What Class A and Class B licenses let you drive

California's Class A and Class B commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) are for people who operate heavy trucks and buses for pay. The difference comes down to the vehicle's weight and what it carries.

A Class A license covers the widest range of commercial vehicles: any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, as long as the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds. This includes tractor-trailers, doubles, and triples. A Class B license covers single vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more that are not towing anything, or towing a vehicle under 10,000 pounds. This includes straight trucks, city buses, and dump trucks.

Both require a separate written test, a skills test, and a medical certificate. Neither lets you drive a commercial vehicle without the proper class on your license — doing so is a misdemeanor in California.

Key Takeaways

  • Class A covers tractor-trailers and any combination vehicle where the towed unit weighs over 10,000 pounds; Class B covers single heavy trucks and buses with no heavy trailer.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test, a behind-the-wheel driving test, and a Department of Transportation medical exam for either license.
  • California requires you to hold a valid Class C (regular) driver's license before you can get a CDL, and you must be at least 18 years old (21 for interstate driving).
  • Endorsements like Hazmat, Tank, or Passenger are added to your CDL and require separate tests depending on what you haul or carry.
  • The written test covers vehicle inspection, safe driving practices, and air brake systems; you can study using the California DMV CDL handbook.

Steps to get a Class A or Class B license

Start by holding a valid California Class C driver's license for at least one year (or two years if you are under 18). You must also pass a Department of Transportation medical exam and get a Medical Certificate of Fitness. Schedule this exam with a certified medical examiner; the DMV website lists approved providers. Bring the completed form to the DMV when you test.

Next, study the California CDL Handbook, which the DMV publishes free online. It covers pre-trip vehicle inspection, safe driving in different conditions, air brake operation, and hazardous materials rules. Take the written knowledge test at a DMV office. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the next business day.

After passing the written test, schedule your behind-the-wheel driving test at a DMV office. You must bring your own vehicle that matches the class you are testing for — a Class A test requires a tractor-trailer or combination vehicle; a Class B test requires a single heavy truck or bus. The examiner will watch you perform pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. You must score at least 80 percent to pass.

Endorsements and restrictions you may need

Once you hold a Class A or B, you can add endorsements that let you haul or carry specific cargo. The most common are Hazmat (hazardous materials), Tank (liquids in bulk), Passenger (paying riders), and Doubles/Triples (multiple trailers). Each requires a separate written test; some also require a skills test.

California also places restrictions on your license based on your medical status or test performance. A Restriction 1 means you cannot drive a vehicle with air brakes. A Restriction 2 means you cannot drive a Class A vehicle with a manual transmission. If you fail the air brake portion of the written test, you will automatically receive Restriction 1 unless you retake and pass that section.

You can remove restrictions by retesting. Schedule a retest at any DMV office and pay the test fee. If you pass the air brake section, Restriction 1 is removed. If you pass a manual transmission test in a Class A vehicle, Restriction 2 is removed.

Medical certification and renewal requirements

Your Medical Certificate of Fitness is valid for two years from the date the medical examiner signs it. You must renew it before it expires or your CDL becomes invalid. Schedule a new exam with a certified medical examiner at least 45 days before expiration so you have time to submit the new form to the DMV.

Your Class A or B license itself is valid for five years from the date of issue. You renew it at a DMV office by paying the renewal fee, passing a new written knowledge test, and submitting a current Medical Certificate. You do not need to retake the behind-the-wheel test unless the DMV requires it based on your driving record or a violation.

If your medical certificate expires before your CDL does, your license becomes invalid until you renew the medical certificate. The DMV will not send you a reminder, so mark your calendar or set a phone alert.

Costs and testing locations

The written knowledge test costs $10 at the DMV. The behind-the-wheel driving test costs $35. A Medical Certificate exam costs between $50 and $150 depending on the examiner; some charge more if you need additional testing. CDL issuance or renewal costs $35.

You can take the written test at any California DMV office. Behind-the-wheel tests are offered at select DMV locations; not every office administers CDL driving tests. Check the DMV website or call ahead to find a testing location near you and to schedule an appointment. Wait times vary by location and season; some offices have a several-week backlog during peak hiring periods.

Medical exams must be performed by a certified medical examiner listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry. You can search for examiners by zip code on the FMCSA website. Many are private physicians, occupational health clinics, or urgent care centers.

Class A versus Class B: which one you need

Choose Class A if you will drive tractor-trailers, doubles, or any combination where the trailer weighs more than 10,000 pounds. Most long-haul trucking jobs require Class A. Choose Class B if you will drive a single heavy truck (dump truck, cement mixer, garbage truck) or a bus, and you will not be towing a heavy trailer.

Class A is more versatile — you can legally drive any Class B vehicle with a Class A license, but not the reverse. If you are unsure what you will be driving, Class A gives you more options. However, the behind-the-wheel test is more demanding for Class A because you must demonstrate control of a longer, heavier combination vehicle.

Some employers require Class A even for jobs that technically only need Class B, because they want drivers with broader skills. Ask your employer or the job posting what class they require before you test.

What happens if you drive without the right license

Operating a commercial vehicle without the proper CDL class is a misdemeanor in California. A first offense can result in a fine of $100 to $1,000, up to six months in county jail, or both. A second offense within five years carries a fine of $250 to $1,000 and up to one year in jail. Your regular driver's license can also be suspended.

If you are in an accident while driving without the proper CDL, your insurance may deny your claim, leaving you personally liable for damages. Your employer can also face fines and penalties if they knowingly allowed you to drive without proper licensing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Class A or B license if I have a DUI or traffic violations?

A DUI does not automatically disqualify you, but it will appear on your driving record and the DMV will review it. Multiple violations or a recent DUI may cause the DMV to deny your CDL. Contact your local DMV office to discuss your specific record before you pay for tests.

Do I need to take a CDL training course before testing?

California does not require formal training, but many people attend a commercial driving school before testing because the behind-the-wheel test is difficult to pass without practice. Schools typically cost $3,000 to $7,000 and take two to four weeks. Some employers pay for training if you commit to working for them afterward.

What is the difference between intrastate and interstate driving?

Intrastate means you drive only within California; interstate means you cross state lines. California allows intrastate CDL holders to be 18 years old, but federal law requires interstate drivers to be 21. If you are 18 to 20 and want to drive interstate, you must wait until you turn 21 or restrict yourself to California-only routes.

Can I add endorsements before I get my Class A or B license?

No. You must first pass the written and behind-the-wheel tests for your class, receive your CDL, and then test for endorsements. You can test for endorsements on the same day as your CDL test if you pass the CDL written exam first.

What if I fail the behind-the-wheel test?

You can retake it the next business day or schedule another appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you pay the $35 fee each time. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after getting feedback from the examiner and practicing specific maneuvers.