what is cdl class a?

Important details for this program include:

Participants in the CDL A Young Adult Training Program must complete the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) program that is federally mandated for all new CDL drivers, even if they obtained their Class A CDL in another state prior to 2/7/2022. You can find information about ELDT requirements, including how to find a training provider, at https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/. See DMV’s ELDT FAQ page for additional information.

In addition to successfully completing Class A ELDT, Young Adults applying for a Class A CDL license must complete at least 300 hours of Behind-the-Wheel training under the immediate supervision and control of an experienced driver before obtaining their license (see the FAQ section for the definition of an experienced driver). Behind-the-Wheel training must be conducted on-road and may be supplemented with range driving. The Young Adult driver must have control of the power unit. Simulators cannot be used to meet Behind-the-Wheel requirements.

• Vehicle inspection (Pre-Trip, Enroute, Post Trip)• Backing (Straight Line Backing, Alley Dock Backing, Off-Set Backing)• Parking• Coupling/Uncoupling• Vehicle Controls• Shifting• Extreme Driving Conditions • Safe Driver Behavior• Any other operations/maneuvers your experienced driver deems necessary for you to operate a Class A Commercial Vehicle (e.g., operating with cargo).You can find these and other Behind-the-Wheel training activities in Appendix A to Part 380 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.New Young Adult drivers can use the New York State Commercial Drivers Manual to prepare for their CDL skills test. Supervising experienced drivers can use the manual to help ensure all aspects of CDL operation are covered in a Young Adult driver’s 300 hours of Behind-the-Wheel Training.

1. Who can qualify for this program?A driver who is 18, 19, or 20 years old (“Young Adult”) who already has a valid New York State Driver’s License can qualify for this program.

2. How can a Young Adult get a Class A License?Young Adults must meet all requirements to get a CDL license (see “Get A CDL”) Plus they must get at least 300 hours of supervised driving in a Class A vehicle by an experienced driver. (See “Who can supervise my driving?” below)

3. Who can supervise my driving? You must have your driving under the supervision of an experienced driver with a Class A License. This experienced driver must meet ALL of the following criteria:

4. Must my supervised driving be under a single driver, or can the supervision be under more than one driver?You can get your supervised driving from one driver or multiple drivers. You need to keep track of who provides you the training.

5. Must I get this supervision from a driving school? No. The supervised driving (all or part of the 300 hours) can be provided by a driving school but does not have to be from a driving school.

6. Where will this new CDL license allow a young adult to drive? These drivers will be able to drive a Class A Vehicle in New York State only. They cannot drive interstate. The K restriction can be removed when the driver turns 21 years of age. If the driver would like the K restriction removed when they turn 21, then they must visit their local DMV office.

7. Can my ELDT training time be counted towards the 300 hours of supervised driving time?Yes, the part of ELDT that includes range or on the road practice can be counted towards the 300 hours, as long as the ELDT Behind-the-Wheel training is provided by an experienced driver.

8. What do I have to present to DMV to prove that I have successfully completed this training course?You must complete and present the MV-44CDL (PDF) to the Motor Vehicle Representative at the DMV office after completion of the road test.  Proof of ELDT completion will be electronically transmitted to DMV from FMCSA.

What is a Class A CDL? A class A CDL is required for operation of a combination of vehicles (such as a tractor connected to a trailer) with a gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more and a towing capacity of more than 10,000 pounds.

Considering a career in trucking, but confused on whether you need a Class A or Class B CDL? Wondering which one will earn you the most income? The different classes of CDL’s can be quite confusing, but today we’re going to explain the benefits of getting your Class A CDL – which can be earned right here at Diesel Driving Academy.

At DDA, we offer two types of Class A training; Basic and Advanced CDL courses.

The Basic Class A CDL course does not require previous truck driving experience for you to enroll in. Classes can be completed in 4-weeks, for a total of 160 clock hours. Your instruction will include both classroom and hands-on driving experiences as part of our course. Graduates of this course are prepared to do entry-level truck driving work.

The Advanced Class A CDL can be completed during daytime classes (20-weeks) or evening classes (30-weeks) for a total of 600 clock hours. Students do not need previous driving experience, and instruction will still include both classroom and hands-on driving experiences as part of your course. Students who graduate this program have many career options available including employment as a Truck Driver, Line Haul Driver, Owner Operator, Semi-Truck Driver, or Over the Road (OTR) Driver.

When deciding between a CDL A or CDL B, you want to weight your career options. Your Class A CDL will generally be able to garner you the highest wages of any type of truck driver. Most students who graduate with their Class A CDL will get into over-the-road (OTR) trucking. That means you drive longer distances, log more miles, usually drive across the US, and therefore get the highest wages of any class of truck drivers.

A trucker beginning with a company in their first year can make quite a range of pay, and many things can factor into a truck driver’s pay including the following:

On average, DDA graduates can expect to start with an income of around $45,000+ annually, while an average salaries run between $50,000 annually (25th percentile) and $70,00 (75th percentile) for OTR truck drivers.

Most carriers also provide their drivers with a host of additional benefits in addition to a good salary when they are OTR truckers. The following are some of the other benefits you can expect to get from your carrier:

These additional benefits make getting your Class A CDL worth your time and money. Once you get your Class A CDL you will enjoy access to some of the highest-paying jobs in trucking and you will have a career that can become a passion for the rest of your life.

Want more information on getting your Class A CDL so you can start earning a consistent paycheck? Call us today at 1-800-551-8900.

A commercial driver's license (CDL) is a driver's license required to operate large, heavy, or placarded hazardous material vehicles in the United States in commerce. There are several different types of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) that require a driver to hold a valid commercial driver's license. Employers actively look for CDL drivers with one of these license classes, so we recommend you get the one you need before applying for your dream job.

To drive certain specialized types of vehicles such as buses or tank trucks or carry hazardous materials, you must also apply for the proper endorsements on your CDL. Endorsements include Passenger (P), allowing you to carry passengers; Tank (T), allowing you to drive trucks containing liquid cargo; and H (Hazardous Materials), allowing you to drive trucks containing such hazardous materials as flammable liquids, explosives, or radioactive substances. To obtain an endorsement, you will need to pass a specialized knowledge exam and possibly a specialized driving skills test. To obtain an H, P, or School Bus (S) endorsement, you must successfully complete training from FMCSA-approved training providers. To obtain an S endorsement, you must also undergo a thorough background check.

Get professional CDL training from the comfort of your home - from a trusted FMCSA-approved ELDT provider. Pass Guarantee.

Below is a list of all Commercial Driver’s License classes.

A Class A commercial driver's license is required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the towed vehicle is heavier than 10,000 pounds.

With a Class A CDL and the proper endorsements, you may drive the following types of vehicles:

Tractor semi truck with flatbed trailer image credit

With the proper endorsements, your CDL Class A may also allow you to drive some Class B and Class C vehicles.

A Class B commercial driver's license is required to operate a single vehicle with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds, or tow a vehicle not heavier than 10,000 pounds.

With a Class B CDL and the appropriate endorsements, you may drive the following types of vehicles:

Young man entering a HART’s passenger bus (image credit)

With the proper endorsements, your Class B CDL may also allow you to operate some Class C vehicles.

A Class C commercial driver's license is required to operate a vehicle that is designed to transport 16 or more occupants (including you, the driver) or transport hazardous materials (HazMat), materials that are classified as hazardous under federal law.

With a Class C CDL and the proper endorsements, you may drive the following types of vehicles:

HazMat Tanker truck of Sodium Hydroxide Solution (image credit)

A Commercial Driver's License is required to drive commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) such as tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, dump trucks, and passenger buses. If you long for a career on the road rather than in an office, you’ll most likely need a CDL. There are three classes of CDLs that determine the kinds of vehicles you’re permitted to drive: Class A, Class B, and Class C. CDL classification is also determined by the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and other specific requirements.

It takes highly specialized knowledge and skills to operate a commercial motor vehicle. But prior to 1986, many states allowed anyone with an automobile driver license to operate a CMV. As a result, many drivers throughout the country were driving CMVs without proper training. On October 27, 1986, the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act was signed into law. This law made it mandatory for all drivers of commercial vehicles to have a CDL. By ensuring that bus drivers and operators of large trucks are highly trained and qualified, this law has improved highway safety significantly. A further upgrade of driver training standards took place on February 7, 2022. Effective that date, applicants seeking to obtain a Class A or Class B CDL or an H, P, or S endorsement must successfully complete training from FMCSA-approved training providers listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR).

A commercial learner’s permit (CLP) is a permit given by your state that authorizes you to practice driving a commercial motor vehicle. Obtaining a CLP is the first step towards earning a commercial driver’s license.