The commercial driving license of class C (CDL) which is sometimes referred to as a trucker's license, offers a wide range of vehicles. It is among the most flexible CDLs. It can be used for everything from buses and recreational vehicles to passenger vehicles and hazardous transportation vehicles.
You can drive straight trucks, box truck dump trucks, buses that can carry 16 or more passengers including the driver.Passenger Vehicles
New York drivers have a wide variety of driver's license classes to choose from. These classes cater to different requirements for driving and different types of vehicles. Whether you're looking to cruise down Broadway in your dad's 1986 Toyota Corolla or pilot a semi through the Adirondacks understanding what each class means 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 allows you to drive single vehicles with maximum GVWR of 26,001 pounds. You can also tow vehicles with the maximum trailer weight of 10,000 pounds. Drivers may add endorsements to a class C license to enhance their employment prospects. These endorsements may include passengers (P) tank (T) or hazardous materials (H). Adding these endorsements typically involves passing additional knowledge tests and specific tests for skills.
Passenger vehicles with a class C license for non-CDL are restricted to transporting up to 16 passengers, which includes the driver. Drivers are also required to limit the number of passengers younger than 18 that they transport, unless it is an immediate family member or someone who is 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 obtain a class C non-CDL permit, you must be at least 18 years old and pass a medical exam in order to be eligible for driving. You must also meet federal requirements if you are planning to drive on the interstate or transport dangerous materials.
For those looking to take the wheel of motorcycles and mopeds the class M driver's license is available. It is only available to junior drivers and only valid in the State of New York. Drivers who have a class M driver's license can only drive motorbikes and other two-wheeled motorized vehicles. New York teens are required to complete a training program and record their practice time before they can receive their class M license. The teen license also has restrictions such as not being able transport anyone older than 21 years old and not driving between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Combination Vehicles
If your job requires driving a combination vehicle, Class C is the appropriate license for you. This license permits you to drive vehicles with a gross mass of vehicle (GVWR) greater than 26,001 pounds, and trailers that weigh less than 10,000 pounds. This could include small delivery trucks, hazmat vehicles and passenger vans. You could also drive school buses, provided that you have the necessary endorsements and have passed the background checks and medical tests.
Many states have added rules and regulations for kartaxpresspoland drivers with this class of license. One requirement is to keep a logbook which shows the amount of time you've driven, and what type(s) you're driving with. Failing to keep this log book can result in fines, and possibly the possibility of a CDL suspension. You may need to obtain an oversized load permit in the event that your cargo exceeds certain limits.
To obtain a Class C License you must be 18 years of age. To move up to a higher-level CDL, you must pass the knowledge and skills tests for that category, and complete any required training or on-the-job experience. You must also be at least 21 to operate a vehicle across state lines, and to transport hazardous materials.
To qualify for a class C license, you must pass a medical test and undergo an background check that includes a criminal record search. You must also pass a drug test. Some states require that you complete driver's training classes or take part in trucking safety courses before issuing a CDL.
In addition to these requirements, there are additional restrictions you must satisfy to operate commercial vehicles with a class C license. Some of these restrictions are based on age as well as others based on the type of vehicle or passengers you're transporting. Certain states don't allow non-family members who are under the age of 21 to travel with you while others limit their number to one.
Some endorsements that you can add to your class C license are the P-passenger endorsement, the double or triple trailer endorsement for California and the H-hazardous materials endorsement. Adding these endorsements typically involves passing a second knowledge test and occasionally a special skills test.
Towing Vehicles
A category C+E license is the most comprehensive HGV license you can obtain which allows drivers to operate the widest range of large vehicles. This includes both single and double-trailer vehicles with the maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 8,250kg. This permits drivers to drive articulated vehicle like lorries, coaches and drawbar vehicles known as tipper or artic trucks.
Along with trucks and passenger cars drivers with the category C license are able to operate small commercial vehicles, such as vans, dump trucks, and straight or box trucks. If they have the necessary endorsements, they may also operate buses that can carry more than 16 people for hire, as well as vehicles that transport hazardous materials.
Tow truck operators are a different group of drivers who need a category C license. They typically operate tow trucks with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds and are able to tow other vehicles as long as the vehicle to be towed has a GVWR less than or equal to the tow truck.
If the tow vehicle is capacity of more than 26,001 pounds or the driver is planning to transport dangerous materials or passengers, they'll require an upper level CDL. There are two levels of tow truck operators licenses: level 1 and 2. Level 2 certification involves at minimum one year of experience as a driver of a tow truck and level 2 certification must be obtained to be able to operate tow trucks that are over 10,000 pounds in GVWR when they are not transporting or towing passengers in exchange for compensation.
Drivers who hold an a Category C license can also get an additional license called a T endorsement that allows them to drive double or triple-trailer vehicles. They must pass a written and practical test, as in addition to an assessment of their driving skills. It is an optional addition to the category C licence and certain employers only require their drivers to possess an T licence for specific jobs. Some drivers decide to get it to improve their chances in the field, and to demonstrate that they are able to operate a more complex vehicle.
Hazardous Materials
A Class C commercial driver's license is required if you want to operate a vehicle designed to transport more than 16 passengers including the driver. It also applies to vehicles that transport hazardous materials, or HazMat. This category includes trucks that have a tanks that are rated as passengers vans as well as smaller HAZMAT vehicles. The person who holds a class C CDL must have a tank endorsement, and he or she may be required to pass the hazard materials knowledge test.
A hazardous material is a chemical gas, explosive, or other substance that is classified as a hazardous substance in 49 CFR Part 172. It is defined as a substance that poses a significant risk to life, serious injury, severe damage to property, or a risk of danger or harm of health or safety for the environment or individuals, and is transported by a vehicle other then an aircraft, railcar, or vessel. A person who is a transporter of a hazardous substance in commerce includes any agency, department or instrumentality of the United States, a State, a political subdivision of an State or an Indian tribe which transports hazardous materials.
The DOT has established specific rules that govern the transportation of hazardous materials. These rules cover requirements for shipping labels, shipping papers, placards and other issues. Drivers who do not comply with these rules is liable for a DOT violation that could result in penalties and fines.
In order to be eligible for a commercial driver's license of class C you must meet the following prerequisites:
To obtain a Class-C commercial driver's license you must be 21 years old and have a clean driving record. You must be physically fit to drive the vehicle that you are planning to drive. This includes passing a medical exam and passing an examination for drugs. In some instances, you may need fingerprinting or background checks. You must also satisfy the basic requirements of DOT which include a classroom course as well as on-road training. Certain companies require their drivers to undergo specific hazardous material training which can be an additional cost on top of a class-C commercial driver's licence.
