A Class B CDL can open up many trucking opportunities. You can drive large trucks like straight trucks and buses. You can also tow a trailer if it's part of the vehicle category that is listed in the registration certificate for the vehicle.
The requirements for training and testing as well as the opportunities for employment and endorsements are different among different CDL classes. So which one is the right choice for you?What is a category B+ license?
Category B+ is a kind of driving licence that permits you to drive that has a trailer or semi-trailer. This license is only accessible to drivers who are aged 18 or older and whose vehicle and trailer have a maximum authorized mass (MAM1) of not more than 3,500 kg. The Category B+ licence is an excellent option for those who wish to drive larger vehicles but don't want to take the Class A CDL test.
State-specific requirements vary and include a noncommercial driver's licence and passing a medical examination. You may also have to take a driving or safety course, and pass a written test. Certain states require you to have to be at least 21 years old in order to get a Class B CDL, so it is important to check the specific requirements of your state.
Generally, drivers who passed the car test prior to 1 January 1997 and who hold a category B licence can drive a motor car with trailer, provided that the MAM1 of the trailer and vehicle does not exceed 3,500 kilograms. They will not be able to drive a vehicle that falls under the subcategory of D1+E or C1+E. To upgrade their licence, they need to pass the required driving test.
In some EEA member states drivers who have passed their category B driving test will not have to pass the category B driving test. They can transport a trailer with a maximum mass of 12,000 kilograms with their category B license. This exemption is noted on the registration certificate for the vehicle.
Class B CDL requirements differ between states, but include an impeccable driving record and passing a physical test. You may be required to complete a training program which combines classroom learning and hands-on driving. You can also decide to add endorsements to your class B license, like passenger transport or small HAZMAT which can increase your employment opportunities.
What are the requirements for B+ category licenses?
A category B+ license is an excellent method to move up the commercial vehicle licensing ladder. Although it's not as prestigious or has as many endorsements as a Class A licence but it does open the door to a variety of career opportunities and permits you to drive specialized vehicles that aren't accessible on the standard car or truck (C) licence.
To qualify for a category B+ driving license you must be 18 years old, have a clean record and pass a medical examination. Based on the type of work you're looking to do, there are also specific requirements for certain types of vehicles. For instance, if intend to drive across the state line or transport hazardous materials you'll need a special endorsement on your license.
Unlike other driving licenses the category B+ driving license is valid for five years. You may be required to take additional medical tests or other tests in order to renew your driving license. Some countries require drivers to undergo specific training before being permitted to drive certain kinds of vehicles.
The definition of a Category B+ vehicle is the same as that of a normal category B license. A category B+ vehicle is any large truck that has a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more but does not include a tractor/semi-trailer. This includes large fire trucks, cement mixers and delivery trucks. Typically, these trucks have a maximum load of 85,000 pounds.
In order to obtain a category B+ driver's license you must pass a test of driving for vehicles in category B with a trailer whose maximum authorised mass does not exceed 3,500 kilograms. This is an obligation for Norway and EEA member states, with the exceptions of Denmark.
If you pass a driver's exam in a category B vehicle before 19 January 2013, your license is automatically upgraded to include full category B+E entitlement. However, you'll have to take a separate test in subcategories D1+E or C1+E in order to drive any vehicle that is larger than the size of a category B vehicle. This includes vehicles that tow or transport passengers.
Where can I get a category B+ license?
If you have a category B driver's license and have a category B driving licence, you can drive motor vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes in mass. This includes trailers that weigh up to 750kg. You can also drive a vehicle and trailer combination that has an MAM up to 8,250 kg as long as the combined MAM does not exceed 12,000 kg.
You can add category B+ to your driving licence after you have passed an examination for the type of vehicle you'd like to drive. This can be done by completing form D2 and sending it to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You can also get categories added to your licence automatically. For example If you successfully pass the driving test in your car, you will receive an entire category C1+E license. If you pass the bus or coach driving exam, you will receive an E category licence.
To learn more about the types of vehicles you can drive with a category B license Visit the DVLA website. You can also learn more about how to apply for other kinds of trucking jobs by going to the Careers in Trucking website.
A category B licence enables you to drive cars with up to 8 seats. This is the most popular type of car license. You can tow a vehicle if its MAM does not exceed the weight of 750kg. If you want to tow a trailer which has a greater MAM, you will need an BE category licence.
You can also drive small motorised tricycles for as long as their engine size isn't more than 50cc. This includes e-scooters that are trial versions. You can also drive mopeds, Dokupię Prawo Jazdy provided it has an engine size of 15 kW or more. You can also obtain a category AM licence which permits you to drive mopeds and motorcycles up to 125cc, including those used as learner vehicles. You can get this added to your category B license by filling out form D2 together with your licence and other documents to DVLA. This will cost you PS12.50. You must pass both a theory and a practical driving test to add category AM to your driving license.
What is the price of a B+ category license?
A class B+ license is a good option for truck drivers who are looking to begin with something less overwhelming than a Class A CDL. This license allows you to drive any single-unit car that is allowed for a Class E driver, busses and other vehicles that have a gross weight rating (GVWR), of at least 26,001 pounds (depending on the restrictions). This is a great option for truckers who wish to start small but would eventually like to be able to handle larger loads.
In order to get a category B+ driving license, you'll be required to meet the minimum requirements of your state. This usually includes having a high school diploma or GED as well as a strong driving record and passing the Department of Transportation's medical exam. You must be at least 18 years old to qualify for category B+ licenses. However, some states have higher requirements for age.
You can add different endorsements to your category B+ license to increase the number of vehicles you're allowed to drive. You can add endorsements to your category B+ driving license to expand the types of vehicles you can drive. These include HAZMAT (which permits you to transport hazardous materials) and tanker (which allows you to drive tanks that are filled with gas or liquids) double/triple-trailers that allow you to haul multiple trucks at the same time. While these endorsements might require extra training and testing, they can provide new opportunities for career advancement and let you feel the excitement of driving specially designed trucks.
If you're just beginning your journey or already a professional trucker, it's essential to protect your career with professional legal plans. Join our members' club to have access to experienced CDL lawyers who can assist you in keeping your license and your job safe. We have assisted more than 350,000 truckers like you and we can help too. Find out more about our membership plans today! It's a smart investment in your career.
