Why Buy a Category B+ Driving License?
You'll need an Class B license if you are required to drive a vehicle with a trailer that weighs more than 26,000 pounds. The process of adding an endorsement to your current CDL class is typically the result of completing a second knowledge test and a skills test.
The passing of a test in category C1+E can upgrade your license to include the full B+E eligibility. (Subject to the maximum weight limit for your B licence.) This is only available to UK drivers.
Passenger Endorsements
This endorsement is required if you plan to operate a vehicle that has 16 or more seats (including the driver) in order to transport passengers. You must pass the P written test and the passenger-related road skills test to be eligible for this CDL endorsement. School bus drivers must have a separate CDL endorsement and go through a federal background investigation.
The Class B with the Passenger endorsement allows you to operate vehicles with an GVWR of up to 26001 pounds, if the towed vehicle weighs no over 10,000 pounds. The most common vehicles are city tours, school, and tour buses. This CDL class is typically used by professional bus operators.
This endorsement is not required for drivers who are employed in an organization that doesn't transport property or people, such as Realtors plumbers, plumbers and meters readers. Your employer may require this endorsement in order to comply with safety or insurance requirements. The regular (Class) Driver License with the Passenger (F), Endorsement, can be added to your Commercial Driver's License If you are a taxi driver or shuttle bus driver, courier, or ambulance driver. A For-Hire Endorsement can be added to any CDL Classification. The endorsement code is printed on the front of the license and is located under the date of expiration, next to the letter "E".
Endorsements for Hazardous Materials
The Hazardous Materials endorsement demonstrates to employers that you are qualified to transport certain types freight. This special certification can boost your chances of advancing in your career, and can help you land higher-paying driving positions, particularly in the field of trucking. This credential requires a higher level of safety-consciousness, which goes beyond the usual rules of the road. It also includes handling passengers, managing emergencies on the road, and directing evacuation procedures.
You will have to take a written test on hazardous materials and go through an extensive background check conducted by the Transportation Security Administration. These materials are corrosive, toxic or explosive and only those who are qualified are allowed to handle these materials. Truck drivers who transport liquid gas and chemicals need this endorsement and construction site workers who move substances from job sites to the construction site.
You may need to have a CDL endorsement P (passenger), if you operate vehicles that transport passengers, such as city buses and tour buses. School bus drivers need an additional S (school bus) endorsement to operate these vehicles. You can also add a tanker or N (tank vehicle) CDL endorsement to your driving license to transport materials in liquid and gaseous forms, such as oil and gas, dairy and beverage waste management, as well as agriculture. Some companies, such as Schneider offers a the combination HazMat and tanker (X) endorsements that permit you to transport both types of cargo without the need for an additional H or N endorsement.
The company you wish to work for will determine if you need to get additional endorsements to drive commercial vehicles. It is crucial to conduct your research about the endorsements that your target employer would prefer or needs. This will allow you to spend your time and money in a prudent manner. This will help you decide the qualifications you must obtain before you begin your journey as a driver, and reduce the risk of spending money on unnecessary endorsements. Many companies offer reimbursement to drivers for the cost of getting CDL endorsements. This is a great way to start your career in driving.
Combination Endorsements
The right endorsements give drivers access to vehicles that they would otherwise not be able to operate. They can expand their horizons and become the most sought-after source for job opportunities. Schneider recommends that drivers talk to industry professionals and career coun sell ors to understand the best combinations of endorsements are the most suitable for their goals.
The T combination endorsement permits, for instance, CDL Class B and A license holders to drive multiple trailers, including triple and double ones. This requires advanced driving skills and a keen understanding of how the trailers move relative to one another, since they are more susceptible to turning and jackknifing than single trailer trucks. The X endorsement permits Class A and B CDL holders to carry HazMat through tanks.
Trailer Endorsements
Those who transport passengers for a living have to have their Regular (Class D) driver license augmented by the For-Hire (F) endorsement. Examples of drivers that require this endorsement are taxi drivers chauffeurs for shuttle service couriers, delivery and delivery services (flowers pizza, flowers) as well as ambulance drivers. Certain employees who work on commission or for their own companies and do not transport people or property in the course of their work (such as plumbers and meter readers Realtors) may also require the For-Hire endorsement.
The "T" endorsement permits CDL holders to operate vehicles that have triple or double trailers. Schneider does not reimburse drivers for this endorsement. The "X" endorsement permits Class A and B CDL holders to carry HazMat freight on a tanker. This combination of endorsements is sometimes referred to as a "combo" or an "all-hazards" endorsement.