From Medium to Heavy: Your Guide to CDL Class B to A Certification

Introduction: Advancing Your CDL Career

If you already hold a CDL Class B license, you’re familiar with operating straight trucks, delivery vehicles, and passenger buses. However, moving up to a CDL Class A license unlocks greater career opportunities, higher pay, and the ability to drive combination vehicles such as tractor-trailers and tankers.

Upgrading from a Class B to Class A CDL requires additional training, testing, and meeting FMCSA requirements, but the benefits far outweigh the effort. Whether you’re looking to expand your career options, switch to long-haul trucking, or maximize your earning potential, Get Drivers Ed offers a comprehensive CDL Class B to A training program that helps drivers upgrade their licenses with confidence.

In this guide, we’ll cover the differences between Class B and Class A CDLs, the steps to upgrade your license, and how Get Drivers Ed can help you navigate the transition smoothly.

What’s the Difference Between a CDL Class B and a CDL Class A?

1. CDL Class B Overview

A Class B CDL allows drivers to operate single, heavy-duty vehicles that don’t require a detachable trailer. These vehicles typically weigh over 26,000 pounds but don’t tow trailers heavier than 10,000 pounds.

Common Class B vehicles include:

🚌 Passenger buses (school buses, city transit buses, shuttle buses)
🚛 Straight trucks (box trucks, dump trucks, concrete mixers)
🚚 Large delivery trucks (FedEx, UPS, moving trucks)

Class B CDL holders are often limited to local and regional driving jobs, making this license ideal for short-haul commercial work.

2. CDL Class A Overview

A Class A CDL allows drivers to operate combination vehicles, which include a towing unit and a detachable trailer that weighs over 10,000 pounds. These vehicles often exceed 26,000 pounds in gross combination weight.

Common Class A vehicles include:

🚛 Tractor-trailers (18-wheelers, semi-trucks)
⛽ Tanker trucks (for fuel, chemicals, and liquids)
🚜 Flatbeds and livestock carriers
🚧 Heavy-haul trucks for construction and industrial materials

With a Class A CDL, drivers have more flexibility in job selection, access to long-haul trucking positions, and the ability to earn higher salaries.

Why Upgrade from Class B to Class A?

1. More Job Opportunities

With a CDL Class A license, you can apply for a wider range of trucking jobs across various industries, including:

✅ Over-the-road (OTR) trucking – Travel across states and earn higher pay.
✅ Tanker truck driving – Transport liquid cargo with specialized training.
✅ Interstate freight hauling – Work for major logistics and transportation companies.

Get Drivers Ed’s CDL Class B to A course provides all the necessary training to help drivers upgrade their licenses and qualify for these in-demand positions.

2. Higher Earning Potential

Class A CDL holders often earn significantly more than Class B drivers, particularly in:

💲 Long-haul trucking jobs
💲 Specialized freight transportation (hazmat, oversized loads)
💲 Tanker truck driving

According to industry estimates, Class A CDL drivers earn $10,000 to $20,000 more annually than Class B CDL drivers, making the upgrade a worthwhile investment.

3. Increased Driving Flexibility

A Class A CDL allows drivers to handle both Class A and Class B vehicles, meaning you can still operate straight trucks, buses, and other medium-duty vehicles while gaining the ability to drive larger, more complex rigs.

Steps to Upgrade from CDL Class B to CDL Class A

Step 1: Enroll in an FMCSA-Approved CDL Class B to A Training Program

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all CDL applicants to complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) before taking the skills test.

At Get Drivers Ed, we provide an FMCSA-approved CDL Class B to A training program, covering:

📖 Vehicle inspection procedures
🚦 Combination vehicle dynamics and safety
⚖ Weight distribution, cargo handling, and securement
🔄 Turning, backing, and maneuvering with trailers

Our flexible online ELDT course allows students to complete the theory portion at their own pace, making the upgrade process convenient and stress-free.

Step 2: Obtain a CDL Class A Learner’s Permit (CLP)

Before scheduling the CDL skills test, drivers must:

Pass the CDL Class A written exam (covering general knowledge, combination vehicles, and air brakes).
Receive a CDL Class A Learner’s Permit (CLP), allowing them to train under supervision.

At Get Drivers Ed, we provide practice exams and study materials to help students pass the CDL knowledge test on their first try.

Step 3: Complete Behind-the-Wheel Training

Once you have your CDL Class A Learner’s Permit, you’ll need to complete behind-the-wheel training with a certified CDL instructor.

This training focuses on:

✅ Trailer coupling and uncoupling procedures
✅ Highway and city driving techniques
✅ Safe braking, lane changes, and merging with a trailer

Step 4: Take the CDL Skills Test

After completing all required training, drivers must pass the CDL Class A skills test, which includes:

🛑 Pre-trip vehicle inspection – Demonstrate knowledge of truck components.
🚛 Basic control skills test – Perform maneuvers like straight-line backing and offset parking.
🛣 On-road driving test – Show proficiency in real-world driving conditions.

Upon passing, drivers receive their CDL Class A license, allowing them to start driving combination vehicles immediately.

Why Choose Get Drivers Ed for CDL Class B to A Training?

At Get Drivers Ed, we provide:

✅ FMCSA-Approved Training – Fully compliant with federal regulations.
✅ Flexible Online Learning – Complete ELDT theory training on your schedule.
✅ Comprehensive Study Materials – Practice tests, quizzes, and expert guidance.
✅ Step-by-Step Support – Assistance through every stage of the licensing process.

Our affordable CDL Class B to A training program makes it easier than ever to upgrade your license and start driving commercial combination vehicles.

Conclusion: Take the Next Step in Your CDL Career

Moving from a CDL Class B to Class A license is the key to unlocking higher-paying jobs, long-haul driving opportunities, and greater career flexibility. With the right training and preparation, you can transition smoothly into operating larger commercial vehicles.

At Get Drivers Ed, we provide all the tools and resources needed to upgrade your CDL license efficiently and confidently.

🚛 Ready to expand your career? Enroll today in CDL Class B to A Training at Get Drivers Ed and take your trucking career to the next level! 🚛