Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Class B Driver's License

Getting Your Class B Driver's License

Congratulations on deciding to get your class B driver's license! This license will allow you to operate medium-sized vehicles like small trucks, busses, and RV's. Obtaining your class B license requires some preparation, but it can lead to exciting job opportunities and the freedom to drive larger recreational vehicles.

Benefits of a Class B License

Here are some of the top benefits of having a class B driver's license:

• More job opportunities - Many employers require a class B license for roles like bus driving, delivery driving, and construction vehicle operation.
• Higher earning potential - Class B license holders generally earn more than those with a regular license.
• Drive bigger vehicles - You'll be qualified to drive medium-sized trucks, busses, RVs, and more that require a class B license.
• Gain a professional skill - Having this license shows you have an important job skill and are qualified for commercial driving.

Class B License Requirements

To get your class B license, you'll need to meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old (21 for interstate driving).
• Hold a valid regular driver's license.
• Pass a knowledge test about driving safely, air brakes, vehicle inspection, and more.
• Pass a road driving skills test in a class B vehicle.
• Complete any other tests required in your state.
• Submit required application forms and fees.

How to Prepare for Your Class B License

Here are some tips to help you prepare for your class B license exams and road test:

• Study the driver's manual - Read it thoroughly and take practice tests to prepare for the written exam.
• Take a class B license training course - Many providers offer classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.
• Practice driving a class B vehicle - Get as much experience driving as possible with a licensed instructor.
• Learn how to do a pre-trip inspection - You'll need to demonstrate this on the road test.
• Practice backing up and parallel parking - These are key skills you'll need to master.
• Study air brake operation - If you'll drive air brake-equipped vehicles, learn how these systems work.

What to Expect on Your Class B Road Test

When taking your class B license road test, be prepared to:

• Perform a full pre-trip vehicle inspection, verbalizing components you are inspecting.
• Demonstrate proper air brake check procedures (if applicable).
• Exhibit safe driving skills such as proper signaling, lane changes, blind spot checks, and more.
• Drive on urban, rural, and highway routes following all traffic laws.
• Reverse the vehicle in a straight line and while parallel parking.
• Answer questions about operating the vehicle safely.

Stay calm and collected, follow all instructions, and pay close attention during the road test. Making critical errors or dangerously disobeying traffic laws can result in an automatic failure.

Maintaining Your Class B CDL

• Renew it before expiration, including any required tests or fees.
• Notify the DMV of any address changes.
• Keep it in your possession when driving class B vehicles.
• Learn and obey all commercial driver regulations.
• Avoid driving while fatigued, distracted, or impaired.
• Maintain clean driving and medical records.

Losing your CDL privileges or having your license suspended or revoked can severely impact your driving opportunities. Always be a safe and responsible commercial vehicle driver.

Jobs You Can Get With a Class B License

There are many great career opportunities available if you have a class B commercial driver's license. Here are some of the most common jobs requiring this level of licensing:

Bus Driver

Bus drivers transport passengers using vehicles designed to seat over 16 people. They drive municipal buses, school buses, chartered buses, shuttle buses, and more. Responsibilities include assisting passengers, collecting fares, adhering to schedules, driving safely, and maintaining their vehicle.

Delivery Driver

Delivery drivers operate medium-sized trucks to transport goods and products. They often deliver for suppliers, wholesalers, and carriers. Types of deliveries include parts, mail, packages, medical supplies, and commercial freight across short and long distances.

Dump Truck Driver

Dump truck drivers haul loose materials like sand, gravel, dirt, snow, and demolition debris. They operate dump trucks equipped with open rear cargo containers that hydraulically lift to deposit loads. Common work sites include construction, mining, and waste disposal operations.

Tow Truck Operator

Tow truck operators use specialized trucks to transport damaged, illegally parked, or disabled vehicles. Common towing services include accident recovery, private property impound, emergency roadside assistance, and vehicle storage. Towing requires safely attaching vehicles and hauling them to desired locations.

Box Truck Driver

Box truck drivers operate trucks with an enclosed cargo area to transport goods and materials over short distances. Typical box trucks range from 14 to 26 feet long. These versatile vehicles are used by suppliers, contractors, parcel carriers, and other businesses for local pickups, deliveries, and transportation.

Other Class B Jobs

Other jobs potentially requiring a class B license include waste collection truck driver, furniture mover, recycling truck driver, RV transporter, tree surgeon truck operator, and some agriculture vehicle drivers. Having your class B CDL can help qualify you for a wide array of driving and transportation roles.

Tips for Getting Hired as a Class B Driver

• Maintain a clean driving record with no DUI's, traffic violations, or accidents.
• Complete a professional commercial driver training program.
• Obtain any required endorsements for specialized cargo like hazardous materials.
• Have 1+ years of experience driving similar class B vehicles.
• Demonstrate strong time management, route planning, and trip optimization skills.
• Show knowledge of relevant trucking/transportation regulations and reporting.
• Highlight any specialized certifications or credentials you hold.
• Exhibit professionalism, safe driving habits, and great communication abilities.
• Consider getting bonded if you'll be handling valuable cargo or cash transactions.
• Check job sites like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and LinkedIn for openings.

With the right qualifications, experience, and interview preparation, you can get an awesome job using your class B commercial driver's license. This in-demand credential can help launch your career as a professional driver across many industries. Stay safe out on the roads!

FAQs

What vehicles can you drive with a class B license?

A class B license allows you to operate medium-sized vehicles between 26,001 and 33,000 lbs gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). This includes straight trucks, large vans, passenger vans, and smaller busses.

How old do you need to be to get a class B license?

You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a class B license. However, you must be 21 years old to drive a class B vehicle across state lines (interstate driving).

What tests do you need to pass to get a class B license?

You'll need to pass a general knowledge written test, an air brakes test (if applicable), a vehicle inspection test, and a road driving skills test in a class B vehicle.

Can you drive a class B RV with a regular license?

In most cases, no. If the RV exceeds 26,000 lbs GVWR, you'll need a valid class B license to legally operate it.

How much does it cost to get a class B license?

Costs vary by state. Expect to pay $100-$300 for your written tests, license fees, and road test. You'll also need to pay for your training classes if you don't already know how to drive a class B vehicle.