If you are considering a job in trucking or commercial driving, your first question will be whether or not you’ll need to get a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) or whether a standard driver’s license should be sufficient.
Answer: That depends on the type of car which you want to ride and what you would carry in it. In the United States, there are essentially two groups of drivers:
Non-CLDL drivers will operate smaller vehicles that are subject to the normal license licensing requirements.
CDL drivers that are permitted to operate and use the large trucks, buses or special vehicles
In this guide we will look at what’s the difference between the CDL and non-CDL licenses, what each of these require, how to get a CDR, and how you will be able to change your job chances with a CDL vs. non-ccdl license.
What Is a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License)?
A CDL is required to drive large or specialized commercial trucks in order to operate tractor-trailers, flatbeds, passenger buses and tanker trucks.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets the CDL regulations while every state administers its own exams and issues licenses. CDLs come in three classes:
Class A CDL
Allows one to operate tractor-trailers, flatbeds, livestock carriers, tank trucks, and other combination units having a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more and pulling over 10,000 pounds.
This certification is most suited to long-haul trucking and higher-paying commercial trucking like flatbed highway.
Class B CDL
Applies to straight trucks, box trucks, small trailer dump trucks and city, tourist or school buses.
Use for those vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating equal to or greater than 26,001 pounds, and that are towing that which is less than 10,000 pounds.
Class C CDL
Required for smaller cars that seat 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or vehicles that transport hazardous materials
Bottom line: If driving a flatbed truck or a tractor-trailer is what you want to do, you will need a Class A CDL.
What Is a Non-CDL License?
A non-CDL license is simply a regular driver’s license with special endorsements on it, sometimes for small commercial driving.
When you have a non – CDL license, you are usually allowed to drive:
- Delivery vans/small box trucks (less than 26,000 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight)
- The trucks with light trailers – pickup trucks.
- Passenger vehicles of less than 16 persons.
- Some vehicles used in farming, farming equipment (depending on state laws).
Non-CDL jobs are common in the forms of last-mile delivery, courier services, local moving companies and some construction jobs.
CDL vs. Non-CDL: Major Differences Vehicle Weight and Size
Let us discuss the important points in the context of differences between these models that are crucial for both the drivers and the employers:
Vehicle Weight and Size
CDL: Required if the vehicle weighs 26,001 pounds or more or if the vehicle is going to be towing a trailer with more than 10,000 pounds.
NonCDL: Refers to a vehicle which has a GVW of less than 26,000 pounds and light trailers.
Types of Vehicles
CDL: Covers tractor-trailers, flatbeds, buses, vehicles that carry hazardous materials & tanker vehicles.
Non-CDL:.Container Vans, Small Delivery Trucks, Light-duty Truck which has smaller trailer
Cargo and Passengers
CDL: Required in order to transport dangerous products, very heavy loads, livestock or 16 or more riders.
Sudden commercial driver’s license: Good for local package delivery, small local transport, moderate transportation.
Career Opportunities
A greater opportunity for: CDL drivers may receive higher-paying, long-haul and special-purpose trucking jobs.
Non-CDL drivers: Typically are employed in local/regional service driving smaller vehicles.
Training and Testing
CDL: Knowledge tests are required, road skills exams are required, medical exams are required, and special endorsements may also be required.
Non-Commercial Driver’s License (Non-CDL): This license needs only a state issued standard drivers license test to be qualified.
Salary Potential
All deployment of Class-D vehicles is to be managed in line with Coca-Cola’s Putting The World Together, while each CDL employee averages between $55,000 and $80,000 per year.
Non-CDL drivers have littler paychecks, with an average of $30,000 to $45,000 per annum.
CDL Endorsements: Expanding Your Opportunities
An endorsement is a special permission which allows you to drive more types of vehicles with your CDL. For one, you usually need to sit some more written and possibly practical tests.
H – HazMat (Hazardous Materials): Needed to transport flammable, toxic or hazardous materials.
N – Tanker: Needed to drive vehicles that carry liquids.
T – Double/Triple Trailers: Required to get two or three trailers.
P – Passenger: Used to drive buses or vans that hold 16 or more people in the vehicle.
S – School Bus: Required to be able to drive a school bus.
Getting endorsements can give you more chances to get a job and also help you get paid more, but it also means taking extra time to get your CDL.
CDL Training and Requirements
Since February 2022, the FMCSA has a new rule for Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) for all new CDL applicants. This training is designed to assist drivers in satisfying federal safety requirements before they are driving on public roads.
Basic CDL Requirements:
1: To drive within the state you must be at least 18 years old and to drive across state lines or carry dangerous cargo if you must be at least 21 years old.
2: Entitled to holds a valid non-commercial driver’s license
3: You must make it through a Department of Transportation medical exam and a vision test.
4: You have to apply for a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and hold it for 14 days minimum.
5: Exchange Victory lab Dorothy Training program must be completed through an approved training program.
6: Pass the CDL skills test:
- Pre-trip inspection
- Basic control movements like backing, docking into an alley and parallel parking
- On-road driving
CDL Training Programs
Private Local Classes – To pass a Class A CDL in 3-7 weeks – $3,000-$7,000
Community colleges: 8 – 16 weeks, cheaper
Company-centric programs: free or inexpensive but popularly there is a guarantee required work for the company after a graduation.
CDL vs. Non-CDL: Which Should You Choose?
The choice gets decided on what career you wish to pursue.
Certain CDL Frequently asked questions A CDL is necessary to drive: Flatbed truck, long-distance material truck, or special load and cargo.
If you are a fan of local delivery or little cars, a regular license may suffice.
Tip: A lot of drivers start out driving locally to learn how to drive, then acquire a CDL that will allow you to earn more money and have more opportunities.
CDL Timeline vs. Non-CDL Timeline
Non-CDL license: This takes several weeks just like for getting a standard license.
CDL license: The CDL license can take anywhere from 3wds to 6 months depending on what the training program length is, how quick test dates can be obtained from the DMV, and if you are requiring additional endorsements.
Salary Comparison: CDL vs. Non-CDL
CDL Drivers: $55,000–$80,000 each year. Drivers of flatbeds and hazardous can make over $90,000.
Non uman CDL Drivers: $30,000 – $45,000 every year and pay doesn’t grow that much.
Career Growth Opportunities
CDL drivers can be steamrollers as owner-operators, fleet managers, and specialized drivers.
Any non-CDL driver can become a CDL driver if they receive extra training.
Final Thoughts
The choice between a CDL and a non-CDL license is determined by the career that you intend to get into. A non-CDL license is good for local driving and small delivery jobs but usually there is less scope for growth. Having the CDL allows trucking jobs that earn more and are of higher demand; such as flatbed, hazmat, tanker and long packing.
At dexterdispatchservices.com, we assist drivers and owner-operators at each step of the way. Whether you are new to the industry or already have a CDL, our dispatch solutions, compliance consulting and business support services are meant to help you ensure you maximize your career experience.