Why Buy a Category B+ Driving License?
If Continuing need to drive a car and trailer that weighs more than 26,000 pounds, you'll require a class B license. The process of adding an endorsement to your current CDL class is typically a matter of taking another knowledge test and a skills test.
Passing a test for category C1+E automatically increases your licence to include B+E full entitlement (but subject to the maximum weight limit for trains on your B licence). This is only valid for UK drivers.
Passenger Endorsements
If you intend to operate a single vehicle that seats 16 or more (including the driver) to transport passengers the endorsement is required. This CDL endorsement is only available to those who pass the P written test and the road skill test for passengers. School bus drivers need an additional endorsement, and must pass a federal background check.
The Class B endorsement with a passenger endorsement permits the operation of vehicles that have the maximum GVWR of 26001 pounds, if the towed vehicle is not more than 10,000 pounds. Typical vehicles include city tours, school, and tour buses. This CDL class is usually used by professional bus operators.
Drivers who are part of a business that's primary purpose is to transport people or property, such as plumbers, meter readers, and Realtors do not require this CDL endorsement. Your employer may require this endorsement in order to comply with safety or insurance requirements. The Regular (Class) Driver License with the Passenger (F) Endorsement can be added to your Commercial Driver's License in the event that you are a taxi driver shuttle bus driver, courier, or ambulance driver. Any CDL Classification can have a For-Hire endorsement added. The endorsement code is found on the back of the license under the expiration date, just below the letter "E".
Endorsements for Hazardous Materials
The Hazardous Materials endorsement demonstrates to employers that you have the qualifications to transport certain types freight. This certification will improve your career prospects, and will help you secure higher-paying driving positions, particularly in the field of trucking. It requires a heightened level of safety awareness that goes above and beyond the regular rules of the road, which includes handling passengers, managing emergencies aboard, and managing evacuation procedures.
To get a HAZMAT (hazardous materials) endorsement, you'll need to pass a written test, and then undergo a thorough background check by the Transportation Security Administration. This is because these materials are explosive, corrosive, or toxic, so only qualified people can handle them. This certification is required by truck drivers who transport chemicals and liquid gas as well as construction site workers who bring materials to the site of work.
You may also require an P (passenger) CDL endorsement to drive vehicles that carry passengers, like tour buses and city buses. School bus drivers need an additional S (school bus) endorsement to operate these vehicles. You can also add the tanker or N (tank vehicles) CDL endorsement to you driving license to transport gas and liquids like oil, gas dairy, beverage, waste management or agriculture. Some companies, such as Schneider offer a combination HazMat and tanker (X) endorsements which permit you to transport both types of freight without the need for an additional endorsement for H or N.
The company you'd like to work for will determine if you need to get additional endorsements to drive commercial vehicles. It is essential to conduct your research about the endorsements your prospective employer prefers or requires. This will allow you to spend your time and money in a prudent way. This will provide you with an idea of what qualifications to get before beginning your journey to become a driver and reduce the risk of spending money on unnecessary endorsements. The good news is that many companies will reimburse their drivers for the cost of getting necessary CDL endorsements This is a great way to start your journey as a driver with a minimal cost.
Combination Endorsements
The right endorsements enable drivers to drive vehicles they otherwise wouldn't be able to. This enables them to broaden their horizons and present themselves as the most polished source in the job market. Schneider advises drivers to talk to industry professionals and career counselors to better be aware of the types of endorsements that are most beneficial for their preferred career path.
For example the endorsement T combination grants CDL Class A and B license holders the ability to drive multiple trailers, which includes double and triple trailers. This requires advanced driving skills and a keen understanding of how trailers move relative to each other, as they have higher risks for turning and jackknifing than single trailer trucks. In the same way the X endorsement grants Class A and B CDL holders the ability to haul HazMat freight through tanker trucks.
Trailer Endorsements
Those who transport passengers for a living are required to have their Regular (Class D) driver license enhanced by the For-Hire (F) endorsement. Taxi drivers, shuttle service operators, couriers, delivery services (flowers or pizza) and ambulance drivers are just a few examples of drivers that require this endorsement. Some employees who work on commissions or for their own business and do not transport people or property in the course of their work (such as plumbers, meter readers, Realtors) may also require the For-Hire endorsement.
The "T" endorsement permits CDL holders to operate vehicles equipped with double or triple trailers. Schneider does not reimburse drivers who have this endorsement. The "X" endorsement permits Class A and B CDL holders to transport HazMat freight on tankers. This combination of endorsements can be referred to as a "combo", or an "all dangers" endorsement.