Why Buy a Category B+ Driving License?
You'll need an Class B license when you need to operate a vehicle with a trailer that weighs more than 26,000 pounds. It is possible to add an endorsement the CDL class you already hold by passing a new knowledge and skills test.
The passing of a test in category C1+E automatically upgrade your licence to include full B+E entitlement (but subject to the maximum weight limit for trains on your B license). This is only applicable to UK drivers.
Passenger Endorsements
If you plan to operate a single vehicle with a capacity of 16 or more (including the driver) for the transport of passengers the endorsement is required. 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 an endorsement for CDL and go through an FBI background investigation.
The Class B with Passenger Endorsement authorizes you to operate vehicles that have a weight of at least 26,001 pounds when the towing vehicle is not more than 10,000 pounds. Tour, city and school buses are common vehicles. This CDL class is normally employed by professional bus operators.
This endorsement is not required for drivers employed by an organization that does not transport people or property, such as Realtors plumbers, plumbers and meter readers. However, your employer may require you to obtain this endorsement in order to satisfy the requirements for insurance or safety. The Regular (Class D) Driver License with Passenger (F) Endorsement can be added to a Commercial Driver's License when you are providing taxi service, shuttle bus service, delivery services for pizza or flowers couriers, as well as an ambulance driver. Any CDL Classification can have a For-Hire endorsement added. The endorsement code is printed on the front of the license under the expiration date, right next to the letter "E".
Hazardous Materials Endorsements
The Hazardous Materials endorsement informs employers that you are qualified to transport certain kinds of freight. This specialized credential will boost your career prospects and will help you secure better driving positions, especially in trucking. This certification requires a higher level of safety awareness, which goes beyond the usual rules of the road. It also includes handling passengers, managing emergencies onboard, and leading evacuation procedures.
To obtain an HAZMAT (hazardous materials) endorsement, you'll need to pass a written knowledge test and pass a thorough background check conducted by the Transportation Security Administration. This is because these materials are explosive, corrosive or toxic, so only qualified people can handle these items. Truck drivers who haul liquid gas and chemicals need this endorsement, as do construction workers who carry substances from job sites to the construction site.
You might also require an P (passenger) CDL endorsement to operate vehicles that carry passengers, like tour buses and city buses. To operate school buses, drivers must have an additional S endorsement. You can also add the tanker or N (tank vehicles) CDL endorsement to you driving license to transport gas and liquids, such as gas, oil dairy, beverage waste management, or agriculture. Certain companies, like Schneider, offer the combination HazMat and tanker (X) endorsements which permit you to transport both types of cargo without the requirement for a separate H or N endorsement.
The need for additional endorsements to operate certain commercial vehicles is contingent on the specific needs of the company you're applying to work for. To make sure that you're investing your time and money in the right direction it is recommended to research the endorsements that your prospective employer needs or prefers. This will help you decide what qualifications you need to attain before you start your driving career and minimize the risk of spending money on unnecessary endorsements. Many companies offer reimbursement to drivers for the costs of obtaining CDL endorsements. This is an excellent way to begin your driving career.
Combination Endorsements
The right endorsements enable drivers to drive vehicles they otherwise would not be able. They can broaden their options and become the most sought-after source for job opportunities. Schneider suggests that drivers speak to industry professionals and career counselors in order to be aware of the types of endorsements that are most beneficial for their desired career path.
For example the T combination endorsement allows 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 an understanding of how the trailers move relative to each and each other. They have a higher chance of being jackknifed or turning compared to single-trailer truck. The X endorsement permits Class A and B CDL holders to carry HazMat through tanks.
Trailer Endorsements
People who transport passengers for a living have to obtain their Regular (Class D) driver license enhanced by the For-Hire (F) endorsement. Examples of drivers that require this endorsement include taxi drivers chauffeurs for shuttle service, couriers and delivery services (flowers pizza, flowers) as well as ambulance drivers. Some employees who are on commission or who run their own company and Kup Polskie prawo jazdy don't transport people or property as part of their jobs (such as Realtors, plumbers, or meters readers) may also need the endorsement for employees.
The "T" endorsement permits CDL holders to operate vehicles with triple or double trailers. Schneider does not reimburse drivers for this endorsement. The "X" endorsement permits holders of Class A and B CDL to transport HazMat on a tanker. This combination of endorsements can be called a "combo", or an "all hazards" endorsement.