Why Buy a Category B+ Driving License?
If more.. plan to operate a vehicle or trailer that weighs more than 26,000 pounds, you will need a class B license. It is possible to add an endorsement the CDL class you already hold by taking a new knowledge and skills test.
Passing a test for category C1+E automatically upgrade your licence to include full B+E entitlement (but subject to the maximum train weight limit on your B license). This is only applicable 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. This CDL endorsement is only available to those who pass the P written test and the road skill test for passengers. School bus drivers must have a separate CDL endorsement and go through an FBI background investigation.
The Class B with a Passenger Endorsement permits you to operate vehicles with a weight of 26,001 pounds or more when the towing vehicle is not more than 10,000 pounds. Typical vehicles include city tour, school, and city buses. This type of CDL is used primarily by professional bus drivers.
Drivers who are part of a business that's primary purpose is to transport property or people like plumbers, meter readers, and Realtors do not require this CDL endorsement. Your employer might require this endorsement to meet safety or insurance requirements. The Regular (Class D) Driver License with Passenger (F) Endorsement can be added to Commercial Driver's License if your job is providing taxi service, shuttle bus service or delivery services for pizza or flowers couriers, or an ambulance driver. A For-Hire Endorsement may 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 specialized credential will boost your chances of advancing in your career, and can help you land better driving positions, specifically in the field of trucking. It requires a higher level of safety awareness that goes beyond normal rules of the road to include managing passengers, handling onboard emergencies, and leading evacuation procedures.
You must pass a written exam on hazardous substances and undergo a thorough background check by the Transportation Security Administration. This is due to the fact that these items are explosive, corrosive or toxic, and only certified people can handle these items. This endorsement is required for truck drivers who transport liquid gas and chemicals and construction site workers who transport materials to their job sites.
You might also require an P (passenger) CDL endorsement to drive vehicles that carry passengers, like tour buses and city buses. To operate school buses, drivers must have a separate S endorsement. You can also add a tanker or N (tank vehicle) CDL endorsement to your driving license to transport resources in gaseous and liquid forms, such as gas and oil dairy and beverage waste management, as well as agriculture. Certain companies, such as Schneider, offer HazMat (X) and tanker (H) endorsements that permit you to transport both types of materials without needing a separate endorsement.
If you require additional endorsements to operate certain commercial vehicles depends on the specific requirements of the business you're applying to work for. It is important to do your research about the endorsements your prospective employer would prefer or needs. This will help you make the most of your time and money in a prudent manner. This will give you an idea of the qualifications you need to get before beginning your driving career and minimize the chance of spending money on unnecessary endorsements. The positive side is that a lot of companies reimburse their drivers for the cost of obtaining required CDL endorsements, so this is one way to start your journey to become a driver with minimal expense.
Combination Endorsements
Having the proper endorsements gives drivers access to vehicles that they otherwise wouldn't be allowed to operate. This allows them to broaden their horizons and position themselves as the most professional resource in the job market. Schneider suggests that drivers meet with career counselors and professionals to learn more about which combinations of endorsements are most advantageous for their career goals.
For instance the T combination endorsement gives CDL Class A and B license holders the ability to drive multiple trailers, such as double and triple trailers. This requires advanced driving skills and a keen understanding of how trailers move with respect to one another, as they are more prone to turning and jackknifing than single trailer trucks. The X endorsement permits Class A and B CDL holders to haul HazMat through a tanker.
Trailer Endorsements
Those who transport passengers for a living are required to obtain their Regular (Class D) driver license upgraded with the For-Hire (F) endorsement. Taxi drivers and shuttle service operators couriers delivery services (flowers or pizza) and ambulance drivers are just a few examples of drivers who require this endorsement. Some employees who are on commission or work for their own business and do not transport property or people as part of their job (such as Realtors plumbers, plumbers, or meter readers) may also need the endorsement for hire.
The "T" endorsement permits CDL holders to operate vehicles with triple or double trailers. Schneider does not reimburse drivers who have this endorsement. The "X" endorsement permits Class A and B CDL-holders to transport HazMat on a tanker. This combination of endorsements can be called a "combo" or an "all hazards" endorsement.