What Is the Difference Between a CDL A & a CDL B?
In every state in the United States, drivers who operate certain types of vehicles must obtain special licenses. Among these licenses are the Commercial Driver's License A and the Commercial Driver's License B, or CDL A and CDL B for short.
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Background
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On October 28, 1986, the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 was made a law with the signature of Ronald Reagan. This Act defined the differences between CDL A and CDL B licenses.
Towing Capacity
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CDL A licenses enable drivers to operate vehicles that have the ability to tow a vehicle or trailer than weighs more than 10,000 pounds. CDL B licenses entitle drives to operate vehicles that do not exceed weights of 10,000 pounds.
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Types
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Both CDL A and CDL B licenses allow drivers to operate vehicles that weigh more than 26,001 pounds, but because of the towing capacity requirements, only drivers with CDL A licenses can drive 18-wheel tractor trailers.
Permissions
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A driver with a CDL A license can operate vehicles in class CDL B, but drivers with the CDL B license cannot drive CDL A vehicles. Both types of licenses enable drivers to operate Class C vehicles, which weight less than 26,001 pounds.
Considerations
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Although specific age, health and driving records required to earn a CDL A or B license vary from state to state, the definitions of the licenses remain constant throughout the United States. This means that CDL A and B licenses are the same throughout the country.
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References
- Photo Credit semi trailer image by max blain from Fotolia.com
