CDL Class A License
A CDL Class A, or Commercial Driver's License - Class A, is the topmost commercial driving credential available in the United States.
It's the license that allows professional drivers to operate combination vehicles, meaning a truck towing one or more trailers with a gross combined weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, where the trailer or trailers weigh in excess of 10,000 pounds.
If you've ever seen a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or long-haul freight rig on the highway, that driver holds a Class A CDL. This license is the standard requirement for anyone planning to build a long-term career in the transportation, logistics, or freight delivery sectors.
A Class A license gives you access to the widest range of commercial vehicles. Once you're certified, you can legally and safely drive:
You can also extend your possibilities with the addition of CDL endorsements. These special permissions will enable you to handle certain cargo or certain vehicle configurations:
T - Double/Triple Trailers
N – Tank Vehicles
H - Hazardous Materials (HazMat)
Having multiple endorsements makes you a more versatile driver, and often, a more in-demand one.
More than just the passing of a test, earning a Class A CDL opens the door to stable and well-paying careers all over the United States.
Driver shortages persist in the trucking industry, which means there is always demand for skilled drivers. The license will open several doors, whether you want to drive cross-country, stay local, or work in logistics.
Here's why it's worth pursuing:
Class A license drivers generally get better starting wages compared to class B or C license holders.
From coast to coast, nearly every major industry relies on CDL drivers.
WChoose between long-haul, regional, or local routes.
Many employers offer insurance, paid leave, and signing bonuses to certified drivers.
Drivers will have the opportunity to grow into training, dispatch, or fleet management with experience.
In short, a Class A CDL builds a career with real mobility and security.
Obtaining a Class A CDL requires both federal and state requirements.
To qualify in California, and most other states, applicants must:
18 years of age for intrastate operation in California. 21 years of age for interstate driving (across state lines).
The applicant must have a non-commercial license prior to application.
Performed by a medical examiner to confirm that you meet the physical standards to drive commercially.
The FMCSA-mandated program includes both a classroom-style theoretical portion and a behind-the-wheel training portion at an approved school.
The written knowledge tests cover road safety, vehicle operation, and federal transport regulations. The driving test comprises a pre-trip inspection, basic control maneuvers, and on-road driving.
Once you have completed training and passed all required tests, you will have officially earned your CDL Class A license, which qualifies you to operate large combination vehicles anywhere in the U.S.
Class A training at our school is structured to take you through the basics to full professional readiness.
Students receive:
Guidance from instructors with years of teaching experience to understand precisely what DMV examiners look for. By the end of your program, you will be prepared for testing and confident and in control on the road.