Class C Commercial Driver's License
The class C commercial driving license (CDL), which is sometimes referred to as a trucker's permit, provides a variety of vehicle types. From recreational vehicles and buses to passenger vans, as well as hazardous transport vehicles, this is one of the most versatile CDLs that are available.
You can drive straight trucks, box truck dump trucks, buses and other vehicles that carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
Passenger Vehicles
New York drivers can choose from a range of license classes. These classes cater to a variety of requirements for driving and different types of vehicles. Understanding the various classes is important, whether you're looking to drive down Broadway in your parents' 1986 Toyota Corolla, or pilot a truck through the Adirondacks.
If you're looking to drive passenger vehicles such as station wagons and sedans the class C non-CDL license is the best choice. This license permits you to drive a single vehicle with the maximum GVWR of 26,001 pounds. You can also tow vehicles with the maximum trailer weight of 10,000 pounds. Drivers can add endorsements on their class C licenses for greater employment opportunities. These endorsements could include tank (P), passenger (P), tank (T) or hazardous materials (H). These endorsements are typically added by passing additional knowledge tests as well as specialized test of skills.
Passenger vehicles with a class C non-CDL license are limited to transporting up to 16 passengers, which includes the driver. Drivers are also required to limit the number of passengers under 18 that they transport except for an immediate family member or someone older than 18. Teen drivers under the age of 18 who have a class C license must have a parent or guardian in the vehicle at all times.
For a class C non-CDL permit, you must be at least 18 years old and pass a medical examination to be able to drive. You must also comply with federal regulations if you intend to drive on the interstate or transport hazardous materials.
A class M license is available for those who want to ride mopeds or motorcycles. It is only available to junior drivers and only valid in the State of New York. Class M drivers are only able to drive motorcycles and motorized two-wheeled vehicles. New York teens must complete an education course and record practice hours before they can get their class M license. The teen license will also have limitations, such as the driver being restricted from transporting any passengers under age 21 and not driving from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Combination Vehicles
If you require a combination vehicle for your job then Class C is the right choice for you. This license allows you to drive vehicles that have a gross mass of vehicle (GVWR), or more than 26,001 pounds, and trailers that weigh less than 10,000 pounds. This could include passenger vans as well as small hazmat vehicles, and some delivery trucks. It also lets you drive a school bus in the event that you possess the required endorsements and pass the background checks and medical exams required for that type of vehicle.
A number of states have additional rules and regulations that apply to drivers who have this class, for example, a requirement that you keep the log book that details the amount of time you've spent driving and the types of cargo you're carrying. Failure to keep this log book may result in fines or even the possibility of a CDL suspension. You may need an oversized load permit in the event that your cargo exceeds certain limits.
To be eligible for a Class C License, you must be 18 years old. You must pass the necessary knowledge and skill tests and pass any training or work experience required to advance to a CDL level. You must be 21 years old to drive across state lines or transport dangerous materials.
You must pass a medical exam and undergo a background examination which includes a criminal history check, in order to be eligible for an official Class C license. Also, you must pass a drug test. Some states may require you to take driver's education classes or attend truck safety courses before they can issue the CDL.
In addition to these requirements, there are several other requirements you must meet to operate commercial vehicles with a class C license. Some of these restrictions are based on age as well as others dependent on the type of vehicle or passengers you're carrying. Some states do not allow non-family members who are under 21 to travel with you while others limit their number to one.
A few endorsements that you could add to your class C license are the P-passenger endorsement, the T-double or triple trailer endorsement for California and the H-hazardous materials endorsement. These endorsements are usually obtained by passing a knowledge test and occasionally a skills test.
Towing Vehicles
A category C + E license is among the most comprehensive HGV licences that you can get that allows drivers to operate a range of large trailers and trucks. This includes both single and double-trailer trucks with a a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 8,250kg. This allows drivers to drive articulated vehicles such as lorries, coaches and the more basic drawbar-based vehicles known as tipper trucks or artic.
In addition to passenger cars and trucks, drivers with an ACC license can operate small commercial vehicles, such as dump trucks, vans and straight or box trucks. If they have the necessary endorsements, they are also able to operate buses that can carry more than 16 passengers for hire as and vehicles that transport hazardous materials.
Tow truck drivers are a different category of drivers that require a category C license. Kup prawo jazdy kategorii B bez egzaminu use tow trucks that have a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds. They are able to tow other vehicles so long as the towed vehicle's GVWR is less than or equivalent to the tow truck.
If the tow vehicle has a greater than 26,001 pounds of GVWR or the driver plans to transport dangerous materials or passengers, they'll require an upper level CDL. There are two levels of operator licenses for tow trucks that are level 1 and level 2. Level 2 certification requires at least one year experience as a driver of a tow vehicle. This certification is required for tow vehicles that are greater than 10,000 pounds GVWR, even if they aren't towing or transporting passengers in exchange for compensation.
Drivers with a category C license can also obtain an additional license known as a "T endorsement", which allows them to drive double- or triple-trailer vehicle. This requires them to pass an additional written and a practical test, and an assessment of driving. This is an optional extra to the category C licence, and some employers only require their drivers to hold T licences for specific job. Other drivers choose to have it to enhance their chances in the field and show that they're able to operate a more sophisticated vehicle.
Hazardous Materials
You will need a Class C commercial license to operate a vehicle that can carry 16 or more people including the driver. It also applies to vehicles that transport hazardous materials, or HazMat. In addition to passenger vans and small HAZMAT vehicles, this category includes vehicles used for general freight transportation and trucks that have tanks that are rated. The holder of a class C CDL must have an endorsement for tanks and he or she may be required to pass the hazard materials knowledge test.
Hazardous materials refer to any chemical, explosive, gas or other substance classified as hazardous in 49 CFR Part 172. It is defined as a material that poses a significant risk to life or serious injury, severe damage to property, or endangerment or harm to health or safety for people or the environment, and is transported by any vehicle other than an aircraft, railcar or vessel. A person who is a carrier of a hazardous material in commerce includes any agency, department, or instrumentality of the United States, a State or political subdivision of the State or an Indian tribe that transports hazardous substances.
The DOT has developed specific rules for the transportation of hazardous substances. These rules include specifications for shipping papers, labels, placards, and other topics. Drivers who do not comply with these rules could be charged with a DOT violation, which could result in fines and penalties.
To qualify for a Class C Commercial Driver's License you must satisfy these requirements:
You must be at least 21 years old age and have an impeccable driving record to be eligible for a Class C commercial driver's license. You must also be physically fit to operate the vehicle you plan to drive. This means taking a medical exam and passing a drug test. In certain instances, you could be required to go through a background check and fingerprinting. Also, you must meet the DOT's basic requirements that include an in-person course and on-road training. Certain companies may require training in hazardous materials for their drivers, which is usually an additional cost on top of the cost of a class C commercial driver's license.