CDL Training Course

CDL Training

Bulldog Driving School Inc. offers the affordably priced, individualized instruction you need to pass your exam with flying colors and begin your career.

So first of all, what does Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training consist of, and what will you be doing on a day-to-day basis in our four-week class? Training for the CDL can be completed in four 40-hour weeks. Your hours will be split between the following:

Classroom Instruction

The classroom portion takes up one-quarter of our four-week course and will teach you the rules and regulations of truck driving.

In the classroom, you will receive all the information you need to pass the written portion of the Class A CDL exam.

Behind-the-Wheel Training

Experience behind the wheel is what separates a good driver from an unprepared one. Your 40 hours of training behind the wheel will include practice driving on our course as well as local roads, streets, and highways.

Interstate routes will be included to prepare you for the exam, and you’ll get many hours of observation experience to perfect your driving technique.

CDL Certification Training

When you decide on Bulldog Driving School Inc., you’ll have the advantage of instructors who are committed and dedicated to your personal success. With only four students per instructor, you’ll receive the individual attention you need every day in the classroom and behind the wheel.

Getting CDL certification in the Midwest has never been so easy—so don’t delay; give Bulldog Driving School Inc. a call now to choose your training schedule. Begin the career you’ve been waiting for today!

Understand Licensing Requirements

Research the specific CDL class (A, B, or C) you need based on your career goals.
Verify state requirements for age, residency, and physical qualifications.

Obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)

Study your state’s CDL Manual.
Pass the written knowledge test and pay the applicable fees.

Enroll in a CDL Training Program

Choose a state-approved school offering the class of CDL you require.
Participate in classroom instruction and hands-on driving practice.

Complete Skills Testing

Pass the three-part CDL skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and road test).

Receive Your CDL

Submit your test results to the DMV and obtain your Commercial Driver’s License.

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What Can I Drive With a CDL?

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is a certification that allows individuals to operate vehicles for commercial purposes, whether transporting goods or passengers. If you are considering pursuing a CDL or are just curious about the range of vehicles you can drive with this license, this article will break down the various types of vehicles you can operate depending on the class of CDL you obtain.

Understanding CDL Classes: What Are the Categories?

CDLs are divided into three main classes: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Each class has specific requirements and allows you to drive different types of vehicles. The class of CDL you need depends on the type of vehicle you intend to operate.

Class A CDL

A Class A CDL allows you to drive combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. A combination vehicle is any vehicle that hauls a trailer, including tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, and big rigs.
With a Class A CDL, you can drive:
- Tractor-trailers: These are large trucks with a cab that pulls one or more trailers, commonly used for long-haul freight transport.
- Double and triple trailers: Some Class A drivers can haul two or even three trailers at once, which requires additional training and endorsements.
- Flatbed trucks: These trucks are typically used for transporting oversized cargo, like construction materials, machinery, or equipment.
- Tankers: If you’re transporting liquids or gases (like fuel), you can operate tanker trucks with a Class A CDL.
- Livestock carriers: Transporting animals requires special vehicles, which can also be driven with a Class A CDL.
Class A CDL holders have the ability to drive Class B and Class C vehicles as well, so this is the most flexible and versatile CDL.

Class B CDL

A Class B CDL is required for single vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or for combination vehicles with a towing vehicle that weighs less than 26,001 pounds.
With a Class B CDL, you can drive:
- Straight trucks: These are single vehicles like box trucks, delivery trucks, or dump trucks. Box trucks are often used for local deliveries, moving services, or even garbage collection.
- Buses: If you’re looking to drive passenger vehicles, including city buses, charter buses, or school buses, a Class B CDL is necessary.
- Dump trucks: Often used in construction or roadwork, these trucks carry loose materials like dirt, gravel, and sand.
- Tow trucks: Towing vehicles or wreckers can be driven with a Class B CDL, though you may need specific endorsements depending on what you’re towing.
Class B CDL holders cannot operate combination vehicles unless they upgrade to a Class A CDL.

Class C CDL

A Class C CDL is required for smaller commercial vehicles, such as those designed to carry 16 or more passengers or transport hazardous materials.
With a Class C CDL, you can drive:
- Small buses and shuttles: If you plan on driving smaller passenger vehicles, such as minibuses or shuttle buses, a Class C CDL is required. This applies to vehicles carrying 16 or more people (including the driver).
- Hazardous materials transport: For driving vehicles that transport hazardous materials (like chemicals, fuels, or explosives), a Class C CDL is required, often with an additional Hazardous Materials (HazMat) endorsement.
- Small tankers: If you’re transporting smaller amounts of liquid or gas in a tanker vehicle, you’ll need a Class C CDL.

A Class C CDL is the least common type of CDL, as it typically applies to niche roles like public transportation or hazardous materials transport.

CDL Endorsements: Additional Certifications for Specific Vehicles

In addition to the basic CDL class, there are endorsements that allow drivers to operate certain types of vehicles or carry specific kinds of cargo. These endorsements require additional tests and certification. Some common CDL endorsements include:

Hazardous Materials (H): For drivers who want to transport hazardous materials, such as chemicals, flammable liquids, or explosives. A background check and a written test on hazardous materials handling are required.
Tanker (N): Required for operating vehicles designed to carry liquids or gases in bulk. This is common for fuel trucks or chemical transporters.
Double/Triple Trailers (T): For drivers who wish to haul two or three trailers behind a single vehicle. This requires special training and a test to demonstrate control over multiple trailers.
Passenger (P): If you’re driving a bus, shuttle, or any vehicle that carries 16 or more passengers, including the driver, you’ll need a Passenger endorsement.
School Bus (S): This endorsement is specifically for drivers of school buses. It ensures that the driver is trained to handle the specific needs and safety concerns of transporting children.
Auto Transport (A): For individuals who want to transport vehicles, such as those working for car shipping companies. This endorsement is necessary to operate auto transport carriers.

Tow Truck (L): For those operating tow trucks or wreckers. This endorsement may be required depending on the state and the weight of the vehicle being towed.

Key Differences in What You Can Drive Based on CDL Class

Vehicle Type	Class A CDL	Class B CDL	Class C CDL
Tractor-Trailers (semi-trucks)	Yes	No	No
Box Trucks / Delivery Trucks	Yes	Yes	Yes
Buses (city, charter, school)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Dump Trucks	Yes	Yes	Yes
Tanker Trucks	Yes	No (unless specifically designed for Class B)	Yes (if transporting hazardous materials or small quantities)
Livestock Carriers	Yes	No	No
Passenger Vans / Shuttles	Yes	No	Yes (with Passenger endorsement)
Tow Trucks / Wreckers	Yes	Yes	No
Hazardous Materials	Yes	No	Yes (with HazMat endorsement)

Conclusion: The Versatility of a CDL

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) opens the door to a wide variety of driving jobs and career opportunities. Depending on the class of CDL you obtain and the endorsements you earn, you can drive everything from large tractor-trailers and tankers to school buses, towing vehicles, and even hazardous materials transports.

For those seeking maximum flexibility and career opportunities, a Class A CDL is the most versatile option, allowing you to drive a broader range of vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks and trailers. If you want to focus on driving smaller commercial vehicles, Class B or Class C CDL training may be more appropriate.

Understanding the specifics of what you can drive with a CDL helps you make an informed decision about which license to pursue based on your career goals and the types of vehicles you’re interested in operating.