Getting a Class B CDL opens up a variety of opportunities in the field of trucking. It permits you to drive large vehicles, such as straight buses and trucks. You can also tow a trailer when it's part of the vehicle class that is specified in the registration certificate for the vehicle.
The training and testing requirements as well as the opportunities for employment and the endorsements vary widely between the different CDL classes. Which one is best for you?
What is a category B+ license?
Category B+ is the type of driving licence that lets you drive a vehicle with either a semi-trailer or a trailer. The trailer and vehicle must have a maximum permissible mass (MAM1) that does not exceed 3,500 kg, and the driver must be at least 18 years old to get this licence. The Category B+ license is an excellent option for those who want to drive larger vehicles but don't want to take the Class A CDL test.
State-specific requirements vary and include a noncommercial driver's licence and passing a medical test. You may also have to complete an instructor-led driving or safety course, and pass a written test. You might need to be 21 years old in certain states to qualify for a Class B CDL. Find out the requirements of your state.
Drivers who passed their car test prior to January 1st, 1997, and hold an e-license of category B can drive a motorcar that has trailer, as long as the MAM1 (the combined weight of the vehicle and the trailer) does not exceed 3,500kg. They are not permitted to drive vehicles that fall under the subcategory of D1+E or C1+E. To upgrade their license, they must pass the relevant driving test.
In certain EEA Member States drivers who have passed the category B driving test are exempt from taking the category BE driving test, and can therefore tow trailers with the maximum authorized weight of up to 12,000 kilograms on their category B license. This exemption is noted on the registration certificate for the vehicle.
Class B CDL requirements vary between states, but include an excellent driving record and passing a physical examination. You may also have to go through a program of training which combines classroom learning and hands-on driving experience. You can also choose to add endorsements to your class B license, like passenger transport or small HAZMAT which can increase your chances of employment.
What are the prerequisites to obtain a category B+ license?
A category B+ license is a great method to move up the ladder of commercial vehicle licensing. Although it's not as prestigious or has as many endorsements as a Class A licence, it still opens the door to a variety of career opportunities. It also allows you to drive special vehicles that aren't available on the standard vehicle or truck (C) licence.
You must be at least 18 years old and have a clean driving record. You must also pass a medical exam. Depending on the type work you're looking to do, there are also specific requirements for certain types of vehicles. If you want to drive across state lines or transport hazardous material, you will need a special endorsement.
A category B+ driving licence is valid for five years, unlike other driving licenses. You may have to undergo additional medical tests or other tests to renew your driving license. Some countries also require drivers to undergo specific training before they are able to start driving certain types of vehicles.
The definition of a Category B+ vehicle is similar to the normal category B license. A category B+ vehicle is any large truck that has a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more but does not include a tractor/semi-trailer. This includes fire trucks that are large as well as cement mixers and delivery trucks. Typically, these trucks have a maximum load of 85,000 pounds.
To obtain a category B+ driving license, you have to pass the driving test for a vehicle that is of category B, and tow trailers whose maximum authorized weight does not exceed 3500 kilograms. This is a requirement for Norway and EEA member states, with the exceptions of Denmark.
If you pass a driver's test in the category B vehicle prior to 19 January 2013, your licence is automatically upgraded to include full category B+E entitlement. To operate any vehicle larger than a category A vehicle you must pass an additional test in the subcategories of D1+E or C1+E. This includes vehicles that have a towed vehicle or passenger.Where can I get a category B+ license?
If you hold a category B license you are allowed to drive motor vehicles that have a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 3.5 tonnes. This includes small trailers that weigh up to 750kg. You can also drive a vehicle and trailer combination with an MAM up to 8,250 kilograms, as long as the combined MAM is not more than 12,000 kg.
You can have category B+ added to your licence if you successfully pass a test on driving for the type of vehicle you'd like to drive. You can do this by filling out form D2 and sending it to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You can also have categories added to your licence automatically. For instance, if you pass the car driving test, you will receive the full category C1+E license. If you succeed in passing the bus or coach driving test you will be issued a category E licence.
Visit the DVLA site to learn more about the types of vehicles that you can drive when you possess a category B license. Visit the Careers in Trucking site to find out more about other trucking jobs.
A category B license permits you to drive vehicles that have up to 8 passenger seating. This is the most sought-after type of license for cars. You are able to tow a vehicle in the event that its MAM does exceed 750kg. If you want to tow a trailer which has a higher MAM, you'll require a category BE license.
You can also drive a small motorised tricycle in the event that its engine size is not more than 50cc. This includes e-scooters that are trial versions. You can drive a moped if its engine is at least 15kW. You can also get an AM category license which permits you to drive motorcycles and mopeds up to 125cc, which includes those that are used as learner vehicles. This license can be added to your category A licence by sending the form D2 to DVLA together with your licence and supporting documents. The cost is PS12.50. You must pass both the theory and the practical driving test to add category AM to your license.
What is the cost to get a category B+ license?
A class B+ CDL is a good option for truckers who want to begin their career with a less intimidating than the Class CDL. This type of license permits you to drive the majority of single-unit vehicles allowed to a Class E driver and buses and those with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more (depending on the restrictions and endorsements). This is a great option for truckers who want to start small, but eventually move onto larger loads.
You will need to meet the minimum requirements of your state to obtain a category B+ licence. This typically means you needing a high school diploma or GED certificate as well as an impeccable driving record, and passing the Department of Transportation medical exam. You must also be 18 years old to be eligible for a category B+ license. However, certain states have higher age requirements.
You can add a number different endorsements to your category B+ license to expand the number of vehicles you're allowed to drive. You can add endorsements to your category B+ driving license to increase the kinds of vehicles you can drive. These include HAZMAT (which allows you to transport dangerous substances) as well as tanker (which permits you to drive tanks laden with gas or liquids) double/triple-trailers that allow you to pull multiple trucks at a time. These additional endorsements, which may require additional training and testing to obtain allow you to explore new career options and allow you the thrill of driving specialized vehicles.
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