Commercial Driver License (CDL)


Licenses and Permits

Vehicles

If you would like to be a truck driver or a bus driver, you will need to get a Commercial Driver License (CDL). But first, you must get a Basic New Jersey driver’s license. (Class D)  Note:  Due to Federal Regulations, the renewal of a Commercial Driver License must be completed in person at a motor vehicle agency. Renewal by mail is not an option at this time.

There are different CDL classes depending on the commercial vehicle that you will be driving­. Each CDL class has its own regulations.

 

Class A includes

  • Any vehicle having a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) or gross combination weight of 26,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater, inclusive of a towed unit(s) with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds, whichever is greater.
  • Any vehicle in a B or C category, if you have qualified for the proper extra endorsements.

Class B includes

  • Any vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, or a vehicle with a registered weight of 26,001 pounds or more, or a vehicle with a GVW of 26,001 pounds or more, or displays a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more,whichever is greater.
  • Vehicles in a Class C category – provided you have qualified for the proper extra endorsements.

Class C includes

  • Any vehicle transporting or used in the transportation of hazardous materials, with mandatory placard.
  • Any vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
  • If the vehicle is operated by, or under contract with, a public or governmental agency, or religions or other charitable organization or corporation, or is privately operated, and is used for the transportation of children to or from a school, school-connected activity, day camp, summer day camp, summer residence camp, nursery school, child care center, preschool center or other similar places of education.
  • Any vehicle used for hire and designed to transport eight or more, but less than 16 persons, including the driver.

Note:  Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) means the value specified by a manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single or a combination (articulated) vehicle, or the registered gross weight, whichever is greater.  The GVWR of a combination (articulated) vehicle, commonly referred to as the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the GVWR of the power unit plus the GVWR of the towed unit or units.  In the absence of a value specified for the towed unit or units by the manufacturer, the GVWR of a combination (articulated) vehicle is the GVWR of the power unit plus the total weight of the towed unit, including their loads.

 

 

Related Links

 


CDL Manual