The commercial driver's license (CDL) provides a wide variety of vehicle types and trucking jobs. From recreational vehicles and buses to passenger vans, as well as hazardous transport vehicles, this is one of the most versatile CDLs available.
With a class C license, you can operate straight boxes, trucks, dump trucks and buses designed to carry 16 or more people, 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. Understanding the different classes is essential, whether you're looking to drive down Broadway in your parents' 1986 Toyota Corolla, or pilot a truck through the Adirondacks.
The class C non CDL license is ideal for those who want to drive passenger cars such as station wagons or sedans. This license permits you to drive a single car with an GVWR of up to 26,001 pounds. You can also tow vehicles up to a maximum trailer load of 10,000 pounds. Drivers can add endorsements to a class C license to improve their chances of employment. These additional endorsements can include passenger (P) tank (T) or hazardous materials (H). These endorsements are typically added by passing additional knowledge tests as well as specialized test of skills.
Passenger vehicles in the class C license for non-CDL are limited to transporting up to 16 passengers, including the driver. Drivers are also required to limit the number of passengers who are under 18 that they transport, unless it is an immediate family member or someone who is over 18. Teen drivers under the age of 18 who have a class C license must have at least one parent or guardian present in the vehicle at all times.
To obtain a class C non-CDL driver's license you must be at least 18 years old and pass a medical examination in order to be eligible for driving. You must also meet federal requirements if you want to drive on interstates or transport hazardous materials.For those looking to take the wheel of motorcycles and mopeds the driver's license class M is available. It is only available for drivers in junior years, and is only valid in New York. Drivers who have a class M driver's license are only allowed to operate motorcycles and other motorized two-wheel vehicles. New York teens are required to complete a course of instruction and record their time of practice before they can receive their class M license. The teen license will also be subject to restrictions, for example, the driver being restricted from transporting any passengers under age 21 and not driving between 11 p.m. until 6 a.m.
Combination Vehicles
If your job requires a combination vehicle, Class C is the license for you. This license permits you to drive vehicles that have a gross mass of vehicle (GVWR) greater than 26,001 pounds, and trailers that weigh less than 10,000 pounds. This could include small hazmat vehicles, delivery trucks and passenger vans. It also lets you drive a school bus, provided you have the necessary endorsements and pass the medical and background checks required for this type of vehicle.
Many states have added rules and regulations for drivers with this kind of license. One requirement is to keep a logbook that records the number of hours you've driven, and what type(s) you're driving with. Failure to keep the log book could result in fines or even the suspension of your CDL. In certain instances you might need to apply for loads that are too large in the event that your cargo exceeds certain limits.
You must be at least 18 years old in order to be eligible for a Class C license. To be able to upgrade to a higher-level CDL, you must pass the knowledge and skills tests for the category and complete any required training or on-the-job training. You must be 21 years old in order to drive across state lines or to transport dangerous materials.
To qualify for a class C license you must pass a medical exam and undergo a background check, which includes a criminal record search. Also, you must pass the drug test. Some states require that you take driver's education classes or take part in trucking safety courses before issuing the CDL.
In addition to these conditions, there are other restrictions you must meet to drive a commercial vehicle with an CC license. Some restrictions are based on age, while others are based upon the kind of vehicle you're driving or the passengers you're carrying. For instance, some states won't allow passengers who are not family members to travel who are younger than 21 while others limit the number of non-family passengers to only one.
A few endorsements that you could add to your class C license include the P-passenger endorsement, the double or triple trailer endorsement for California and the H-hazardous materials endorsement. The process for adding these endorsements is usually passing an additional knowledge test, and sometimes an additional test of skills.
Towing Vehicles
A category C+E license is the most comprehensive HGV license that you can get which allows drivers to operate an array of large vehicles. This includes single and double trailers with the maximum authorized mass (MAM), up to 8,250kg. It also allows drivers to drive articulated vehicles, such as lorries and coaches, as well as the more basic drawbar vehicle referred to as an tipper truck or Karta Xpress Poland an artic.
As well as trucks and passenger cars drivers who have the category C license are able to operate small commercial vehicles, such as dump trucks, vans and straight or box trucks. If they have the necessary endorsements, they can also drive buses that carry more than 16 passengers for hire, as well as vehicles that transport hazardous materials.
Tow truck operators are another group of drivers who need a category C license. They typically work with tow trucks that have a GVWR less than 26,001 pounds. They are able to tow other vehicles as long as the vehicle being towed has a GVWR less than or equal to that of the tow truck.
If the tow vehicle has a capacity of more than 26,001 pounds, or the driver plans to transport hazardous materials or passengers, they will need to have a higher level CDL. There are two levels of tow truck operator licenses, level 1 and level 2. Level 2 certification involves at least one year of experience as a driver of a tow truck and level 2 certification must be obtained to be able to operate tow trucks that are greater than 10,000 pounds GVWR when they are not carrying or towing passengers for compensation.
Drivers who have the category C license may also obtain an additional licence known as a T endorsement, which allows them to drive triple or double-trailer vehicles. They must take a written and practical test as well as an assessment of their driving ability. This is an extra that can be added to a category C licence. Certain employers require drivers to hold the T licence only for certain jobs. Some drivers choose to get it to boost their chances of being employed and to show that they can operate a more sophisticated vehicle.
Hazardous Materials
You'll require a Class C commercial license to operate a vehicle that is able to carry 16 or more people, including the driver. This also includes vehicles that transport hazardous materials, or HazMat. This includes trucks with a rated tank, as also passenger vans and smaller HAZMAT vehicles. The holder of a class C CDL must have an endorsement for tanks, and could be required to pass the hazard material knowledge test.A hazard material is any chemical, gas, explosive or other substance that is classified as a dangerous material in 49 CFR Part 172. It is defined as any material that poses a significant threat of death, serious injury or property damage that is severe or a significant risk to the health, safety or welfare of persons or the environment. It is transported using any vehicle other than a rail car, airplane or vessel. Any department, agency or instrumentality of the United States or a State that transports hazardous material is considered to be a carrier.
The DOT has developed specific rules for the transportation of hazardous substances. These rules set forth guidelines for shipping papers, labeling placards, and other related issues. A driver who violates the rules could be charged with a DOT violation and face fines and penalties.
To qualify for a Class C Commercial Driver's License you must satisfy these conditions:
You must be at least 21 years of age and have an excellent driving record to get a Class C commercial driver's license. You must be physically fit to drive the vehicle you plan to drive. This means passing a medical exam and undergoing drug screening. In certain instances, you may need fingerprinting or a background check. Also, you must meet the basic requirements of DOT which include a classroom course and on-road training. Certain companies may require training in hazardous materials for their drivers, which is usually an additional expense on top of the cost of a commercial driver's license of class C.
