The class C commercial driving license (CDL), which is often referred to as a trucker's license has a broad range of vehicle types. It is among the most flexible CDLs. It can be used for everything from buses and recreational vehicles to passenger vehicles and hazmat transportation vehicles.
With a class C license, you can operate straight trucks, box trucks, dump trucks, and buses that can carry 16 passengers or more including the driver.
Passenger Vehicles
New York drivers can choose from a variety of license classes. The classes are tailored to various needs for driving and the different kinds of vehicles. If you're planning to cruise down Broadway in dad and mom's 1986 Toyota Corolla or pilot a semi through the Adirondacks understanding what each class means is vital.
The class C non CDL license is ideal for those who want to drive passenger cars like sedans or station wagons. This allows the operation of single vehicles with a GVWR of up to 26,001 pounds. You can also tow vehicles with a maximum trailer weight of up to 10,000 pounds. Drivers can add endorsements to their class C licenses for greater employment opportunities. These endorsements could include passengers (P) tank (T) or hazardous materials (H). These endorsements are usually added by passing additional knowledge tests and specialized tests for skills.
Passenger vehicles with a class C license for non-CDL are restricted to carrying up to 16 passengers, which includes the driver. Drivers are also required to limit the number of passengers under 18 they transport in the event that it is not an immediate family member or someone over 18. Teen drivers under the age of 18 who have a class C license must have a parent or guardian in the vehicle at all times.
For a class C non-CDL license you must be at least 18 years old and pass a medical test in order to be eligible for driving. Additionally you must satisfy federal requirements to drive on interstates or for hazardous materials transport.
A class M license is available to those who wish to drive mopeds or motorcycles. It is only available to junior drivers and is only valid within the State of New York. Class M drivers are only able to drive motorcycles and motorized two-wheeled vehicles. New York teens must complete a training course and log hours of practice before they can obtain their class M license. The teen license also has restrictions such as not being able to transport any passengers older than 21 years old and not driving between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Combination VehiclesIf your job requires driving a combination vehicle, Class C is the right license for you. It allows you to operate vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more with trailer(s) weighing 10,000 pounds or less. This could include passenger vans as well as small hazmat vehicles, and some delivery trucks. It also lets you drive a school bus in the event that you possess the necessary endorsements and passes the medical tests and background checks required for that kind of vehicle.
There are a variety of states that have additional rules and regulations applicable to drivers with this license class, including the requirement that you keep the log book that details how many hours you've driven and the kind of cargo you're transporting. Failure to keep this log book can result in fines and even the possibility of a CDL suspension. You may need an oversized load permit if your cargo exceeds certain limits.
You must be at least 18 years old in order to get a Class C license. To be able to upgrade to a higher-level CDL you must pass the knowledge and skills tests for that category and finish any required training or on-the-job training. You must also be at least 21 years old to drive an automobile across state lines, and to transport hazardous materials.
You must pass a medical test and go through a background check, including a criminal history check, in order to be eligible for an official Class C license. You must also pass an examination for drugs. Certain states may require you to take driver's education or truck safety courses before they can issue a CDL.
In addition to these requirements, there are several other requirements you must meet in order to operate a commercial vehicle with a class C license. Some of these restrictions are age-based and others are dependent on the type of vehicle or passengers you're bringing. For example, some states do not permit passengers who are not family members to travel who are younger than 21, and others limit the number of non-family passengers to the maximum of one.
You can add endorsements to your California class C license, such as the P-passenger, T double or triple-trailer endorsements. These endorsements are typically added after passing a knowledge test, and occasionally a skills test.
Towing Vehicles
A category C+E license is the most complete HGV license you can obtain that allows drivers to drive the widest range of large vehicles. This includes double and single trailer vehicles with the maximum authorized mass (MAM) that can reach 8,250kg. This permits drivers to drive articulated vehicles like coaches, lorries and the more basic drawbar vehicles known as artic or tipper trucks.
As well as trucks and passenger cars drivers who have the category C license are able to operate small commercial vehicles such as vans, dump trucks, and straight or box trucks. They also have the ability to operate buses that carry 16 or more passengers for hire and vehicles that transport hazardous materials, provided they hold the required endorsements.
Tow truck operators are another category of drivers that require a category C licence. They typically use tow trucks with an GVWR that is less than 26,001 pounds. They can tow other vehicles if the vehicle being towed has a GVWR less than or equal to that of the tow truck.
If the tow vehicle has a GVWR over 26,001 pounds or the driver is planning to transport hazardous materials or passengers, they'll need to have a higher level CDL. There are two levels of tow truck operators licenses which are level 1 and 2. Level 2 certification requires at least one year of experience as the driver of a tow vehicle. This certification is required to operate vehicles that are greater than 10,000 pounds GVWR, regardless of whether they are not towing or carrying passengers in exchange for compensation.
Drivers with a category C license may also get an additional licence known as"T endorsement. "T endorsement" which permits them to drive a double or triple-trailer vehicles. They must take a written and practical test as well as an assessment of their driving abilities. This is an optional extra to the category C license, and certain employers only require their drivers to have a T licence for certain tasks. Other drivers choose to have it to expand their options in the workplace and prove that they are capable of operating an advanced vehicle.
Hazardous Materials
You'll require a Class C commercial license to operate any vehicle that can carry 16 passengers or more, including the driver. HazMat vehicles are included in this category as well. In addition to passenger vans and smaller HAZMAT vehicles, this category includes vehicles that are used for general freight transport, including trucks equipped with rated tanks. The class C CDL holder must have an endorsement for tanks and may also be required to pass a hazardous materials knowledge test.
Hazardous materials refer to any chemical, explosive gas or other material classified as hazardous in 49 CFR Part 172. It is defined as a substance that poses a serious threat to human life, serious injury, severe damage to property, or causes danger or harm of health, safety, or welfare for people or the environment, and is transported by any vehicle other than an aircraft, railcar or vessel. A person who is a holder of a hazardous substance in commerce includes any department, agency or instrumentality of the United States, a State, a political subdivision of a State or an Indian tribe that transports hazardous materials.
The DOT has established specific rules that apply to the transportation of hazardous materials. These rules cover the requirements for shipping papers, labels placards, labels and many other subjects. Drivers who break the rules could be accused of a DOT violation and face 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 licence you must be age 21 and have a clean driving record. You must also be physically fit to drive the vehicle you intend on driving. This includes passing a medical exam and passing an alcohol test. In some instances, you might be required to go through a background check and fingerprinting. You must also meet DOT's basic requirements which include an in-person course as well as on-road training. Some companies may require specialized training in hazardous materials for their drivers, which is usually an additional expense on top of the cost of a commercial driver's license of class C.
