When starting your CDL journey, one of the first decisions you'll face is whether to pursue a Class A or Class B CDL. The right choice depends entirely on the vehicles you plan to drive and the jobs you're targeting.
CDL Class A: Combination Vehicles
Class A covers any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, when the towed unit exceeds 10,000 pounds.
Vehicles Requiring Class A
- Tractor-trailers (semis / 18-wheelers)
- Flatbed trucks with trailer
- Tanker trucks with trailer
- Livestock haulers
- Most double and triple trailer combinations
Class A Jobs and Salaries
- Long-haul OTR trucker: $55,000–$90,000+/year
- Flatbed driver: $60,000–$85,000/year
- Tanker driver: $65,000–$95,000/year
- Regional truck driver: $55,000–$75,000/year
Tests Required for Class A
- General Knowledge (required)
- Combination Vehicles (required for Class A)
- Air Brakes (required if vehicle has air brakes — nearly all Class A trucks do)
- Plus any endorsement tests for HazMat, Tanker, Doubles/Triples, etc.
CDL Class B: Straight Trucks
Class B covers single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less.
Vehicles Requiring Class B
- City transit buses and coach buses
- School buses (with S endorsement)
- Dump trucks
- Concrete mixer trucks
- Box trucks (straight trucks) over 26,000 lbs
- Delivery vehicles (heavy step vans, sprinter-style trucks)
Class B Jobs and Salaries
- Bus driver (transit/coach): $45,000–$70,000/year
- School bus driver: $35,000–$55,000/year
- Dump truck driver: $45,000–$65,000/year
- Delivery driver (heavy): $45,000–$65,000/year
Tests Required for Class B
- General Knowledge (required)
- Air Brakes (if vehicle has air brakes — buses and most heavy trucks do)
- Plus endorsement tests for Passenger (P), School Bus (S), or HazMat as needed
Class A vs Class B: Key Differences
| Feature | Class A | Class B |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle type | Combo (tractor + trailer) | Single straight truck |
| Training time | 4–8 weeks typical | 2–4 weeks typical |
| Extra tests | Combination Vehicles required | Not required |
| Can drive Class B? | Yes | Yes |
Which Should You Get?
If you're pursuing trucking or want maximum job flexibility, get a Class A. A Class A CDL also allows you to drive Class B vehicles, giving you the broadest range of opportunities.
If you specifically want to drive buses, dump trucks, or local delivery vehicles — and don't need to pull a trailer — a Class B is sufficient and often faster to obtain.