A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is required to drive a commercial vehicle in the US, with CDLs divided into classes based on vehicle weight. Class A drivers can operate any combination of vehicles over 26,001 pounds and must pass written and skills tests. They can also obtain extra endorsements for additional privileges.
In the United States, it is illegal to drive a commercial vehicle without a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Rather than having a single license for all commercial vehicles, CDLs are divided into classes, which can restrict vehicle types. Standards may vary slightly from state to state, but under federal guidelines, a Class A truck driver is one who can drive a combined vehicle that exceeds 26,001 kg (11,794 pounds).
Anyone sharing the road with a Class A truck driver can assume three things. He can read. He can drive. And he is at least 21 years old. Without meeting these requirements, it would not be possible for him to have a Class A CDL.
One of the biggest differences between the CDL classes is the amount of weight associated with each. The Class A truck driver can operate any combination of vehicles they choose. These vehicles can have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of over 26,001 pounds if the GVWR of whatever it is towing is greater than 10,000 kg.
To be a Class A truck driver, a person must pass written exams. The person must also pass a skills test, often called a traffic exam. This test requires the driver to demonstrate a high degree of knowledge about the procedures that must be performed before entering the vehicle and while on the road. He must demonstrate these skills with an A-class vehicle.
The first test usually taken is the general knowledge test. This covers the basics every commercial driver needs to know, including night driving, mountain driving and accident procedures. The A-class driver passed the air brake test. This test covers the use of air brakes, parts of the air brake system and proper inspection.
He also had to pass a combined vehicle test. This allows him to drive vehicles consisting of multiple units such as tractor and trailer or tractor with triple trailer. Passing this test means that the Class A driver must have a good knowledge of driving combined vehicles, combined air brake systems and coupling and uncoupling.
The Class A truck driver can also have extra endorsements. These are privileges granted as a result of passing optional tests. For example, the N endorsement allows the driver to take a tank. Without that endorsement, he would be banned from doing so, even if weight and unit standards were met.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
