Class A vs. Class B (License Class Selection) for the CDL Exam

Common failure modes

These are the patterns that cause most candidates to lose marks on this topic. Recognising them in advance is half the work.

• !Choosing Class B because the training is shorter, then realising the desired employer requires Class A
• !Confusing GCWR (combination weight rating) with GVWR (single vehicle weight rating)
• !Not realising school bus drivers need a Class B with P+S endorsements (or Class A in larger districts)

Study tips

• 1Check 5+ job postings for your target employer/role and confirm whether they require Class A or Class B before selecting your training program.
• 2If undecided, choose Class A — it covers everything Class B does plus combination vehicles.
• 3For local delivery and municipal jobs, Class B with appropriate endorsements (P, S, T, N, X, H) is often sufficient.

Sample CDL Class A vs. Class B (License Class Selection) questions

These sample items mirror the format and difficulty of real CDL questions. Practice with thousands more on the free Koydo question bank.

1. 1

   A driver wants to operate a tractor-trailer with a 70,000 lb GCWR. Which CDL class is required?

   • AClass ACorrect
   • BClass B
   • CClass C
   • DEither A or B
   Why this answer?

   Class A is required for any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 lb or more, where the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 lb GVWR. A 70,000 lb GCWR tractor-trailer falls under Class A.