what is a commercial driver license

A commercial drivers license (CDL) is a drivers license required in the United States to operate large and heavy vehicles, including trucks, buses, and trailers, or a vehicle of any size that transports hazardous materials or more than 15 passengers. To obtain a CDL, an applicant must pass both skills and knowledge testing geared to higher standards than those required to drive a non-commercial vehicle. CDL holders are held to a higher standard when operating any type of motor vehicle on public roads, and serious traffic violations committed by a CDL holder can affect their ability to maintain their CDL certification. There are three classes of CDLs that determine the kinds of vehicles youre permitted to drive: Class A, Class B, and Class C, and CDL classification is also determined by the vehicles gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and other specific requirements. Different types of commercial vehicles require specific licenses, and a CDL is essential to be a professional truck driver.