Types of Commercial Driver’s Licenses
Commercial driver’s licenses are special licenses for circumstances where extra care is needed to drive certain types of vehicles or in specific situations. Each type of license requires its holder to complete educational and testing requirements before being allowed to drive a truck under its provisions.
Take a closer look at the different types of commercial driver’s licenses available in Colorado.
Commercial Driver’s Licenses in Colorado
There are three classes of commercial driver’s licenses in Colorado: Class A to Class C. Each class corresponds to a specific weight range of vehicles, with Class C consisting of the lightest vehicles.
Class A
The Class A license covers any combination of vehicles weighing in with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. Additionally, the towed vehicle is over 10,000 pounds.
Class B
This license is for straight trucks and light combinations of vehicles. The GCWR for vehicles in this license class is 26,001 pounds or more, with towed vehicles 10,000 pounds or fewer.
Class C
Holders of Class C licenses may drive vehicles weighing 26,000 pounds or less. These vehicles are not Class A or Class B vehicles. They transport 16 or more passengers or are licensed to transport hazardous materials.
Exempt Vehicles
Not all vehicles falling into these weight categories need to be driven by CDL holders.
Various vehicles are exempt for public policy and practical reasons, such as:
- Military vehicles operated by active-duty service members
- Fire trucks and equipment
- Snow plows for emergencies
- Farm vehicles operated by a farmer within a 150-mile radius of their farm
Recreational vehicles, such as RVs, are also exempt from this requirement.
CDL Endorsements
A CDL is the base license all commercial drivers must acquire to be considered reasonably safe from causing common types of accidents, from jackknife accidents to rear-end collisions. On top of the CDL, they must also acquire specific endorsements for the types of driving they engage in.
Double and Triple Trailers (T)
This endorsement allows for the operation of two or three trailers weighing over 10,000 pounds. A written exam is required.
Tanker Vehicles (N)
Drivers of liquids or liquified gasses must obtain this endorsement. Passing a written test is required.
Passenger Endorsement (P)
This endorsement covers drivers who want to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver. A full driving skills test is required, as is a written test.
School Bus (S)
The school bus endorsement has numerous requirements, including:
- School bus written exam
- Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
- Full driving skills test
This endorsement must be acquired in conjunction with the passenger endorsement.
Hazardous Materials (HME)
Drivers must typically obtain this endorsement when seeking to transport hazardous materials. This is the case regardless of the class of commercial vehicle.
CDL Restrictions
Various restrictions to CDLs apply in Colorado. Many of them are based on the conditions under which a driver was tested.
Some common restrictions include:
- E: No operation of vehicles with manual transmission
- L: No operation of vehicles with air brakes
- O: No tractor-trailer commercial motor vehicles (CMVs)
- P: No passengers in a CMV bus
- X: No cargo in a CMV tank vehicle
Many more restrictions are available, including the K restriction.
This restriction applies to multiple types of drivers, including:
- Drivers aged 18 to 21
- Drivers who cannot pass the Department of Transportation (DOT) medical and have a Colorado State Police waiver
- Drivers with a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) exemption for intrastate commerce only
In many cases, these restrictions can be removed by testing under the appropriate conditions or learning new skills.
Commercial Licenses and Rules Protect the Public
Ultimately, the stringent CDL rules and requirements serve to protect the public from catastrophic harm on the road. Accidents with commercial vehicles sadly often involve severe injuries and fatalities. Fortunately, victims of these accidents have some form of recourse through compensation under Colorado law.
Speaking with an experienced Colorado personal injury attorney can help you determine the best path forward after a collision with a commercial vehicle.
Contact our Denver Personal Injury Law Firm Today For Help
For more information please contact Zaner Harden Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation with a Denver personal injury lawyer.
Zaner Harden Personal Injury Lawyers
1610 Wynkoop Street, Suite 120. Denver, CO 80202
(720) 613 9706
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