What a Class B license covers and who needs one
A Class B license lets you drive single vehicles heavier than a standard passenger car but lighter than a full commercial truck. The exact weight threshold and vehicle types vary by state — some define it as vehicles between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds, while others use different cutoffs. Common vehicles you can drive with a Class B include delivery trucks, small box trucks, and some RVs, depending on your state's rules.
You need a Class B if your job or personal use requires driving a vehicle that exceeds your state's Class C (standard passenger vehicle) weight limit but does not require a full Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Some states call this a Class B CDL, while others have a separate non-commercial Class B. The distinction matters because it changes what tests you take and whether you need medical certification.
Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website to confirm which vehicles fall under Class B in your state, since the definitions are not uniform across the country.
Key Takeaways
- Class B requirements vary by state — some require a CDL with medical certification, while others offer a non-commercial Class B that does not.
- You will need to pass a written knowledge test covering vehicle operation and safety rules specific to heavier vehicles.
- Most states require a skills test (driving test) where an examiner watches you operate the vehicle you plan to drive.
- If your state requires a CDL for Class B, you must pass a Department of Transportation medical exam and obtain a Medical Certificate.
- Processing time ranges from a few days to several weeks depending on your state and whether you need a medical exam.
Determine whether your state requires a CDL for Class B
This is the first decision point because it changes your entire path. Some states treat Class B as a non-commercial license (similar to upgrading from Class C), while others classify it as a commercial license requiring a CDL. Your state's DMV website will state this clearly in the Class B or CDL section.
If your state requires a CDL for Class B, you will need a Department of Transportation medical exam before you can even take the written test. If your state offers a non-commercial Class B, you skip the medical exam and go straight to the knowledge test. Call your local DMV office if the website is unclear — this distinction is too important to guess on.
Pass the written knowledge test
Every state requires a written test for Class B. The test covers vehicle operation, braking systems, load limits, and safety rules specific to heavier vehicles. Most states allow you to study using a free manual available on the DMV website or in person at the office. Some states also offer online practice tests.
The test is usually 50 to 100 questions, and you typically need to score 80 percent or higher to pass. You can usually take it at any DMV office without an appointment, though some states now require scheduling online. Bring your current driver's license and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
If you fail, most states let you retake it the same day or within a few days. There is usually a small fee per attempt — typically $5 to $15.
Schedule and pass the driving skills test
After passing the written test, you will schedule a behind-the-wheel exam. This is where an examiner watches you operate the actual vehicle you plan to drive. You must bring the vehicle to the test — you cannot use a different one. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
The test usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turning, backing up, braking, and parking. The examiner is looking for safe operation and awareness of the vehicle's size and weight. Bring your current driver's license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration.
Scheduling can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on your state's DMV workload. Some states let you book online; others require a phone call or in-person visit. If you fail, you can usually retake it within days or weeks, depending on availability.
Obtain a DOT medical certificate if required
If your state requires a CDL for Class B, you must pass a Department of Transportation medical exam before your license is issued. This exam checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general health. You cannot have certain conditions — uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, or sleep apnea without treatment — that would disqualify you.
Schedule the exam with a DOT-certified medical examiner, not your regular doctor. Your state's DMV website lists certified examiners in your area. The exam costs between $75 and $200 depending on the examiner. Once you pass, the examiner issues a Medical Certificate valid for two years (or one year if you have certain conditions).
Bring the Medical Certificate to your DMV appointment when you pick up your license. If your state does not require a CDL for Class B, you skip this step entirely.
Complete your DMV appointment and pay fees
Once you have passed both the written and driving tests (and obtained your Medical Certificate if required), schedule a final appointment at your DMV office to complete the license issuance. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency, your Medical Certificate if applicable, and payment for the license fee.
Class B license fees vary widely by state — typically between $30 and $100 for a four-year or six-year license. Some states charge extra if you need a CDL. Ask the DMV what payment methods they accept (cash, check, card) when you schedule.
You will receive your new license on the spot or by mail within one to two weeks, depending on your state's process. If you need to drive a Class B vehicle before the physical license arrives, ask whether your state issues a temporary paper license.
Understand renewal and medical recertification
Class B licenses renew on the same schedule as your regular driver's license — usually every four to six years depending on your state. If your state requires a CDL, you must renew your Medical Certificate every one or two years, even if your license does not expire. Missing the medical recertification important date can suspend your Class B privileges.
Set a calendar reminder for your Medical Certificate expiration date if you have one. You can renew it at any DOT-certified medical examiner without going back to the DMV. Some states let you renew your Class B license online or by mail if nothing has changed; others require an in-person visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the Class B driving test in a borrowed vehicle?
Yes, as long as the vehicle is registered and insured. The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name, but it must be legal to drive and in safe condition. Bring proof of insurance and registration to the test.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it, usually within days or weeks depending on DMV availability. There is typically a small fee per attempt. Most people pass on the second or third try. You do not have to retake the written test unless your state requires it.
Do I need a Class B if I drive a truck for personal use?
Only if the truck exceeds your state's Class C weight limit. Check your vehicle's registration or owner's manual for the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). If it is under the threshold, your current license covers it.
How long does the whole process take?
Between two weeks and two months, depending on how quickly you schedule tests and whether your state requires a medical exam. The written test can happen within days, but the driving test appointment may have a longer wait. Medical exams add one to two weeks.
What if I move to a different state with my Class B license?
You will need to transfer it to your new state's license. Most states recognize out-of-state Class B licenses temporarily, but you must get a new license within 30 to 60 days. Contact your new state's DMV for the transfer process — it usually requires passing a written test and sometimes a driving test.