CDL Classifications, Endorsements, and Restrictions

July 07, 2022 | Admin |

You should get your commercial driver's license (CDL) for the class of vehicle that you plan to drive.

The class of a vehicle is determined by its gross vehicle weight rating and the manufacturer's design. The vehicle's class determines the type of CDL and any endorsements that you are required to have. If you drive a redesigned or altered vehicle, the type of CDL and endorsements that you need is determined by the vehicle's original class and not by the class of the redesigned vehicle.

Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more if the vehicle(s) being towed has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 10,000 pounds. Vehicles in this class include:

If you hold a class A license and you have the correct endorsements, you may also operate vehicles listed in classes B and C.

Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more. Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more towing another vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less. This class includes:

If you hold a class B license and you have the correct endorsements, you may also operate vehicles listed in class C.

Any vehicle that is not included in classes A or B that carries hazardous materials requiring placards or is designed to carry 16 or more occupants, including the driver.

Class M - permits you to drive two-wheeled and three-wheeled motorcycles.

Class M2 - permits you to drive two-wheeled motorcycles only.

Class M3 - permits you to drive three-wheeled motorcycles only.

* Any CLP issued with this endorsement will automatically have this restriction added.

*  Individuals required to register with the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry (Virginia Code Chapter 9 of Title 9.1) (Registry) will be issued licenses valid for five years. However, they are not eligible for a Virginia commercial driver's license/commercial learner's permit with an "S" endorsement during any period in which registration with the Registry is required. Additionally, if they hold a Virginia commercial driver's license/commercial learner's permit with a "P" endorsement, they are prohibited from operating a commercial vehicle to transport children to or from school or daycare sponsored activities.

* B as of 7/01/2013; Y prior to 7/01/2013

NOTE: Failure to appear at DMV to have a cancelled endorsement removed or the appropriate restriction added to a Commercial Driver's License/Commercial Learner's Permit will result in the cancellation of CDL/CLP privileges.

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