Commercial Drivers Licensing (CDL)
Program Summary
A commercial drivers license is required to operate most large vehicles. Tractor Trailer (Class A) drivers deliver everything from automobiles to canned foods. Companies of all kinds rely on trucks for pickup and delivery of goods because no other form of transportation can deliver goods door to door. Drivers of buses and other single chasis vehicles (Class B) transport goods and people. PGCC offers a complete CDL program, offering courses for Class A and Class B licensure.
Truck driving has become less physically demanding because most trucks now have more comfortable seats, better ventilation, and improved, ergonomically-designed cabs. Although these changes make the work environment more attractive, driving for many hours at a stretch, unloading cargo, and making many deliveries can be tiring. Local truck drivers, unlike long-distance drivers, usually return home in the evening. Some self-employed long-distance truck drivers who own and operate their trucks spend most of the year away from home.
Design improvements in newer trucks reduce stress and increase the efficiency of long-distance drivers. Many of the newer trucks are virtual mini-apartments on wheels, equipped with refrigerators, televisions, and bunks.
Employment Trends
- Job opportunities should be favorable.
- Competition is expected for jobs offering the highest earnings or most favorable work schedules.
- A commercial driver’s license is required to operate most larger trucks.
Program Objectives
- Successful completion of each course earns a Certificate of Completion
- Coursework leading to award of a Continuing Education Certificate
- Preparation for examination by the state Motor Vehicle Administration for award of a commercial driver’s license.
Program Contact
Name: Tony Marra
Phone: 410-772-4172
PGCC’s Commercial Driver Licensing Program, based at the Laurel College Center, offers two commercial drivers license programs:
- Class A CDL for tractor-trailers (eighteen-wheelers) of 26,001 lbs. or more and towing a trailer over 10,000 lbs.
- Class B CDL for straight trucks, buses, dump & cement trucks and utility vehicles of 26,001 lbs. or more or towing a trailer under 10,000 lbs.
All courses include classroom lecture, hands-on behind the wheel driving on both a course and on the road – as well as preparation for Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) skills tests.
Program Curriculum
- Must be 21 years of age for Class A Licenses, and 18 years of age for Class B Licenses in Maryland.
DC requires both Class A and Class B drivers to be 21.
- Possess a valid, non-provisional drivers license.
- Obtain a CDL permit.
- Others requirements may apply based on state of residence and past driving record.
Class A Licensing
|
Crs #
|
Course Name
|
Hrs
|
|
CLD300
|
CDL Application
|
---
|
|
CDL302
|
CDL Class A, Part 1: Basic Operations
|
80
|
|
CDL303
|
CDL Class A, Part 2: Vehicle Control Skills
|
80
|
|
|
Program total
|
160
|
Class B Licensing
|
Crs #
|
Course Name
|
Hrs
|
|
CLD300
|
CDL Application
|
---
|
|
CDL301
|
CDL Class B
|
50
|
|
|
Program total
|
50
|
Frequently Asked Questions
- What do the terms Class A and Class B on a CDL mean?
It refers to the type of vehicle that you may operate:
- Class A allows you to operate vehicles which tow trailers or other vehicles with a GVWR over 10,000 pounds when the combined GVWR is over 26,000 pounds. A Class A license also allows you to operate Class B and C vehicles. Applicable endorsements are required.
- Class B allows you to operate single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or more OR a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more, towing trailers/vehicles rated at 10,000 pounds GVWR or less. If the trailer is more than 10,000 lbs., a Class A Restricted CDL is required.
- When do I need a CDL instead of my regular (Class C) drivers license?
A CDL is required if you operate any of the following commercial motor vehicles:
- A vehicle with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 26,000 lbs.
- A vehicle towing a unit with a manufacturer's GVWR of more than 10,000 lbs. when the GVWR exceeds 26,000 lbs.
- A vehicle designed to transport 16 or more persons (including the operator) or any vehicle carrying children to or from school and home regularly when the driver is compensated.
- A vehicle of any size that carries hazardous materials in amounts requiring placarding.
- Are there any exemptions to being required to have a CDL?
Yes, a CDL is not required if the driver is:
- Active duty military personnel with military licenses operating military vehicles.
- A firefighter who meets approved training standards and operating authorized emergency vehicles.
- A farmer (in certain cases).
- An individual operating a motor home or other vehicle used exclusively to transport personal possessions or family members for non-business purposes.
- What can disqualify me from obtaining a CDL?
- If you possess a license from any state other than your state of residence.
- If you are currently subject to any disqualification of your commercial driving privilege in any state.
- If your license is currently suspended, revoked, denied, or cancelled.
- If you have a conviction for operating a commercial motor vehicle while impaired in the 24 months immediately preceding application.
- Other technical rules and further restrictions that pertain to specific states and can be further clarified by the MVA.
- How do I obtain a CDL?
- Study for, take, and pass the written permit exam.
- Take and pass a vision screening test.
- Take and pass a DOT physical and drug screening.
- Show your current driver's license and proof of your social security number to the MVA.
- Meet state driver record eligibility requirements.
- Fill out an application including those for the certification.
- Pay the CDL fee of $90 directly to the MVA
RECOMMENDATION:
Course CDL300, CDL Application, will walk you through this process.
|
- Learn how to drive a commercial vehicle, including: basic operations, vehicle control skills, Federal Motor Carriers Safety Regulations, and other requirements for legal operation.
RECOMMENDATION:
Attend the PGCC Commercial Drivers Licensing Program:
- CDL302 and CDL303 for Class A
- CDL301 for Class B
|
- Schedule and pass your CDL driving skills test at the MVA
|
- What are “endorsement codes,” and when do I need them on my CDL?
Endorsements are necessary for certain commercial driving requirements as follows:
- AIR BRAKES endorsement for vehicles with air brakes.
- (T) DOUBLE or TRIPLE TRAILERS for tractors pulling two or three trailers.
- (P) PASSENGER for vehicles which are designed to carry 16 or more people including the driver.
- (S) SCHOOL BUS includes any vehicle transporting children to or from school and home regularly when the driver is compensated.
- (N) TANK VEHICLES for vehicles designed to haul liquids or liquefied gases in bulk in permanently mounted tanks or portable tanks rated at 1,000 gallons or more.
- (H) HAZARDOUS MATERIALS to carry hazardous materials in amounts requiring placards.
- (X) Endorsement code designating a Tank (T) vehicle that carries Hazardous Materials (H).
- I'm over 18 years old, but not 21 yet. Can I get a CDL?
Yes, but with restrictions. Until your 21st birthday, you may not drive a commercial vehicle out of state, and you may not drive a vehicle requiring HAZMAT placarding.
- Can I use my CDL outside of the state from which it was issued?
Yes, if you are 21 years or older, it is good throughout the entire US.