StateCDLRequirements.com

Class B CDL (2026): What It Covers & Tests

A Class B CDL is the license for driving a single heavy vehicle — a big straight truck or a bus, not a tractor-trailer. It's often the faster, cheaper way into commercial driving, and you can always upgrade to Class A later. Here's what it covers and how the tests work.

Quick answer

What it is
The CDL for a single heavy vehicle — one big truck or bus, not a combination rig
Weight rule
Single vehicle GVWR ≥ 26,001 lb (may tow a unit ≤ 10,000 lb) (49 CFR 383.91)
Typical jobs
Straight (box) trucks, dump trucks, delivery, city/transit buses, garbage trucks
Tests
General knowledge + air brakes, then a skills test in a Class B vehicle
Upgrade path
You can later upgrade B → A (this requires ELDT upgrade training)

Requirements verified July 20, 2026 against FMCSA (49 CFR 383.91)

What a Class B CDL covers

Under federal rule 49 CFR 383.91, Class B is the group for a single vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lb or more. That single vehicle can also tow a unit — but only one rated 10,000 lb or less. The moment you pull a trailer heavier than that (with the combined rating at or above 26,001 lb), you're into Class A territory.

Class B steps down to Class C vehicles (with the right endorsements), but it does not step down to Class A. (The CFR calls these "groups"; states brand them as "classes" — same thing.)

Example jobs and vehicles

Typical vehicles a Class B driver operates:

  • Straight (box) trucks and large delivery trucks
  • Dump trucks and garbage/refuse trucks
  • City transit and motorcoach buses (with the passenger endorsement)
  • School buses (with passenger + school bus endorsements)
  • Cement mixers and utility/service trucks

Common job types:

  • Local delivery and route driving — often home daily
  • Construction hauling (dump, mixer)
  • Transit and school bus driving (with endorsements)
  • Municipal work like sanitation

The tests you take

  • General knowledge — the core test every CDL applicant takes.
  • Air brakes — most Class B trucks and buses have air brakes; skip it and you get an air-brake restriction.
  • Skills test — pre-trip inspection, basic control, and an on-road drive in a representative Class B vehicle.

Study with our freegeneral knowledge andair brakes practice tests. Endorsements like passenger (P) orschool bus (S) add their own tests.

How to upgrade Class B → Class A later

Starting with a Class B and moving up is a common path. Because a B-to-A move adds a new class, federal rules require you to complete anELDT upgrade — the theory and behind-the-wheel training built specifically for the Class B to Class A upgrade — through a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. After that you pass the combination vehicles knowledge test and a Class A skills test.

Honest heads-up: if you already expect to want over-the-road tractor-trailer work, going straight to Class A can save you the time and cost of upgrading twice. Weigh it on ourClass A vs Class B CDL page.

How to get started

First-time applicants complete ELDT before testing. Walk through the steps on how to get a CDL, budget with the CDL cost breakdown, and see the full picture at the CDL classes hub.

Class B CDL FAQ

What can you drive with a Class B CDL?

A Class B CDL covers a single vehicle rated 26,001 lb or more — such as a straight truck, dump truck, or large bus — and that vehicle may tow a trailer rated 10,000 lb or less. Class B also steps down to Class C vehicles with the right endorsements. It does not let you pull a heavy trailer; that requires Class A.

What tests do I take for a Class B CDL?

You take the general knowledge test plus, in almost all cases, the air brakes test. Then you pass a skills test — pre-trip inspection, basic control, and a road drive — in a representative Class B vehicle. Endorsements you want, like passenger or school bus, add their own knowledge and skills tests.

Can I upgrade from a Class B to a Class A CDL later?

Yes. You can start with a Class B and upgrade to a Class A when you're ready. Because it's an upgrade to a new class, federal rules require you to complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) for the B-to-A upgrade — theory and behind-the-wheel — through a registered provider, then pass the combination knowledge test and the Class A skills test.

Is a Class B CDL cheaper and faster than Class A?

Usually. Class B training is often shorter and less expensive because it doesn't include combination-vehicle (trailer) work. The trade-off is fewer job types. If you think you'll want over-the-road trucking, many drivers go straight to Class A instead of upgrading later.

Do I need ELDT for a first-time Class B CDL?

Yes. A first-time Class B CDL requires ELDT — theory plus behind-the-wheel — from a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before you can take the skills test.

Official sources

Every requirement on this page traces to one of these official sources.