury lawyers at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg recently created a helpful video discussing the various types of commercial driver’s licenses, their differences, and the responsibilities that come along with driving trucks and other large commercial vehicles. This video is intended to help all motorists understand what goes into being a commercial driver and where liability may lie in the event of a truck accident.
A commercial driver’s license gives a motorist certain privileges that other drivers do not have. However, by obtaining a commercial driver’s license, a motorist also takes on additional responsibilities—as does the driver’s employer.
Generally speaking, in order to lawfully operate a commercial vehicle or to transport heavy cargo, hazardous material or passengers, a driver must first possess the specialized knowledge necessary to do so safely. This is a prerequisite to obtaining a CDL. Other requirements to obtain a CDL include taking a CDL driving test, and some CDL holders must also pass a background check.
Responsibilities of CDL Holders
Obtaining a CDL confers many privileges but also carries certain responsibilities. For example, all CDL holders are required to perform a pre-trip inspection each time they get into their vehicle. A pre-trip inspection includes the following:
• Checking all the vehicle’s critical parts, fluid levels, brakes, tires and suspension system;
• Checking safety equipment, including onboard safety equipment and fuses;
• Checking the interior cab and controls; and
• Checking the hitch that connects the truck to the trailer (for Class A vehicles).
Types of Commercial Driver’s Licenses
There are three types, or classes, of CDLs, depending on the type of vehicle being operated and what is being transported.
Class A CDL – A Class A CDL is needed when driving “any combination of vehicles” that weigh more than 26,000 pounds. In this context, a combination of vehicles refers to a tractor (truck) with one or more units in tow, allowing for there to be a bend when the vehicle turns.
Class B CDL – A Class B CDL is required when operating a vehicle weighing more than 26,000 pounds, including a towed weight of 10,000 pounds or less.
Class C CDL – A Class C CDL covers both single and combination vehicles that do not fit into the other two categories. For example, a Class C CDL is needed to operate any vehicle designed to transport 15 passengers (including the driver). A Class C CDL is also required to transport any hazardous material, as defined by 49 U.S.C. § 5103. Similarly, an operator must obtain a Class C CDL to transport any material designated as a “selected agent or toxin” pursuant to 42 C.F.R. § 73.
CDL Endorsements
In addition to obtaining a CDL, drivers may need to also undergo additional training, referred to as an endorsement, when transporting specific types of cargo. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (“FMCSA”) created the following list of endorsements:
“T” Endorsement – Allows drivers to pull more than one trailer, up to three.
“P” Endorsement – Allows drivers to carry passengers, such as on a bus.
“N” Endorsement – Allows drivers to transport a closed tank, commonly used for agricultural and industrial applications.
“H” Endorsement – Allows drivers to transport hazardous materials.
“X” Endorsement – Allows drivers to transport both tanks and dangerous materials, such as for the transport of gasoline.
“S” Endorsement – Allows drivers to operate a school bus.
Types of CDL Learner’s Permits
Before a driver can get certain endorsements, they must first successfully obtain a learner’s permit. For example, a “P” endorsement learner’s permit allows a driver to operate a vehicle designed to carry passengers but restricts them from carrying anyone other than auditors or inspectors, test examiners, trainees, and the CDL license holder supervising the operator.
Similarly, an “S” endorsement learner’s permit is used when an operator is in the process of obtaining the ability to drive a school bus. Those holding an “S” endorsement learner’s permit are limited to carrying the same type of passengers as the “P” endorsement learner’s permit.
Those in the process of obtaining an “N” endorsement must start with a learner’s permit, as well, which allows them to only carry empty tanks.
CDL Restrictions
Some CDL holders are subject to certain restrictions, which may include the following:
“L” Restriction – Indicates that the driver has not yet demonstrated mastery of complete air brake systems.
“Z” Restriction – Indicates a driver tested in a vehicle equipped with an air-over hydraulic brake system, meaning they may not have operated a truck with a complete air brake system.
“E” Restriction – The driver passed the driving portion of the CDL test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission.
“O” Restriction – The driver took and passed the test for a Class A CDL but did not demonstrate the knowledge or ability to operate a fifth-wheel connection.
“M” Restriction – The driver took and passed the test for a Class A CDL but took their passenger or school bus endorsement exam in a Class B vehicle. Thus, the driver can only transport passengers in Class B or Class C vehicles.
“N” Restriction” – The driver obtained a Class B CDL, however, they took their passenger or school bus endorsement exam in a Class C vehicle. Thus, the driver can only transport passengers in a Class C vehicle.
“V” Restriction – The driver has a medical variance on file with the Department of Transportation.
Briskman Briskman & Greenberg is a respected personal injury law firm specializing in truck accident claims. For over 35 years, the truck accident lawyers at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg have been advocating on behalf of individuals and families who suffered as a result of others’ negligent actions, including truck drivers and their employers. Our lawyers are compassionate, dedicated advocates who can clearly explain your rights and effectively pursue a claim on your behalf to ensure you are fairly compensated for what you’ve been through. We offer free consultations to all truck accident victims and will not bill you for our services unless we can recover compensation on your behalf.
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