CDL Classes, Endorsements and Restrictions

What Class A, B and C let you drive, the endorsements you can add, and the codes that limit a license.

The Three Classes

Class A: A combination rated 26,001 pounds or more (GCWR), towing a trailer rated over 10,000 pounds (GVWR): tractor-trailers, for example. It also covers Class B and C.
Class B: A single vehicle rated 26,001 pounds or more (GVWR), or one towing a trailer rated 10,000 pounds or less: straight trucks and large buses. It also covers Class C.
Class C: Anything smaller that’s built to carry 16 or more people, driver included, or carries placarded hazmat.

Some photos cropped or edited.

Each endorsement needs its own knowledge test, and some a skills test too. Only P, S and N can go on a learner’s permit.

Endorsement	For	Tests
H	Hazardous materials	Knowledge, and a TSA security threat assessment
N	Tank vehicles	Knowledge
P	Passenger vehicles	Knowledge and skills
S	School buses	Knowledge and skills, with the P endorsement
T	Double and triple trailers	Knowledge
X	Tank vehicles carrying hazmat	The H and N tests

49 CFR 383.93, 383.123, 383.141 and 383.153(a)(9).

A restriction limits what you may drive. Most come from the vehicle you took your skills test in, or a test you didn’t take or pass.

Code	You may not drive
L	Any vehicle with air brakes (failed or skipped the air brakes test, or tested without air brakes)
Z	Vehicles with full air brakes (tested with air-over-hydraulic brakes)
E	Vehicles with a manual transmission (tested with an automatic)
O	Tractor-trailers with a fifth wheel (tested with a pintle hook or other coupling)
M	Class A passenger vehicles (passenger test in a Class B vehicle)
N	Class A or B passenger vehicles (passenger test in a Class C vehicle)
K	Across state lines (intrastate only)
V	Shows a medical variance on your record

49 CFR 383.95 and 383.153(a)(10).

Yes. Class A covers Class B and C vehicles, and Class B covers Class C, as long as you hold the endorsements the vehicle or load needs.

49 CFR 383.91(c).