Class A
Class A is the CDL for heavy tractor-trailer combinations.
Federally, Class A covers any combination rated 26,001 pounds or more where the towed unit is rated over 10,000 pounds. A Class A holder may also drive Class B and C vehicles with the right endorsements.
Also called: class a cdl, class a license
Why it matters on the CDL test
Questions ask which class you need for a tractor-trailer, doubles, or triples, and what a Class A holder may also drive.
Appears in 4 test questions
See 2 questions on the General Knowledge testDiffers by state
The 26,001/10,000 rule is printed in every manual. California defines Class A by what you tow (any trailer over 10,000 pounds GVWR or GVW) with no 26,001 test. California, North Dakota, Rhode Island and Wisconsin use actual or registered weight when it is higher than the rating. California and Texas also issue non-commercial Class A licenses.
Does not mean: Class A is about the weight ratings of the combination, not the number of axles or the trailer length.
Example: You will pull a full-size dry van behind a tractor, so you train and test for a Class A CDL.
In other languages
- Español
- clase A
- Русский
- класс A (Class A)
- Українська
- клас A
Related terms
Where it comes from
- TX CDL manual, CLASS A definition
- TX CDL manual, Class A combination vehicles (Group A)
- NY CDL manual, Figure 1.1 Class A row
- CA CDL manual, Commercial Class A
- 49 CFR 383.91 (commercial motor vehicle groups)
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