Class C Commercial Driver's License
The class C commercial driving license (CDL) also often referred to as a trucker's license, offers a wide range of vehicles. From buses and recreational vehicles to passenger vans, as well as hazmat transport vehicles it is one of the most versatile CDLs on the market.
Straight trucks can be driven as well as box trucks dump trucks, buses that can carry 16 or more passengers including the driver.
Passenger Vehicles
New York drivers can choose from a wide range of classes. The classes are designed to meet the needs of different driving styles and types. No matter if you're hoping to cruise down Broadway in mom and dad's 1986 Toyota Corolla or pilot a semi through the Adirondacks, understanding the significance of each class is vital.
The class C non CDL license is perfect for those who wish to drive passenger cars like sedans or station wagons. This license allows you to drive a single car with the maximum GVWR of 26,001 pounds. You may also tow vehicles that have the maximum trailer weight of 10,000 pounds. Drivers may add endorsements to a class C license to increase their employment opportunities. These additional endorsements can include passenger (P), tank (T) or hazardous materials (H). These endorsements are typically obtained by passing additional knowledge tests as well as specific skills tests.
The maximum number of passengers that can be carried in a passenger vehicle with a class C non CDL license is 16 including the driver. Drivers are also required to limit number of passengers under the age of 18 they transport to one unless the passengers are family members of the immediate family or are over 18. Teen drivers who hold a class C driver's license and are under 18 must always have a parent present in the vehicle.
To be eligible for a non-CDL Class C license you must be 18 or older and pass a medical exam. Additionally, you must meet the federal requirements for driving on interstates and for hazardous materials transport.
A class M license is available for those who wish to drive mopeds or motorcycles. It is only accessible to junior drivers and is only valid within the State of New York. Class M drivers are only able to operate motorized two-wheeled vehicles. New York teens must complete a training course and log practice hours before they can obtain their class M driver's license. Teen licenses also have restrictions such as not being able transport any person younger than 21 and not driving between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Combination Vehicles
If you require a combination vehicle for your job then Class C is the best option for you. This license allows you to drive vehicles with a gross vehicle mass rating (GVWR) of more than 26,001 pounds, and trailers weighing less than 10,000 pounds. This could include small delivery trucks, hazmat vehicles and passenger vans. You can also operate school buses, provided that you have the necessary endorsements and pass the background checks and medical tests.
Many states have added rules and regulations for drivers with this class of license. One of the requirements is to keep a logbook that lists the number of hours you've driven, as well as the type(s) you're carrying. Failure to keep this log book may result in fines or even the suspension of your CDL. You may need an over-sized load permit if your cargo exceeds certain limits.
You must be at minimum 18 years old to be eligible for a Class C license. You must pass the necessary knowledge and skill tests and pass any training or work experience required to move up to a CDL level. 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 examination and undergo a background examination that includes a criminal background check, to be eligible for the Class C license. You must also pass a drug test. Some states require that you take driver's education classes or participate in safety training for truck drivers prior to issuance of the CDL.
There are other requirements that you have to meet in order to operate an automobile with a class C license. Some of these restrictions are age-based and others are dependent on the kind of vehicle or the number of passengers you're bringing. Certain states don't allow non-family members younger than the age of 21 to travel with you, while some limit the number to one.
Some endorsements you can add to your class C license are the P-passenger endorsement, the T-double or triple trailer endorsement for California and the H-hazardous substances endorsement. These endorsements are typically added after passing a knowledge test, and sometimes a skills test.
Towing Vehicles
A category C+E license is the most complete HGV license you can get which allows drivers to operate the widest range of large vehicles. This includes double and single trailer vehicles with a maximum authorized mass (MAM) that can reach 8,250kg. It also allows drivers to drive articulated vehicles like lorries and coaches, and also the drawbar-type vehicle referred to as an artic or tipper truck.
In addition to trucks and passenger cars, drivers with an ACC license can operate small commercial vehicles like dump trucks, vans, and straight or box trucks. They can also operate buses that hold more than 16 passengers for hire as well as vehicles that transport hazardous substances if they hold the required endorsements.
Tow truck drivers are a different category of drivers that require a category C license. They typically work with tow trucks that have a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds. They are able to tow other vehicles as long as the vehicle to be towed has a GVWR that is less than or equal to the tow truck.
If the tow truck has a GVWR over 26,001 pounds or the driver intends to transport hazardous material and/or hazardous materials, they will require a higher-level CDL. There are two levels of tow truck operators' licenses that are level 1 and 2. Level 2 certification requires at the minimum of one year of experience as a tow truck driver and level 2 certification must be obtained in order to be permitted to operate tow trucks with greater than 10,000 pounds GVWR when they are not carrying or towing passengers for compensation.
Drivers with the category C license may also apply for an additional licence called a T endorsement that permits them to drive triple or double-trailer vehicles. It requires an additional written and practical test, and a driving test. It is an optional addition to the category C licence, and some employers only require their drivers to have a T licence for certain job. Other drivers choose to have it to enhance their chances in the industry and demonstrate that they're able to operate more sophisticated vehicles.
Hazardous Materials
A Class C commercial driver's license is required to operate a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver. This also includes vehicles that transport hazardous substances, or HazMat. In addition to passenger vans as well as small HAZMAT vehicles This category also includes vehicles that are used for general freight transportation such as trucks that have rated tanks. The holder of a class C CDL must have an endorsement for tanks and 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 dangerous material in 49 CFR Part 172. It is defined as a substance that poses a significant threat to human life, serious injury, severe damage to property, or endangerment or harm of health or safety for persons or the environment, and is transported by a vehicle other then a railcar, aircraft, or vessel. Read Alot more , department, or instrumentality of the United States or a State that transports hazardous substances is considered to be a transporter.
The DOT has formulated specific rules that apply to the transportation of hazardous materials. These rules establish requirements concerning shipping labels, papers, placards and other related issues. Drivers who do not follow the rules could be charged with a DOT violation and be subject to penalties and fines.
In order to qualify for a class C commercial driver's license, you must meet the following prerequisites:
You must be at least 21 years old age and have an impeccable driving record to be eligible for a Class C commercial driver's license. You must be physically fit to drive the vehicle you intend to drive. This requires taking a medical examination and passing a drug test. In certain instances, you could be required to undergo a background screening and fingerprinting. Also, you must meet DOT's basic requirements that include a classroom course and on-road training. Some companies may require specialized hazardous materials training for their drivers, which is usually an additional cost in addition to the cost of a class C commercial driver's license.