Most people who Google "how to get a CDL" don't realize there are three different classes. Knowing which one applies to your career goals before you start the process saves time, money, and tests.
The Three Classes — Quick Reference
Class A: Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the trailer exceeds 10,000 pounds GVWR. This is the tractor-trailer license — semi-trucks, flatbeds hauling heavy equipment, oversized combinations.
Class B: Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or such a vehicle towing a trailer under 10,000 pounds. This covers straight trucks, most city buses, dump trucks, box trucks, and large delivery vehicles.
Class C: Vehicles that don't fit A or B but transport 16+ passengers or hazardous materials requiring placards. School buses, small passenger shuttles, some hazmat applications.
Class A Covers More — But Requires More Tests
A Class A CDL authorizes you to drive vehicles in the Class A, B, and C categories (with the right endorsements). It's the most versatile option.
But getting Class A requires passing more knowledge tests at the permit stage. In addition to General Knowledge, Class A applicants must also pass Combination Vehicles. If the vehicle has air brakes (virtually all tractor-trailers do), you need the Air Brakes test too.
Total knowledge tests for Class A permit: typically 3 (General Knowledge + Combination Vehicles + Air Brakes).
Total for Class B: 1-2 (General Knowledge + Air Brakes if applicable).
Salary Comparison
Class A drivers generally earn more, particularly in over-the-road and regional trucking. The salary gap reflects both the skill required and the freight value of what Class A vehicles carry.
Class A OTR (long-haul) drivers: $55,000-85,000 depending on experience, carrier, and freight type. Specialized Class A work (flatbed, tanker, hazmat) can push $90,000+.
Class B drivers: $40,000-65,000. Concrete mixing, city delivery, local bus routes, and refuse collection are common Class B jobs with stable, predictable schedules and home-daily work.
The key difference: Class B often means better home time. Class A OTR means more money but weeks away from home at a time. Neither is objectively better — it depends entirely on what you want your working life to look like.
Which Should You Get First?
If you want to drive a tractor-trailer eventually: get Class A from the start. You can legally drive Class B vehicles with a Class A license, so there's no benefit to getting Class B first and upgrading later.
If your target job is specifically Class B — city bus driver, delivery truck, dump truck, concrete mixer — get Class B. It's faster, cheaper, and directly aligned with what you need.
If you're unsure: Class A gives you more options and rarely limits you to less than what Class B provides. When in doubt, aim for the more versatile option.
Whether you're pursuing Class A or B, start with General Knowledge — required for both. Then add Combination Vehicles and Air Brakes as needed.