Some states may specify minimum training guidelines. Check with your state's motor vehicles department to see if there are minimum training requirements to get your CDL.

The Federal standard requires States to issue a CDL to drivers according to the following license classifications:

CLASSES OF COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLES:

A – Combination of vehicles with Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.

B – Single vehicle with GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds.

C – Single vehicle less that 26,001 pounds GVWR, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR, comprising of vehicles required to be placarded for hazardous materials or any bus designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver. Any holder of a valid CDL is automatically licensed to drive a Class “O” vehicle (any non-CDL vehicle, excluding motorcycles).

Any holder of a Class “A” CDL is automatically licensed to drive a Class “B” and Class “C” commercial vehicle, if the appropriate endorsement appears on the license. Any holder of a Class “B” CDL is automatically licensed to drive a Class “C” commercial vehicle, if the appropriate endorsement appears on the license.

If a driver either fails the air brake component of the general knowledge test or performs the skills test in a vehicle not equipped with air brakes, the driver is issued an air brake restriction, restricting the driver from operating a CMV equipped with air brakes.