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California CDL Classifications | CA CDL Endorsement Codes | CA CDL Restriction Codes

Detailed list of all California CDL Classification descriptions. California CDL Endorsement Codes. California CDL Restriction Codes. Free Info.

California CDL Classifications

  • California Class A CDL In most states, this license allows the driver to operate any vehicle with a semi-trailer or trailer with two or more axles. This also includes any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 26,000 pounds (provided that the GVWR of the towed vehicle is in excess of 10,000 pounds) under the following conditions. Prepare for the California Class A CDL written tests.
    • For drivers towing trailers with more than 10,000 pounds of GVWR.
    • Allows the holder to operate Class B and C vehicles.
    • Drivers may be able to operate tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations, double and triple trailers, tractor-trailer buses, tanker vehicles, livestock carriers, and flatbeds. Common careers for holders include heavy truck drivers, dispatchers, local drivers, couriers, and bus drivers.
    You must possess appropriate endorsements based upon the loads you carry.
  • California Class B CDL - This license allows the driver to operate any vehicle with a GVWR greater than 26,000 pounds, as well as any vehicle towing a trailer that does not exceed a GVWR of 10,000 pounds under the following conditions. Prepare for the California Class B CDL written tests.
    • For drivers towing trailers with less than 10,000 pounds of GVWR.
    • Holder can operate Class C vehicles, but not Class A vehicles.
    • Drivers may be able to operate straight trucks, box trucks (like delivery trucks), large buses (such as school buses and city buses, and tourist buses), and dump trucks with small trailers.
    You must possess appropriate endorsements based upon the loads you carry.
  • California Class C CDL - This license is for vehicles that do not exceed 26,000 pounds and otherwise do not require a CDL except when you need a CDL to attach an endorsement to under the following conditions.
    • When driving a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver) with a GVWR that does not exceed 26,000 pounds, you will need a Class C CDL with the Passenger Vehicles Endorsement (P). Prepare for the California Class C CDL Passenger Bus written tests.
    • When driving a school bus with a GVWR that does not exceed 26,000 pounds, you will need a Class C CDL with the Passenger Vehicles Endorsement (P) AND School Bus Edorsement (S). Prepare for the California Class C CDL School Bus written tests.
    • When carrying Hazardous Materials requiring placarding (when GVWR does not exceed 26,000 pounds), you will need a Class C CDL with the Hazardous Materials Endorsement (H). Prepare for the California Class C CDL Hazmat written tests.
    • When driving a vehicle with a tank exceeding 1000 gallons (when GVWR does not exceed 26,000 pounds), you will need a Class C CDL with the Tank Vehicle (T) Endorsement. Prepare for the California Class C CDL Tank Vehicle written tests.

Go to California CDL Selector Tool
If you need help . . .
determining what Class of CDL you need based upon the type of vehicle you will drive (A, B or C) or are not sure which CDL Endorsements you need based upon the type of loads you will carry; use the free CDL Selector Tool . . .
California
Go to CDL Selector Tool
(Use only for a new CDL)
Not sure which CA CDL Tests you need to pass? Use this tool to determine what Class of CDL and which CDL Endorsements you require.

CA CDL Endorsement Codes and Descriptions

T, P, S, N, H and X are Federal endorsements. Any other endorsements have been promulgated at the State level. i.e. New York DMV requires a "W" endorsement to legally operate a tow truck in New York.

States may have a more restrictive category for a class of license, or have additional codes for endorsements or restrictions on CDLs that are not mentioned in the Federal regulations, as long as these items are fully explained on the license document. Check your specific California CDL Information for details.

California CLP Endorsements - Only 3 endorsements are allowed on the California CLP

  • P - California Passenger Vehicle Endorsement: A California CLP holder with a "P" endorsement is prohibited from operating a CMV carrying passengers, other than Federal/state auditors and inspectors, test examiners, other trainees, and the CDL holder accompanying the California CLP holder as prescribed by 49CFR383.25(a)(1).
  • S - California School Bus Endorsement: A California CLP holder with an "S" endorsement is prohibited from operating a school with passengers, other than Federal/state auditors and inspectors, test examiners, other trainees, and the CDL holder accompanying the California CLP holder as prescribed by 49CFR383.25(a)(1).
  • N - California Tank Vehicle Endorsement: A California CLP holder with an "N" endorsement may only operate an empty tank vehicle, and is prohibited from operating any tank vehicle that previously contained hazardous materials that have not been purged of any residue.

California CDL Restriction Codes and Descriptions

  • L - If the driver does not pass the Air Brakes Knowledge Test, does not correctly identify the air brake system components, does not properly conduct an air brake systems check, or does not take the Skills test in a vehicle with a full air brake system, the driver must have an "L" no full air brake restriction placed on their license.
  • Z - If the driver takes the test in a vehicle with an air over hydraulic brake system, then they will have a "Z" no full air brake restriction placed on their license. In either case the driver is not authorized to operate a CMV equipped with full air brakes.
  • E - If the driver takes the Skills Test in a vehicle that has an automatic transmission, then an "E" no manual transmission restriction is placed on their license.
  • O - If the driver takes the Skills Test in a Class A vehicle that has a pintle hook or other non-fifth wheel connection, they will have an "O" restriction placed on their license restricting them from driving any Class A vehicle with a fifth wheel connection.
  • M - If a driver possesses a Class A CDL, but obtains his or her passenger or school bus endorsement in a Class B vehicle the State must place an "M" restriction indicating that the driver can only operate Class B and C passenger vehicle or school buses.
  • N - If a driver possesses a Class B CDL, but obtains his or her passenger or school bus endorsement in a Class C vehicle; the State must place an "N" restriction indicating that the driver can only operate Class C passenger vehicle or school buses.
  • V - If the State is notified by the FMCSA that a medical variance has been issued to the driver, the State must indicate the existence of such a medical variance on the CDLIS driving record and the CDL document using a restriction code "V" to indicate that there is information about the medical variance on the CDLIS record.

ODD-BALL Drivers License Restriction Codes and Descriptions that don't necessarily apply to a CDL and that are not recognized in all states.

  • 3 - If the driver does not pass the Air Brakes Knowledge Test, does not correctly identify the air brake system components, does not properly conduct an air brake systems check, or does not take the Skills test in a vehicle with a full air brake system, the driver must have an "L" no full air brake restriction placed on their license.
  • B - If the driver takes the test in a vehicle with an air over hydraulic brake system, then they will have a "Z" no full air brake restriction placed on their license. In either case the driver is not authorized to operate a CMV equipped with full air brakes.
  • C - If the driver takes the Skills Test in a vehicle that has an automatic transmission, then an "E" no manual transmission restriction is placed on their license.
  • D - If the driver takes the Skills Test in a Class A vehicle that has a pintle hook or other non-fifth wheel connection, they will have an "O" restriction placed on their license restricting them from driving any Class A vehicle with a fifth wheel connection.
  • F - If a driver possesses a Class A CDL, but obtains his or her passenger or school bus endorsement in a Class B vehicle the State must place an "M" restriction indicating that the driver can only operate Class B and C passenger vehicle or school buses.
  • G - If a driver possesses a Class B CDL, but obtains his or her passenger or school bus endorsement in a Class C vehicle; the State must place an "N" restriction indicating that the driver can only operate Class C passenger vehicle or school buses.
  • K - If the State is notified by the FMCSA that a medical variance has been issued to the driver, the State must indicate the existence of such a medical variance on the CDLIS driving record and the CDL document using a restriction code "V" to indicate that there is information about the medical variance on the CDLIS record.
  • O - If the driver takes the test in a vehicle with an air over hydraulic brake system, then they will have a "Z" no full air brake restriction placed on their license. In either case the driver is not authorized to operate a CMV equipped with full air brakes.
  • P - If the driver takes the Skills Test in a vehicle that has an automatic transmission, then an "E" no manual transmission restriction is placed on their license.
  • U - If the driver takes the Skills Test in a Class A vehicle that has a pintle hook or other non-fifth wheel connection, they will have an "O" restriction placed on their license restricting them from driving any Class A vehicle with a fifth wheel connection.
  • V - If a driver possesses a Class A CDL, but obtains his or her passenger or school bus endorsement in a Class B vehicle the State must place an "M" restriction indicating that the driver can only operate Class B and C passenger vehicle or school buses.
  • W - If a driver possesses a Class B CDL, but obtains his or her passenger or school bus endorsement in a Class C vehicle; the State must place an "N" restriction indicating that the driver can only operate Class C passenger vehicle or school buses.
  • X - If the State is notified by the FMCSA that a medical variance has been issued to the driver, the State must indicate the existence of such a medical variance on the CDLIS driving record and the CDL document using a restriction code "V" to indicate that there is information about the medical variance on the CDLIS record.
  • Z - If the State is notified by the FMCSA that a medical variance has been issued to the driver, the State must indicate the existence of such a medical variance on the CDLIS driving record and the CDL document using a restriction code "V" to indicate that there is information about the medical variance on the CDLIS record.

Are YOU ready to get YOUR California CDL?
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 California CDL License
In addition to the California CDL (commercial driver's license) information found in our website covering the California CDL and in the free California CDL Handbook (which is quite boring and a bit confusing - and doesn't have a single multiple-choice question in it that is asked on the actual tests), the complete online California CDL Practice Test prep program will prepare you to easily pass your California CDL written exams to get your California CDL permit. The skills test modules are invaluable to give you a head start before doing your behind the wheel work, possibly saving you a lot of money. The California CDL test prep program includes the following features . . .
  • Covers ALL Eight California CDL written tests.
    • In separate study modules - you won't need all of them - don't waste time on what you don't require.
  • Covers ALL Three California CDL skills tests.
    • In separate study modules - you won't need all of them - don't waste time on what you don't require.
  • 670 practice California CDL test questions with actual answers.
  • Access to CDL videos covering written and skills tests.
  • CDL study guide in both text and audio - listen as you read along.
  • CDL study Quick Reviews.
  • Interactive online CDL Quizzes.
  • and much more!
May your new CAREER be prosperous!!!

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Michael Hamilton
Director
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