A Class B license covers most medium-sized trucks and buses
A Class B driver's license permits you to operate vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) between 26,001 and 33,000 pounds — roughly the size of a delivery truck, box truck, or small bus. The exact definition varies by state, but the core rule is the same: Class B covers heavier vehicles than a standard passenger car (Class D or Class C in most states) but lighter than the commercial trucks that require a Class A license.
You do not need a commercial driver's license (CDL) to hold a Class B in most states, which is the main difference between Class B and Class A. However, some states treat Class B as a non-commercial license while others classify it as commercial, so the rules about what you can haul and whether you need a medical certificate depend on where you live.
Class B is common for people who drive delivery vehicles, small moving trucks, or operate shuttle buses for hotels or tour companies. If your job involves driving a vehicle in this weight range, your employer will usually tell you which license class you need before you start.
Key Takeaways
- A Class B license covers vehicles weighing 26,001 to 33,000 pounds, including box trucks, delivery trucks, and small buses.
- Most states do not require a commercial driver's license (CDL) for Class B, though some states have different rules about whether Class B counts as commercial.
- The written test for Class B covers vehicle handling, braking, and safety rules specific to larger vehicles, and you must pass a vision and road test.
- Some states require a medical certificate or restrict what cargo you can carry with a Class B, so check your state's rules before you drive commercially.
- If you already hold a Class D or Class C license, you can usually take the Class B test without losing your current license.
Weight limits and what vehicles fall into Class B
The defining number for Class B is the GVWR — the maximum weight a vehicle can safely carry when fully loaded, including cargo and passengers. A vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 to 33,000 pounds falls into Class B in most states. This covers box trucks (the kind used for local deliveries), small moving trucks, and buses that seat 15 to 35 passengers.
A pickup truck with a standard bed and cab usually weighs under 14,000 pounds and does not require Class B. A full-size moving truck (the kind you rent for a long-distance move) often exceeds 33,000 pounds and requires Class A instead. The weight rating is printed on the driver's side door jamb or in the owner's manual — if you are unsure whether a vehicle you want to drive needs Class B, check that number first.
Some vehicles sit right at the boundary. A 26,000-pound truck might be legal under Class D in your state, while a 26,001-pound truck requires Class B. Your state's motor vehicle handbook will list the exact cutoffs and give examples of common vehicles in each class.
How Class B differs from Class A and Class D
The main difference between Class B and Class A is weight. Class A covers vehicles over 33,000 pounds — heavy tractor-trailers, large buses, and tanker trucks. Class A almost always requires a commercial driver's license (CDL) and a medical certificate. Class B, in contrast, does not require a CDL in most states, though some states blur this line.
Class D (or Class C in some states) is the standard passenger car license. It covers vehicles under 26,001 pounds and is what most people hold. You can usually drive a personal pickup truck or SUV on Class D. The jump from Class D to Class B means you are moving into vehicles that handle differently — they have longer stopping distances, wider turning radiuses, and require different braking techniques.
Some states have a Class C that sits between Class D and Class B, covering vehicles up to 26,000 pounds. Check your state's motor vehicle handbook to see the exact breakdown where you live, because the names and weight ranges shift from state to state.
Written test and road test requirements for Class B
To get a Class B license, you must pass a written test specific to Class B vehicles. The test covers topics like how larger vehicles brake and turn, how to check your mirrors and blind spots, weight distribution, and what to do if your brakes fail. You will also answer questions about state traffic laws and road signs — the same rules explore to Class B as to any other vehicle.
After you pass the written test, you take a road test in a vehicle that meets Class B requirements. The examiner will ask you to perform tasks like backing up, turning in a tight space, and driving on a highway. They are watching for smooth steering, proper mirror checks, and safe braking. The road test usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes.
Most states require a vision test and a hearing test (in some cases) before you take either exam. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them to the test — your license will be restricted to "corrective lenses" if you do. Some states also require a medical certificate showing you are fit to drive a Class B vehicle, though this is less common than it is for Class A.
Commercial versus non-commercial Class B rules
Whether your Class B license is commercial or non-commercial depends on your state and how you use it. In some states, Class B is always non-commercial — you can drive a box truck for personal use or for work without a CDL. In other states, Class B is commercial if you are being paid to drive it, and non-commercial if you are driving it for personal reasons.
If your Class B is commercial, you may need a medical certificate, and there are restrictions on how many hours you can drive per day. You may also need to maintain a logbook of your driving hours. If your Class B is non-commercial, these rules do not explore — you can drive as long as you want (within normal fatigue limits) and you do not need a medical certificate.
Your state's motor vehicle handbook will tell you whether Class B is commercial in your state and what restrictions come with it. If you are hired to drive a Class B vehicle, ask your employer or your state's motor vehicle office which type of license you need before you take the test.
Upgrading from Class D to Class B
If you already hold a Class D license, you do not have to give it up to get a Class B. You can hold both at the same time. To upgrade, go to your state's motor vehicle office, pay the upgrade fee (usually $20 to $50), and take the Class B written and road tests. You do not have to retake the Class D test.
Some states let you take the Class B test without renewing your Class D at the same time. Others require you to renew both together. Call your local motor vehicle office to find out the process in your state and whether you need to bring any documents besides your current license and proof of residency.
If you fail the Class B road test, your Class D license remains valid. You can take the Class B test again after a waiting period (usually 7 to 14 days, depending on your state). There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.
Restrictions and endorsements that may explore to Class B
Some Class B licenses come with restrictions or endorsements. A restriction limits what you can do with the license — for example, "corrective lenses required" or "automatic transmission only." An endorsement adds permission to do something — for example, an air brake endorsement means you have passed an extra test on air brake systems and can drive vehicles with air brakes.
If you are driving a bus, you may need a passenger endorsement (often called a "P" endorsement). If you are driving a vehicle that carries hazardous materials, you may need a hazmat endorsement. These endorsements require separate written tests and sometimes a background check. Your employer will tell you which endorsements you need before you start the job.
Some states restrict Class B to vehicles with automatic transmissions if you took your road test in an automatic. If you want to drive a manual transmission vehicle, you must take the road test again in a manual transmission vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a CDL to drive a Class B vehicle?
In most states, no — Class B does not require a commercial driver's license. However, some states classify Class B as commercial, which means you may need a CDL or a medical certificate. Check your state's motor vehicle handbook or call your local motor vehicle office to find out the rule where you live.
Can I drive a Class B vehicle for personal use?
Yes, as long as you hold a valid Class B license. You can rent a box truck and move your own belongings, or borrow a friend's delivery truck. The license covers the vehicle weight, not the purpose of the drive.
What happens if I drive a Class B vehicle without a Class B license?
You can be cited for driving with an invalid license, which is a traffic violation. The penalty varies by state but usually includes a fine and points on your driving record. If you are driving for work, your employer could also face penalties.
How long does a Class B license last?
Most states issue Class B licenses that are valid for 4 to 8 years, the same as a Class D license. Your license will show the expiration date. You can renew it at your local motor vehicle office before it expires, usually without retaking the tests.
Can I get a Class B license if I have had traffic violations?
Traffic violations do not automatically disqualify you from getting a Class B license. However, serious violations like DUI or reckless driving may delay your process or require you to wait a certain amount of time before you can test. Ask your local motor vehicle office whether your specific violations affect your Class B may be able to access.