CDL A
Q: What is a CDL Class A?
A Commercial Driver’s License Class A allows Drivers to operate combination Commercial Motor Vehicles (CVM) like tractor-trailers, flatbeds, tanks, and livestock carriers. Those with a Class A can also operate single vehicles like box trucks, dump trucks, large passenger buses, and more.
Q: What’s the difference between CDL Class A and CDL Class B?
A Class A allows Drivers to operate:
- a single vehicle with a 26,0001+ pound gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)
- a combination of vehicles with a 26,001+ pound gross combination weight rating (GCWR). The GVWR of the vehicle(s) towed should exceed 10,000 pounds.
- any Class B or C vehicle
A Class B allows Drivers to operate:
- a single vehicle with a 26,001+pound GVWR
- a single vehicle with a 26,001+ pound GVWR that’s towing a vehicle with a GVWR of less than 10,000 pounds or a farm trailer with a GVWR less than 20,000 pounds
- a bus seating 24 or more passengers including the driver
- any Class C vehicle
Q: Are Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in-demand?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the career outlook for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers is projected to grow at a steady pace between 2022-32. If projections continue to hold, 89,300 trucking jobs will be available*. Currently, Texas employs the highest number of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers across the nation.
*South Texas Vocational Technical Institute cannot guarantee employment or salary.
Q: How long does it take to get a CDL A in Texas?
How long it takes to get a CDL can vary based on training program length and how long it takes to meet admission requirements for a specific program. At South Texas Vo-Tech, candidates interested in our program must:
- have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
- be 18 years or older
- hold a valid driver’s license in good standing
- be able to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and drug test
Once accepted, students can complete our CDL Training: Class A Tractor Trailer program in four to eight weeks.
CDL B
Q: What is a CDL Class B?
A Class B Commercial Driver’s License allows Drivers to operate single vehicles such as delivery trucks, large buses, dump trucks with small trailers, straight trucks, and more.
Q: What’s the difference between CDL Class A and CDL Class B?
A Class A allows Drivers to operate:
- a single vehicle with a 26,0001+ pound gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)
- a combination of vehicles with a 26,001+ pound gross combination weight rating (GCWR). The GVWR of the vehicle(s) towed should exceed 10,000 pounds.
- any Class B or C vehicle
A Class B allows Drivers to operate:
- a single vehicle with a 26,001+pound GVWR
- a single vehicle with a 26,001+ pound GVWR that’s towing a vehicle with a GVWR of less than 10,000 pounds or a farm trailer with a GVWR less than 20,000 pounds
- a bus seating 24 or more passengers including the driver
- any Class C vehicle
Q: Are Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in-demand?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the career outlook for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers is projected to grow at a steady pace between 2022-32. If projections continue to hold, 89,300 trucking jobs will be available*. Currently, Texas employs the highest number of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers across the nation.
*South Texas Vocational Technical Institute cannot guarantee employment or salary.
Q: How long does it take to get a CDL B in Texas?
A: How long it takes to get a CDL can vary based on training program length and how long it takes to meet admission requirements for a specific program. At South Texas Vo-Tech, candidates interested in our program must:
- have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
- be 18 years or older
- hold a valid driver’s license in good standing
- be able to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and drug test
Once accepted, students can complete our CDL Training: Class B program in four to eight weeks.
