The growing demand for skilled truck drivers holding a Commercial Driver’s License: Class A (CDL-A) is widely acknowledged. However, not every commercial driving role necessitates the extensive training provided by CDL-A programs. For those interested in driving vehicles like school buses, dump trucks, straight trucks, or garbage trucks, Commercial Driver’s License: Class B (CDL-B) training offers a targeted and efficient alternative.
South Texas Vocational Technical Institute in Arlington recognizes the need for more qualified drivers in specific sectors and is set to launch its new CDL-B training program in November 2023. This program offers a quicker path to qualification at a lower tuition cost compared to the CDL-A program. Upon successful completion of the DOT-compliant training, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills required to undergo a CDL-B Skills Test, a crucial step in obtaining their CDL.
Jeffery Burkhardt, Senior Director of Operations for Commercial Driver Training at Ancora Education, emphasizes the significance of CDL-B in addressing diverse transportation needs. “We see the CDL-B as the missing piece of the transportation puzzle. Not everyone aspiring to enter the trucking profession envisions driving a large semi-trailer. There’s a demand for school bus, dump truck, and straight truck drivers,” Burkhardt notes. “Preparing for a CDL-B requires less time in the classroom and incurs lower tuition costs than our CDL-A program. It’s an excellent option for individuals aiming to become a school bus driver or for construction workers looking to expand their qualifications without the need for extensive CDL-A training.
A Class A license is considered the “universal” CDL, granting drivers the ability to operate a wide range of commercial vehicles, including those with a semi-trailer. Common Class A vehicles include tractor and trailer combinations, known as semi-trailer trucks. CDL-A drivers are qualified to operate commercial vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 lbs or more, including towed vehicles weighing over 10,000 lbs. Examples include:
- Tractor-trailers
- Truck & trailer combinations
- Double and triple trailers
- Tractor-trailer buses
- Tanker vehicles
- Livestock carriers
- Flatbeds
Class B License: In contrast, a Class B license is more limited, allowing drivers to operate a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 lbs or heavier and/or any vehicle described above while towing another vehicle weighing less than 10,000 lbs. Examples include:
- Straight trucks
- Large buses (city, school, etc.)
- Box trucks (delivery, couriers, furniture, etc.)
- Dump trucks
*To drive a school bus in Texas, individuals must obtain proper passenger and school bus endorsements through additional knowledge and skills tests.
Jennie Adams, Executive Director of STVT-Arlington, notes, “CDL-B driving jobs are ideal for those wanting to work in a more limited geographical area or for whom trucking is not a long-term career. Due to the shorter training time and lower tuition costs compared to CDL-A, this option is attractive to individuals or employers seeking additional training for their employees.”
Enrollment Information: Enrollment for STVT-Arlington’s new CDL-B training is now open on a rolling basis. The course, meeting FMCSA’s Entry Level Driver Training requirements, spans 120 hours and can be completed in as little as three weeks. It covers defensive driving, general maintenance procedures, accident prevention, and relevant safety regulations, providing hands-on training to enhance skills.
*South Texas Vocational Technical Institute-Arlington does not guarantee third-party licensure or employment. Licensure requirements and employment eligibility are subject to external agencies, and STVT cannot guarantee graduates’ eligibility for licensure examinations or employment.
About South Texas Vocational Technical Institute
South Texas Vocational Technical Institute™ has six convenient locations across South Texas and offers 11 training programs in Business, Healthcare, and Skilled Trades (programs vary by location). Students receive personalized learning environments with industry-experienced instructors and quick program timelines. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Graduates have access to externships (depending on the program) and career assistance including guidance from a Career Services team, resume updates, workshops, and more. Learn more at www.stvt.edu.