A Class B license covers most commercial trucks and buses

A Class B license is a commercial driver's license (CDL) that permits you to operate certain large vehicles for work. The main difference between Class B and Class A is the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) — Class B covers vehicles weighing 26,001 pounds or more, but only if they are not towing a trailer, or towing a trailer under 10,000 pounds.

In practical terms, Class B covers straight trucks (a single unit with no separate trailer attached), including delivery trucks, dump trucks, cement mixers, and city buses. It does not cover tractor-trailers or semi-trucks, which require a Class A license instead. The specific vehicles allowed vary slightly by state, so checking your state's DMV website for the exact list is worth doing before you pursue the license.

Key Takeaways

  • Class B licenses cover straight trucks and buses weighing 26,001 pounds or more, but not tractor-trailers or vehicles towing heavy trailers.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test, a skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic controls, and road test), and a medical examination to obtain one.
  • Most states require you to hold a regular driver's license first and be at least 18 years old, though some jobs require you to be 21.
  • The written test covers vehicle operation, safety, and air brake systems if your truck has them; you can study using your state's CDL manual.
  • The skills test is performed by a third-party examiner and includes backing up, turning, and driving in traffic — failing one section means you retake the entire test.

Who needs a Class B license

You need a Class B license if your job requires you to drive a commercial truck or bus that meets the weight and configuration requirements. Common jobs include delivery driver for large package companies, dump truck operator, concrete mixer driver, school bus driver, and city transit bus operator. Some employers will hire you without the license and help you obtain it; others require you to have it before you start.

If you currently drive a regular passenger vehicle for work — even if it is a company vehicle — you do not need a commercial license. The requirement kicks in only when the vehicle itself crosses the weight threshold. A pickup truck or van used for small deliveries typically does not require a Class B license, but a large box truck or delivery truck does.

The written test and what it covers

The written portion of the Class B test is taken at your state's DMV or an approved testing location. You will answer multiple-choice questions about vehicle operation, safety procedures, and how to handle emergencies. If your truck has air brakes, you must also pass an air brake section — some states allow you to skip this if your truck does not have air brakes, but others require it regardless.

Your state's CDL manual (available free on the DMV website) covers all the material on the test. Most people study the manual for one to three weeks before taking the test. The passing score is usually 80 percent, though this varies by state. You can retake the written test if you fail, typically after waiting a few days.

The skills test: what happens on test day

The skills test has three parts and is administered by a third-party examiner, not the DMV directly. The first part is the pre-trip inspection, where you walk around the truck and point out safety features — lights, tires, brakes, mirrors, and so on. You do not have to touch anything; you just explain what you are looking at and why it matters.

The second part is the basic controls test, performed in a closed course. You will back up in a straight line, back up at an angle, and perform a 90-degree turn. These maneuvers are tight and require precision; many people fail this section on their first attempt. The third part is the road test, where you drive in traffic, make turns, stop smoothly, and follow traffic laws. The examiner is looking for safe driving habits and vehicle control.

If you fail any one of the three parts, you must retake all three — you cannot just redo the section you failed. This is why many people take a CDL training course before testing; the course gives you practice in a truck and feedback on your weak spots.

Medical certification and other requirements

Before you can be issued a Class B license, you must pass a medical examination performed by a certified medical examiner. The exam checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and ability to operate the vehicle safely. You will receive a medical certificate valid for two years (or one year in some cases). Your state's DMV website lists certified examiners in your area.

You must also hold a regular driver's license before you can obtain a Class B. Most states require you to be at least 18 years old to hold a Class B, though some employers and certain jobs (like school bus driving) require you to be 21. Check with your employer or your state's DMV to confirm the age requirement for the specific job you are pursuing.

Class B versus Class A: the main difference

The key difference is what you can tow. A Class A license covers tractor-trailers and any vehicle towing a trailer weighing 10,001 pounds or more. A Class B license covers straight trucks and vehicles towing only light trailers (under 10,000 pounds). If your job involves pulling a heavy trailer, you need Class A, not Class B.

Class A requires more training and is harder to obtain, so employers sometimes hire Class B drivers for jobs that do not require towing. However, if the job description says you will be towing a trailer, confirm the trailer weight with your employer before deciding which license to pursue — getting the wrong one means you cannot do the job legally.

How to get your free guide: the step-by-step path

First, confirm with your employer or the job posting that Class B is the correct license for the position. Then, obtain your state's CDL manual from the DMV website and study it for two to four weeks. Schedule your written test at your local DMV or approved testing center and take it. Once you pass the written test, you are may be able to access to take the skills test.

Before the skills test, schedule a medical examination with a certified medical examiner and bring the certificate to your test appointment. You can take the skills test at a DMV location or with a third-party examiner, depending on your state. After you pass all three parts of the skills test, return to the DMV with your medical certificate and any other required documents, and your Class B license will be issued.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the skills test without attending a CDL training course?

Yes, you can test without formal training, but most people who do fail at least one section. A CDL course typically costs $3,000 to $7,000 and takes three to seven weeks, but it gives you hands-on practice in an actual truck and increases your chances of passing on the first attempt. Some employers will pay for the course or reimburse you after you are hired.

What happens if I fail the skills test?

You must wait a few days (the exact wait varies by state) before retaking it. You retake all three sections, not just the one you failed. You can take the test as many times as needed, but each attempt costs a testing fee (usually $50 to $150).

Do I need air brake endorsement for Class B?

Most Class B trucks have air brakes, so you will likely need to pass the air brake section of the written test. If your specific truck does not have air brakes, you may be able to skip it, but confirm with your employer and the DMV first. Some states require the air brake test regardless.

How long is a Class B license valid?

A Class B CDL is typically valid for four to eight years, depending on your state. You must renew it before it expires, and renewal usually requires passing a new medical examination. Some states allow you to renew by mail; others require you to visit the DMV in person.

Can I drive a Class B truck with a regular driver's license?

No. Driving a commercial vehicle that requires a Class B license without one is illegal and can result in fines, license suspension, and criminal charges. Your employer is also liable if you are caught driving without the proper license.