How to get your class b license

Class B

Single vehicles weighing 26,001 or more pounds and the unit being towed is less than 10,000 pounds. A class B driver may operate motor vehicles included within Class C. Applicants must possess a Class C driver’s license prior to obtaining a Class B driver’s license and be at least 18 years of age.

Class C

Commercial Driver’s Licenses are issued only if the vehicle is designed to transport sixteen or more passengers (including the driver), or utilized to transport hazardous materials in quantities that require placarding.

United Truck Driving School offers Class B CDL training, with a passenger endorsement, in the state of California. It allows you to drive a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight (GVWR) of more than 26,000 pounds. Examples of a career as a professional truck driver operating a straight truck would be:

• Tow Truck
• Dump Truck
• Delivery Truck
• Utility Truck
• Many, Many More!

With the addition of a passenger endorsement, it allows our students to also transport passengers in vehicles such as shuttle, city, motorcoach or tour buses.

Our course equips students with the skills required by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to obtain a Class B CDL with endorsements, including Hazmat, Tanker, and Passenger. Upon completion of truck driver training, students will be prepared to pass their California Class B CDL driving exam.

Our truck driver training course prepares students for entry-level employment as Class B Truck Drivers and/or professional bus drivers in a local setting. United also offers students one-on-one job placement assistance and work closely with major carriers to get you hired! Choosing a good truck driver training program in Southern California is the first step to a successful career.  But please note, a Class B license does not allow you to drive a Class A vehicle, like a semi-tractor trailer.  For that type of license please refer to our other two programs.

Program Length: 3 weeks / 120 hours

Class Start: Class B CDL Training classes are offered every two weeks during the day.

Campus Locations: United Truck Driving School has two campus locations in California: San Diego and Riverside. Equipment yards are conveniently located only a few miles away from our classrooms.

Tuition: Please contact us for pricing information to learn what payment options may be available to you.

Job Outlook: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Bus Drivers is expected to grow by 6%, that’s about 37,500 new jobs! As of 2017, the median pay for a bus driver was $31,920 per year or $15.35 per hour. Bus driver training with United Truck Driving School prepares students for passenger and bus driving careers.

* United Truck Driving School is an equal opportunity employer and our WIOA Title I financially assisted programs are equal opportunity programs. *

“I recommend any body to attend United Truck Driving School. I had a great time learning at this school and getting my Class B license. I am on a new journey and on to big better things because of  United Truck Driving School. Thanks to my trainers they really help me a lot.”

It takes special skills, training, and aptitude to safely operate large vehicles. We issue commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to ensure that drivers meet our high standards for operating commercial motor vehicles.

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) CDL Applicants:

On February 7, 2022, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) implemented federal Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements for commercial driver’s license (CDL) applicants. ELDT must be conducted by a registered training provider listed on the federal Training Provider Registry (TPR).

Successful completion of ELDT is required on or after February 7, 2022, for applicants who are:

• Obtaining an original CDL (Class A or B);
• Upgrading an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL; or
• Obtaining a School Bus (S), Passenger (P), or Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement 

In addition to the federal requirements, when applying for an original CDL (Class A or B) in California, the applicant must complete a minimum of 15 hours of behind-the-wheel training and submit a California Commercial Driver Behind The Wheel Training Certification (DL 1236) to the DMV as proof of completion prior to the issuance of their CDL.

For more information regarding ELDT, please visit www.fmcsa.dot.gov.

For more information about the TPR, visit: tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov.

Frequently asked questions regarding ELDT for applicants and training providers.

In California, you may be hired to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) carrying cargo that originates and terminates within state lines if you are at least 18 years old, and to drive for interstate commerce or transport hazardous materials/waste if you’re 21 or older. In either scenario, you need to hold a CDL in order to drive a CMV.  What classifies as a CMV?

How to Apply for a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) plus minus

If you have never had a commercial driver’s license (CDL), or you want to make a classification, endorsement, or restriction change that requires a skills test, you first need to get a CLP and hold it for at least 14 days. Here’s how you apply for a CLP:

• Get a standard California noncommercial Class C driver’s license (DL) (a temporary/interim DL is acceptable).
• Complete an online CDL Application.
• Visit a DMV office, where you will:
  • Submit a completed 10 Year History Record Check (DL 939) (if you have been issued a DL of any kind in another state or jurisdiction in the last 10 years).
  • Submit a completed Medical Examination Report (MER) Form (MCSA 5875) and Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) (MCSA 5876) (see the “Medical examination report” section below for more information).
  • Provide proof of your social security number (SSN). It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office.
  • Verify your identity with an acceptable identity document. Your current name needs to match the name on the identity document (see the FAQs for more information).
  • Present acceptable residency documents (if you have never had a California driver license or identification (DL/ID) card).
  • Pay the nonrefundable application fee (application and fee valid for 12 months).
  • Have your thumbprint scanned.
  • Pass a vision exam.
  • Have your photo taken.
  • Pass the knowledge test(s). You have three attempts to pass each of the required knowledge tests. If you fail the same test three times, your application is no longer valid and you need to reapply. To allow for sufficient testing time, we do not administer knowledge tests within 30 minutes of closing.
  • If you want to apply for a REAL ID, you must also provide proof of your identity, social security number (SSN), and two proofs of residency from the list of acceptable REAL ID documents.

We will issue you a CLP after you pass the knowledge test(s).

If you do not meet all the requirements to get a CDL within 12 months of applying (including passing the knowledge test and skills test), the application will no longer be valid and you must reapply.

Rules and Restrictions

Here are the rules and restrictions for operating a CMV with a CLP:

• You must also obtain and carry a valid California DL.
• The CLP is valid for a maximum of 180 days from the date issued. It can be renewed for an additional 180 days if the expiration date is not more than one year from the initial application date.
• If you present limited term legal presence documents, your CLP may expire on the same date as your legal presence documents.
• A CLP is limited to these endorsements:
  • Tank (N)
  • Passenger (P)
  • School Bus (S)
• You must be accompanied by a California CDL holder while operating a CMV. The license holder must possess the appropriate class of CDL and endorsements to operate the CMV.
• If you have an “N” endorsement, the tanks must be empty when you are driving the CMV. The tank must be purged if it previously contained a hazardous material.
• If you have a “P” or “S” endorsement, you cannot operate a CMV with passengers (other than federal/state auditors and inspectors, test examiners, other trainees, and the accompanying CDL holder).

How to Apply for a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) plus minus

After you hold a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) for 14 days, you can apply to take the skills test to earn your CDL. This 14 day waiting period also applies to classification upgrades and endorsement/restriction changes that require a skills test.

To apply for a CDL:

• Schedule a skills test appointment (skills tests are not given without an appointment). You may also call 1-800-777-0133 during the regular business hours (8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon., Tues., Thurs., and Fri., and between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed., excluding holidays) to make an appointment.
• Bring the type of vehicle(s) for the class you want to drive.
• Pass the skills test, which includes a vehicle inspection, basic control skills test, and road test. If you fail any part of the skills test, all other testing will be postponed. You have three tries to pass the skills test. You must pay a retest fee each time you retake the skills test.

Certain applicants may qualify to have the skills test requirement waived:

• If you have a valid CDL from another state that is current or has been expired for less than two years, you can surrender that license (or proof thereof). The license must have equivalent classification, endorsements, and restrictions to the one you are applying for in California.
• You can submit a Certificate of Driving Skill (DL 170 ETP) if your employer is authorized to issue them. Both you and your employer must sign the form.
• If you have military driving experience, you can submit a completed Commercial Military Waiver (DL 965). Learn more about the Troops to Trucks military waiver program.
• If you have a California CLP, and completed CDL training and passed the skills test in another state, you are not required to take the skills test in California. The skills test results will be sent to California DMV from the state where you were tested. You will need to go to a DMV Commercial Driving Test Office to finalize your application. Failing to return to a commercial DMV office may result in your application expiring.

After you pass your skills test, surrender your out-of-state CDL, or submit your certificate, we will issue an interim CDL that’s valid for 60 days. If you have not received your official CDL after 45 days, call us at 1-800-777-0133 to check the status.

Commercial Driver's License Renewal

If your commercial driver’s license expires in less than 120 days and is not suspended or lost, you may qualify to renew using the Virtual Office.

CDL Renewal

In this Section

CDL Classes & Certifications

There are three commercial driver’s license classes and four self-certification types.

Learn more about CDL classes and certifications

Medical Examinations & Eligibility

Commercial drivers, firefighters, and non-commercial drivers with Class A and Class B licenses are required to meet federal medical standards.

Learn more about CDL medical requirements

TSA Background Check for HAZMAT Endorsement

In order to get a hazardous materials (HazMat) endorsement on your CDL, you need to undergo a Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) security threat assessment.

Learn more about the TSA background check

Employer Testing Program

The Employer Testing Program (ETP) authorizes qualified commercial employers to administer the drive test to employees needing a CDL. Learn more about the program, the requirements, and how to apply.

Learn more about the ETP

Sample CDL Knowledge Tests

Before you can get a CDL, you need to pass applicable knowledge tests demonstrating you understand the rules of the road and how to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle. These sample tests can help you prepare for your knowledge test.

Practice with the sample tests

Related Resources

California Commercial Driver Handbook
School bus study guide
CDL testing and commercial learner’s permit standards
Truck Drivers Driving Guide

What Classifies as a CMV?

A CMV is defined as a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles and trailers used for hire to transport passengers or property.

• A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
• A combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
• A vehicle designed, used, or maintained for carrying more than ten passengers (including the driver).
• A vehicle towing another vehicle or trailer with a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more.
• A vehicle transporting hazardous materials (requires placards).
• A vehicle transporting hazardous waste as defined in California Health and Safety Code §25115 and §25117.
• A vehicle towing a combination of two trailers or vehicle and trailer.
• A 3-axle vehicle weighing more than 6,000 pounds.

Need something else?

Employer Pull Notice (EPN) Program

The EPN program allows companies to monitor the driving records of their drivers. 

About the EPN program

Update Info on Your Driver's License (DL) or ID Card

Learn how to change your name, address, or gender on your driver’s license or ID card.

Update your DL/ID

REAL ID cards

Beginning May 7, 2025, you’ll need a federal compliant card such as a passport, military ID, or REAL ID to board a domestic flight or access some federal facilities.

How much is a Class B license in California?

An original commercial license fee is $70, while a renewal is $40. You must also pass your vision test and turn in the DL51 medical form you filled out earlier. Finally, you must take the written test. If you pass in three tries, you will be granted a Class A or a Class B driving permit.

How much is a Class B license in Florida?

Obtaining a Class B CDL in Florida You will need to apply directly at a Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (HMSV) office . You will need to have all of the documents mentioned in the previous section, along with a $75 fee for a first-time application.

How much does it cost to get your Class B license in Maine?

1. Class A, Class B or Class C commercial driver's license. The examination fee for a Class A, Class B or Class C commercial driver's license is $70, which includes the first road test.

What do you need for a Class B license in NC?

Admission Requirements:.

Must be at least 18 years old..

Hold a valid NC Driver's License..

High school diploma/equivalency or completion of TABE assessment with at least 8th-grade reading and math skills..

Pass a DOT Physical..

Complete and pass a DOT drug screen..