Class A vs Class B CDL: Which License Should You Get?

What each license lets you drive

A Class A CDL covers combination vehicles — a tractor pulling a trailer over 10,000 lbs, with a combined weight over 26,000 lbs. That's semi-trucks, flatbeds, refrigerated freight, and tankers. A Class A holder can also drive most Class B vehicles, which makes it the most flexible license you can hold.

A Class B CDL covers single (straight) vehicles over 26,000 lbs: box trucks, dump trucks, cement mixers, delivery trucks, and buses. The vehicle can tow a small trailer, but nothing over 10,000 lbs.

Jobs and pay

Class A opens long-haul, regional, and specialized freight — generally the higher-paying lanes, especially with endorsements like hazmat or tanker. New Class A drivers in Southern California commonly start around $50,000–$65,000 a year, with experienced and specialized drivers earning well above that.

Class B work skews local: delivery routes, construction, municipal jobs, and transit. Starting pay is usually somewhat lower than Class A freight, but you're home every night and the schedule is steadier — for many drivers that trade is worth it.

Training time and cost

Class A training at Right Lane covers 160 clock hours (20 theory + 140 behind-the-wheel). Class B covers 120 hours (15 theory + 105 practical) — a shorter, lower-cost path. Both follow the FMCSA's ELDT curriculum; call for current tuition and payment options.

One detail that matters for Class A: take your DMV test in an automatic and your license carries an E restriction (no manual-equipped trucks). Train and test on a manual — like our 2013 Freightliner DD13 — and your Class A has no transmission restriction at all.

How to decide

Choose Class A if you want the widest job market, the higher earning ceiling, or aren't sure yet — it includes most of what Class B can do. Choose Class B if you specifically want local, home-nightly work and want to be earning sooner. And if you start with Class B, nothing is wasted: inspections, air brakes, and backing skills carry straight over to Class A later.