A Class B license lets you drive certain medium-weight trucks and buses, but not the heaviest commercial vehicles

A Class B license is a commercial driver's license (CDL) category that permits you to operate vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) between 26,001 and 33,000 pounds. The key difference from a regular passenger license is that Class B covers vehicles too heavy for a standard license but smaller than the trucks that require a Class A CDL. You cannot tow a trailer with a Class B license unless that trailer weighs 10,000 pounds or less.

The vehicles you can legally drive with a Class B include straight trucks (box trucks, dump trucks, cement mixers), city buses, and some delivery vehicles. You cannot drive tractor-trailers or articulated trucks, which require a Class A license. If your job involves moving goods or passengers in a medium-weight vehicle, your employer will likely require you to hold a Class B CDL before you start work.

Key Takeaways

  • A Class B CDL covers vehicles weighing 26,001 to 33,000 pounds, including box trucks, dump trucks, and buses.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test, a skills test, and a medical examination to obtain a Class B license.
  • Each state administers its own CDL testing and renewal, so requirements and fees vary by location.
  • A Class B license does not permit you to drive tractor-trailers or pull trailers heavier than 10,000 pounds.
  • Your current regular driver's license will be replaced by your CDL when you pass all tests.

Who needs a Class B license

You need a Class B CDL if your job involves operating a commercial vehicle in that weight range. Common jobs include delivery driver for package services, dump truck operator, concrete mixer driver, city bus driver, and moving truck operator. Some employers hire people without a CDL and pay for the training and testing; others require you to obtain it before your first day.

If you drive a vehicle for personal use that falls into the Class B weight range, you do not need a CDL—only if you are operating it for commercial purposes (moving goods for pay, transporting passengers for hire, or hauling materials as part of a business). The distinction is about the purpose of the driving, not the vehicle itself.

The written knowledge test

Before you can take the skills test, you must pass a written exam administered by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. The test covers federal and state commercial driving regulations, vehicle safety, cargo handling, and emergency procedures. Most states allow you to take the test on a computer at a DMV office, though some locations still offer paper tests.

The test typically contains 50 questions, and you must answer at least 80 percent correctly to pass. You can usually take the test multiple times if you fail, though some states charge a fee for each attempt. Study materials are available free from your state's DMV website, and many people use third-party study guides or online practice tests to prepare.

The skills test and vehicle inspection

After passing the written test, you schedule a practical skills test with an examiner. The test has three parts: a pre-trip vehicle inspection (where you walk around the truck and point out safety features and check for damage), a basic control skills test (backing, turning, and parking in a controlled area), and a road test (driving on public roads with the examiner in the cab).

You must bring a vehicle of the correct class to the test—you cannot borrow a friend's truck the day of the exam if it does not match the class you are testing for. The examiner will watch you perform specific maneuvers and evaluate your ability to operate the vehicle safely. Failing any part means you must retake that section, though some states allow you to retake the entire test.

Medical certification requirements

All CDL holders must pass a medical examination performed by a certified medical examiner listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry. The exam checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely. You cannot have certain medical conditions—such as uncontrolled diabetes, severe heart disease, or untreated sleep apnea—and still hold a CDL.

The medical examiner issues a Medical Certificate (also called a Medical Examiner's Certificate) that is valid for two years. You must carry this certificate with you whenever you drive commercially. If your medical status changes during those two years, you may need to be re-examined sooner. The cost of the medical exam varies by provider but typically ranges from $50 to $150.

State-by-state differences in testing and fees

Each state sets its own CDL testing procedures, fees, and renewal schedules. Written test fees range from roughly $10 to $50 depending on the state. Skills test fees are higher and vary more widely—some states charge $100 to $300 for the practical exam. A few states bundle all fees into a single CDL process cost, while others charge separately for each component.

Renewal periods also vary: most states renew CDLs every four or eight years, though some have different timelines. Some states offer online renewal for certain situations, while others require you to appear in person. Before you begin the process, check your state's DMV website to learn the exact fees, testing locations, and required documents for your area.

What documents you need to bring

When you explore for a Class B CDL, bring your current driver's license, proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your state residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). Some states also require a completed CDL process form, which you can read from the DMV website or fill out on arrival.

For the skills test, bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance for the vehicle you will use during the test. If you are testing in a vehicle you do not own, bring a signed letter from the owner authorizing you to use it for the test. Bring your medical certificate if you have already obtained one, or schedule the medical exam before your skills test date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upgrade from a regular license to a Class B without retesting?

No. You must pass the written knowledge test, the skills test, and the medical examination to obtain any CDL, even if you already hold a regular driver's license. Your regular license will be replaced by your CDL once you pass all requirements.

What happens if I fail the skills test?

You can retake the test. Most states allow you to schedule another exam within days or weeks, though you may have to pay the testing fee again. Some states let you retake only the failed portion, while others require you to repeat the entire three-part test.

Do I need a Class B license to drive a moving truck for personal use?

Not if you are moving your own belongings. A CDL is required only for commercial driving—when you are being paid to transport goods or passengers. If you rent a truck to move yourself, your regular license is sufficient, even if the truck weighs more than 26,001 pounds.

How long does it take to get a Class B license?

The timeline depends on how quickly you study and schedule tests. The written test can be taken within days of explore. The skills test typically requires scheduling in advance, which may take one to four weeks depending on your state's testing availability. The entire process usually takes four to eight weeks from start to finish.

Can I drive a Class B vehicle with a Class A license?

Yes. A Class A CDL allows you to drive any commercial vehicle, including those in the Class B weight range. However, you cannot drive a Class A vehicle (tractor-trailer) with only a Class B license.