What is a CDL (Commercial Driver's License)?

What can you do with each type of CDL?

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If you're a driver at heart and are interested in a life as a professional driver, you'll need to earn your commercial driver's license (CDL). But what CDL is right for you? 

LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT THE TYPES OF CDLS AVAILABLE NATIONALLY:

  • Class A: A Class A CDL allows you to drive any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more. This is the type of CDL you'll need in order to drive a tractor trailer, truck-trailer combo, or a flat bed, and drive for Swift. As a bonus, when you earn your Class A commercial driver's license, you'll also be qualified to drive most Class B and C vehicles, with some exceptions, like passenger and school buses, which require special endorsements.  
  • Class B: With a Class B CDL, you can drive any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating 26,001 pounds or more, like straight trucks, dump trucks, cement mixers and large passenger vehicles.
  • Class C: These CDL licenses allow you to drive any single vehicle, or a combination of vehicles, not covered under a Class A or Class B CDL, but are designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or are used to transport hazardous materials. 

At Swift Academy, we only provide instruction on Class A CDLs. By providing you a thorough training and the information on how to drive a wider range of vehicles, you'll have more career options and be better prepared for whatever life – and the road – may bring. To talk to an advisor about what a CDL can mean for you, call 1-888-871-3537. Or apply for Swift Academy training now, and get the training you need to start your career as a professional driver. 

For detailed information CDL licenses, visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. 

Swift offers a full-ride scholarship to Veterans and First Responders for the Swift Academy. For more information, give us a call at 1-888-871-3537.

Swift Academy is a proud member of the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) and select institutions are approved for VA benefits by the state approving agency.

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Hear From Our Drivers

“I was an attorney before, but I wasn’t happy. The journey has been great for me so far – from getting my permit to the road test. Best of all, now I’m doing work that means something to me.”

 

Ricky B.

Driver and Swift Academy Graduate