Class A Driver’s License
A Class A driver’s license is also known as a Commercial Driver’s License. These licenses are required for anyone driving a commercial vehicle. The Class A driver’s license allows the driver to drive any tractor trailer combination in excess of 26,000 lbs with air brakes.
All states have gone to this form of coding for driver’s license, and each state has its own requirements for obtaining one. For the most part, the driver has to be at least 21 years of age, be able to pass an extensive background check and have completed a certified school specially designed for commercial driving.
Class A Driver’s License Requirements
- You must be a resident of the state you are applying for your Class A driver’s license.
- You will need to provide a Birth certificate, proof of Social Security card.
- You will also need to pass a DOT Physical performed by an approved DOT doctor. The card will need to be presented to the licensing agency and will need to be always kept on the driver.
- In some states, the driver will need to pass a Homeland Security Clearance especially if they wish to obtain a Hazmat endorsement.
Strict DOT rules for class A driver’s license
All Class A drivers are required to follow the Department of Transportation rules and regulations regarding commercial driving, which include, but are not limited to Hours of Service and certain operating hours for oversized loads.
Concerning the Class A driver’s license, the rules and regulations set by the Department of Transportation are written in the DOT handbook that all drivers should carry with them in their commercial vehicle. This book contains the federal rules, and some states have other rules that need to be adhered to. So the driver should check into each state rules carefully.
The Hours of Service rules are very strict and if not followed can cause the driver various problems. Basically, the Hours of Service rules are:
- Any commercial driver is limited to a total of 70 hours on duty within a 8 day week or 60 hours on duty within 7 days.
- All drivers are limited to a total of 14 hours on duty within a 24 hour period.
- All drivers are limited to a total of 11 hours for driving and on duty not driving in a 24 hour period.
- All driving periods must be followed by a consecutive 10hour off duty or sleeper berth period.
- After a consecutive 32 hours off duty. The drivers can restart their 70/60 hour week.
Having a Class A driver’s license is a good thing because it enables you to get good jobs as a truck driver. No employer will hire you if you do not have the license. Being a truck driver is a good career because the holders of the Class A driver’s license are entitled to a lot of benefits in addition to the monthly salary.