Class C Commercial Driver's License
The commercial driver's license (CDL) provides a wide selection of vehicles and trucking jobs. This is among the most flexible CDLs. It can be used for everything from recreational vehicles and buses to passenger vehicles and hazmat transportation vehicles.
You can drive straight trucks or box trucks, dump trucks and buses that can carry 16 or more people, including the driver.
Passenger Vehicles
New York drivers can choose from a variety of license classes. These classes are tailored to meet the needs of different driving styles and types. If you're planning to cruise down Broadway in dad and mom's 1986 Toyota Corolla or pilot a semi through the Adirondacks understanding what each class means is essential.
For those seeking to drive passenger vehicles like sedans and station wagons the class C non-CDL license is ideal. It allows the operation of single vehicles that have maximum GVWR of 26,001 pounds. You may also tow vehicles that have a maximum trailer weight of up to 10,000 pounds. Drivers may add endorsements to a class C license in order to improve their chances of employment. These endorsements could include passengers (P), tank (T) or hazardous materials (H). These endorsements are usually added by passing additional knowledge tests as well as specific tests for skills.
Passenger vehicles that are licensed under the class C license for non-CDL are restricted to transporting up to 16 passengers, including the driver. Drivers are also required to limit the number of passengers under 18 they carry, unless it is an immediate family member or someone over 18. Teen drivers under 18 who are licensed with 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 test in order to be eligible for driving. You must also comply with federal regulations if you want to drive on interstates or transport dangerous materials.
For those who want to drive 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. Class M drivers are only able to drive motorcycles and motorized two-wheeled vehicles. New York teens must complete a training course and log hours of practice before they are able to obtain their class M driver's license. Teen licenses also have limitations like not being able transport any person older than 21 years old and not driving between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Combination Vehicles
If you need to drive a combination vehicle to perform your job then Class C is the right choice for you. It allows you to operate vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or greater with trailer(s) that weigh 10,000 pounds or less. This could include passenger vans small hazmat vehicles as well as certain delivery trucks. It also lets you drive a school bus, provided you have the required endorsements and pass the medical and background checks required for that type of vehicle.
Many states have additional rules and regulations applicable to drivers with this license class, such as the requirement to keep the log book that details the number of hours you've driven and the kind of cargo you're transporting. Failure to keep the log book could result in fines, and possibly the possibility of a CDL suspension. You may need an oversized load permit in the event that your cargo exceeds certain limits.
You must be at minimum 18 years old to obtain a Class C license. You must pass the knowledge and skill tests and complete any training or work experience to be able to move up to a CDL level. You must also be 21 to operate a vehicle across state lines and to transport hazardous materials.
To be eligible for a class C license you must pass a medical test and undergo a background check, which includes a criminal record search. You must also pass the drug test. Some states require you to complete driver's training classes or attend trucking safety programs before you can be issued a CDL.
There are other requirements that you must meet in order to drive in a vehicle that has a class-C license. Some restrictions are based upon age and others are based upon the type of vehicle you're driving or the passengers you're transporting. Some states do not allow non-family members under 21 to travel with you, while others limit their number to one.
Some endorsements you can add to your class C license include the P-passenger endorsement as well as the T-double or triple trailer endorsement for California and the H-hazardous substances endorsement. These endorsements are usually obtained by passing a knowledge test, and sometimes a skills test.
Towing Vehicles
A category C + E license is one of the most comprehensive HGV licences that you can get, allowing drivers to operate a range of large trailers and vehicles. This includes double and single trailers that have a maximum authorized mass (MAM) up to 8,250kg. This allows drivers to drive articulated vehicle like lorries, coaches and the less basic drawbar vehicles, also known as tipper or artic trucks.
Drivers who have a category C license can also operate small commercial vehicles such as trucks or vans. They can also operate straight or box trucks, dump trucks and straight trucks. They can also operate buses that carry more than 16 people for hire, as well as vehicles that transport hazardous substances if they have the proper endorsements.
Tow truck operators are another group of drivers who need the category C license. They typically work with tow trucks with a GVWR less than 26,001 pounds and can tow other vehicles provided the vehicle being towed has a GVWR that is less than or equal to that of the tow truck.
If the tow truck is GVWR more than 26,001 pounds, or the driver plans to transport people or dangerous material or hazardous materials, then they'll require a higher-level CDL. There are two levels of operator licenses for tow trucks, level 1 and level 2. Level 2 certification involves at the minimum of one year of experience as a driver of a tow truck and level 2 certification has to be obtained to be allowed to operate tow trucks with greater than 10,000 pounds in GVWR when they aren't carrying or towing passengers for compensation.
Drivers who hold an a Category C license can also obtain an additional license, called a "T endorsement" which permits them to drive a double- or triple-trailer vehicle. They must take a written and practical test as well as an assessment of their driving skills. It is an optional addition to the category C licence and some employers only require their drivers to hold a T licence for certain job. Some drivers opt to obtain it to increase their chances of being employed and also to prove that they can operate a more sophisticated vehicle.
Hazardous Materials
A Class C commercial driver's license is required if you want to operate any vehicle that is designed to carry more than 16 passengers including the driver. HazMat vehicles are included in this category too. In addition to passenger vans as well as small HAZMAT vehicles in this category, there are also vehicles that are used for general transportation of freight such as trucks with tanks that are rated. The class C CDL holders must possess a tank endorsement and could also be required to pass a hazard material knowledge test.
Hazardous materials are any explosive, chemical gas, or other substance that is classified as dangerous in 49 CFR Part 172. It is defined as any material that poses a significant threat of serious injury, death or property damage, or a significant threat to the safety, health or welfare of individuals or the environment and is transported by an alternative vehicle to an airplane, rail car or vessel. A person who is a holder of a hazardous substance in commerce includes any agency, department, or instrumentality of the United States, a State, a political subdivision of the State or an Indian tribe that transports hazardous substances.
The DOT has formulated specific rules that govern the transportation of hazardous materials. These rules set forth guidelines for shipping papers, labels, Prawo Jazdy A1 placards and other related topics. Drivers who break the rules could be accused of a DOT violation and face penalties and fines.
To qualify for a Class C Commercial Driver's License, you must satisfy these requirements:
You must be at least 21 years of age and have a clean driving record to get a Class C commercial driver's license. You must be physically fit to drive the vehicle you intend to drive. This involves passing a medical exam and passing a drug test. In some cases you may be required to go through a background check and fingerprinting. You must also satisfy the DOT's basic requirements for training that include a classroom course and on-road instruction. Certain companies may require training in hazardous materials for their drivers, which is often an additional cost in addition to the cost of a commercial driver's license of class C.