In short
A Class A CDL covers combination vehicles with a combined weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, where the towed unit is over 10,000 pounds, such as tractor-trailers. A Class B covers single vehicles rated 26,001 pounds or more towing 10,000 pounds or less, such as dump trucks, box trucks and buses. Class A holders can usually drive Class B vehicles too, so Class A opens more jobs.
| Class A | Class B | |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicles | Tractor-trailers, flatbeds, tankers with trailers | Straight trucks, dump trucks, buses, cement mixers |
| Weight rule | Combination 26,001+ lb, towed unit over 10,000 lb | Single vehicle 26,001+ lb, towing 10,000 lb or less |
| Extra knowledge test | Combination vehicles | None beyond general and air brakes if equipped |
| Can drive the other class? | Usually yes | No |
| Typical work | Long-haul, regional, flatbed, tanker | Local delivery, construction, transit, waste |
Which to get
If you are not sure, Class A gives you the most choices. If you want to be home every night driving a dump truck or a city bus, Class B can be quicker and cheaper.
Find CDL schools near you
Tell us your ZIP and we will send Class A and B programs.
Straight answers
Is Class A harder to get than Class B?
It takes more training and an extra knowledge test, and the skills test uses a combination vehicle.
Can I upgrade from Class B to Class A later?
Yes. You will need the combination vehicle test and entry-level training for Class A.
Which pays more, Class A or Class B?
Heavy and tractor-trailer drivers, which includes many Class A jobs, earned a median $58,640 in May 2025. Class B pay depends a lot on the industry.