Before you can operate a commercial vehicle, you must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). However, you might be surprised to learn that there are several different types of commercial driver’s licenses.
The type that you need depends on the specific vehicle you want to operate, as well as the type of cargo you may be hauling. Keep reading below to learn everything you need to know about CDLs in Arizona.
What Are the Different Types of CDL in Arizona?
Before you get a commercial driver’s license in Arizona, you need to know which type you need. The answer depends on a few different factors. Here are the different types of CDLs that you can get:
- Class A CDL: The Class A CDL allows you to operate almost any commercial vehicle on the road. With a Class A CDL, you can drive combination vehicles with a combined gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more with a towed trailer of over 10,000 pounds. This is the type of CDL you need to operate most semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and other big rigs.
- Class B CDL: A Class B CDL allows you to operate single vehicles weighing 26,001 pounds or more or combination vehicles where the towed trailer is 10,000 pounds or less. Some common examples include box trucks, dump trucks, concrete trucks, buses, and more.
- Class C CDL: The Class C CDL allows you to drive vehicles outside the Class A or B designation that are designed to carry 16 or more passengers. A Class C CDL is also required if you are transporting hazardous materials in an amount that requires a DOT placard.
The type of CDL you need depends on the size and type of vehicle you plan to drive and what you will be transporting.
Common CDL Endorsements
Beyond the standard CDL and Class type, drivers might also be required to obtain specific endorsements in some cases. These additional endorsements give you the ability to operate specialized vehicles under more specific circumstances.
Some of the most common endorsements include:
- T – allows you to tow double or triple trailers
- S – gives you the ability to drive a school bus
- P – provides you the opportunity to operate commercial passenger vehicles
- N – allows you to drive tanker trucks
- H – allows you to transport hazardous materials
These endorsements are required because performing these tasks requires specialized skills and knowledge beyond what may be covered in the basic CDL testing. Many of these tasks are quite dangerous, such as double or triple towing, so drivers must have the necessary skills to do so safely.
How Do I Get a CDL in Arizona?
If you need to get a CDL in Arizona, you must first meet the CDL requirements. To qualify for a CDL, you must:
- Be a resident of Arizona
- Be at least 18 years old (for intrastate CDL, 21 for interstate CDL)
- Provide proof of legal residency in the United States
- Provide your Social Security number
- Submit a medical certification
You must first obtain your commercial learner’s permit if you have never held a CDL before. Next, most drivers must complete Entry Level Driver Training from a certified provider. Finally, you must complete both a skills test and a road test after you have held your permit for at least 14 days.
What To Do After an Accident With a Commercial Vehicle
If you have been hurt in a truck accident or other type of accident involving a commercial vehicle, make sure you follow the steps below. An experienced personal injury lawyer can also help you make sure that the other driver had the appropriate type of CDL for the vehicle they were operating. If they did not, this could be used as evidence of their negligence.
After an accident, you should:
- Notify the police of the accident
- Seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries
- If you are able, take photos of the scene and all the vehicles
- Get names and contact information from all witnesses
- Save all accident-related documentation
- Get help from a personal injury lawyer
Your time to file a claim after an accident is limited, so do not wait until it is too late to recover compensation.
Contact AJ Law, PLC To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Phoenix Truck Accident Attorney
Commercial drivers must have the proper CDL and endorsements for the vehicles they operate. When a commercial driver causes an accident, their license, training, and qualifications may become important parts of an injury claim.
If you were injured in a commercial vehicle accident in Phoenix, AZ, AJ Law, PLC can investigate the crash and help determine your options for recovering compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Phoenix truck accident lawyer.
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