If you drive a truck or want to work in transportation, you’ll likely need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Missouri. A CDL is different from a regular driver’s license and is required for operating larger vehicles like semis, buses, and delivery trucks. There are several types of CDLs, and the one you need depends on the size of the vehicle and what you’re hauling.
In this blog, we’ll explain the different types of CDLs in Missouri, what each one covers, and why this matters, especially if there’s an accident. Understanding CDL rules can also help if you’re involved in a crash with a commercial vehicle. You can find more details in legal blogs, practice area pages, or resource sections focused on trucking and vehicle accidents.
Class A CDL
A Class A CDL is used to drive any combination of vehicles with a total weight (called Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, with the trailer weighing over 10,000 pounds.
Drivers with a Class A CDL can drive:
- Tractor-trailers (big rigs)
- Truck and trailer combinations
- Tanker trucks
- Flatbed trucks
This type of license is common for long-distance truck drivers. These vehicles are heavy and hard to stop quickly, which can lead to serious accidents. Learning more about truck accident claims and driver responsibilities can help people better understand their legal rights after a crash.
Class B CDL
A Class B CDL allows you to drive a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, as long as the trailer is less than 10,000 pounds.
Drivers with a Class B CDL can drive:
- Delivery trucks
- Dump trucks
- Buses (school buses and public transport)
These vehicles are often used in cities and towns. While they may not be as large as tractor-trailers, they can still cause serious injuries in a crash. If someone is hurt in a crash involving a Class B vehicle, understanding local trucking laws and safety rules is important.
Class C CDL
A Class C CDL is needed for smaller commercial vehicles that don’t fit into Class A or B but are still used to transport people or hazardous materials.
You may need a Class C CDL to drive:
- Passenger vans that carry 16 or more people
- Small trucks that carry hazardous materials (with the right endorsement)
Drivers must take extra tests to make sure they understand the rules for carrying dangerous materials or passengers. If something goes wrong, even a smaller vehicle can lead to complicated injury claims. Checking out resources about hazardous cargo rules and passenger carrier safety can give you helpful information.
Endorsements and Restrictions
On top of choosing the right CDL class, drivers might need endorsements. These are special permissions that let them carry certain cargo or drive certain vehicles. Some common endorsements include:
- H – For hazardous materials
- P – For passenger transport
- N – For tank vehicles
- S – For school buses
Some drivers also have restrictions, which limit what they can drive based on their road test or vehicle type. These added details can play a big role in legal cases, especially if the driver was not fully qualified. For more about endorsements and how they relate to accident cases, check content that covers CDL requirements and commercial driver violations.
Why CDL Types Matter in Accident Cases
Understanding the type of CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) a driver holds is crucial in accident cases. If a driver was operating a vehicle they weren’t licensed for, this could be considered negligence, possibly indicating that their employer failed to properly train or screen them. Accidents involving commercial vehicles tend to be more severe than regular car crashes, often leading to high medical bills, missed work, and long-term recovery.
In Missouri, there are three main types of CDLs: Class A, Class B, and Class C, each allowing drivers to operate different vehicles under specific regulations. Knowing these details can help clarify liability in truck or bus accident cases and provide better insight into the legal process.
For more information on Missouri trucking laws or commercial accident claims, explore legal resources, personal injury pages, or guides related to trucking accidents.
Contact The Personal Injury Law Firm of Dickerson Oxton in Kansas City, MO Today
For more information, contact the Kansas City, MO personal injury law firm of Dickerson Oxton to schedule a free initial consultation.
We serve in Jackson County and its surrounding areas across Missouri:
Dickerson Oxton – Kansas City Office
1100 Main St #2550, Kansas City, MO 64105
(816) 268 1960
Hours: Monday to Thursday,
from 8 am – 5 pm