Getting a Class B CDL can open the door to a reliable, well-paying career.
But figuring out how to get a Class B CDL isn’t always easy. The process can feel confusing. Requirements vary by state. And let’s be honest—government websites aren’t always clear. If you’re unsure where to start or what steps come first, you’re not alone.
In this article, you will learn:
- What a Class B CDL is and who needs one
- The exact steps to earn it, from start to finish
- How long it takes and what it might cost
Let’s break it down.
What Is a Class B CDL?
A Class B CDL is a type of commercial driver’s license that allows you to drive a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, as long as the vehicle is not towing anything over 10,000 pounds. Think buses, dump trucks, delivery trucks, and other large straight trucks.
This is different from a Class A CDL, which is required for combination vehicles like tractor-trailers. To learn more about the difference between Class A and Class B commercial endorsements, check out our full comparison guide. Understanding this distinction helps you choose the right path for your driving career.
If you’re looking to get a truck driving job but don’t want to tow large trailers, getting a Class B CDL is often faster, cheaper, and easier than getting a Class A. With CDL B jobs, you can drive for delivery companies, public transit systems, school districts, or construction firms—just to name a few.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To get a Class B CDL, you need to meet some basic eligibility rules:
- Be at least 18 years old to drive within your state (21 for interstate trucking)
- Have a valid U.S. driver’s license and proof of citizenship or lawful residency
- Speak and read English well enough to understand road signs and communicate
- Pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam
- Hold a clean driving record with minimal traffic violations
- Consent to drug and alcohol testing per FMCSA regulations
These are just the baseline.
Before you begin Class B CDL training, make sure you’re eligible in your specific state by checking with your local DMV.
Steps to Get a Class B CDL
If you’re ready to start a truck driving career, here’s how to get a Class B CDL, step by step:
1. Get a DOT Medical Exam
You’ll need a valid Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certificate before you can apply for a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). This confirms you’re physically fit to operate a commercial vehicle.
2. Study for the Written Test
Start prepping for the CDL written test by reviewing your state’s CDL manual or signing up for a CDL training course. Focus on general knowledge and air brakes, plus any endorsements you want.
3. Apply for a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
Once you pass the written tests, you’ll get your CLP, which allows you to drive a Class B vehicle with a licensed instructor. You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before scheduling your skills test.
4. Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
As of 2022, all new drivers must complete new CDL requirements under the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) rule from a registered training provider. This training covers theory and behind-the-wheel driving on both public roads and closed ranges, which ensures you’re fully prepared for real-world driving.
5. Schedule and Pass the CDL Skills Test
Next, schedule your CDL skills test with a state-approved testing facility. This includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and a road test. You’ll need to take the test in a Class B vehicle to get your license.
6. Get Endorsements if Needed
Depending on the job you want, you may need extra endorsements, like passenger (P) for buses or school bus (S) if you plan to transport students. Other options include hazmat or tanker.
Once you pass the skills test and any required endorsement exams, you can officially obtain a Class B CDL and start looking for jobs through a truck driving school or driver staffing agency.
How Long Does It Take?
Most people can get a Class B CDL in 4 to 8 weeks. That includes time for CDL training, the ELDT course, and scheduling your skills test.
If you attend a full-time truck driving school, you might finish faster. But delays can happen based on class schedules, training availability, and DMV backlogs.
Cost of Getting a Class B CDL
The total cost to get a Class B CDL usually ranges from $2,000 to $5,000. This includes CDL training, written and skills test fees, endorsement costs, and medical exams.
Some truck driving schools offer payment plans or financial aid, and some employers cover tuition through company-sponsored CDL training programs. If you’re looking to obtain a Class B CDL affordably, check if local training programs are listed in the Training Provider Registry.
Jobs You Can Get With a Class B CDL
A Class B license gives you access to a wide range of stable, local, or regional truck driving jobs.
With a CDL B, you can drive:
- Straight trucks
- Dump trucks
- Delivery trucks (like beverage and package carriers)
- School buses and transit buses
- Tow trucks
These jobs don’t require you to haul long-distance or handle combination vehicles, which makes the Class B CDL an appealing option for many. For a more targeted look, here’s a list of top CDL B jobs hiring in SoCal. This gives you an idea of the types of roles currently in demand and where to start applying.
There’s high demand for Class B drivers in construction, public transportation, waste management, and more. It’s a smart, accessible way to start a commercial driving career without going through the more intense CDL-A process.
Start Driving Sooner With Premium Transport Staffing
Getting a Class B CDL doesn’t have to be complicated. Now you know what this license allows you to drive, the steps to obtain a Class B CDL, and the types of truck driving jobs it can unlock.
Once you’ve got your license, Premium Transport Staffing (PTS®) makes finding your next job fast and simple. With flexible opportunities, a user-friendly app, and nationwide staffing services, PTS connects Class B drivers to top employers—without the hassle.
If you’re a new driver or a carrier, PTS® is your partner in truck driver recruiting.
