What Can You Drive with a Class B CDL? - Complete guide for 2025
The trucking industry continues to be one of the most vital sectors of the U.S. economy in 2025. With increasing demand for freight movement, construction projects, and public transportation, professional drivers with the right credentials are in high demand. For many, obtaining a Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is the perfect entry point into this lucrative and stable career path.
However, one of the most common questions among new drivers is: “What exactly can I drive with a Class B CDL?” Understanding this is crucial because it not only determines the type of vehicles you can legally operate but also directly impacts the industries and job opportunities available to you.
What You Can Drive with a CDL Class B License
When you earn your Class B CDL, you gain legal authorization to operate a wide range of heavy, single-unit vehicles. These vehicles are essential in industries like logistics, construction, sanitation, and public safety. While you cannot drive tractor-trailers or vehicles that require a Class A CDL, the Class B CDL still provides access to many stable, high-paying career options.
Below is a breakdown of the primary vehicles you can drive with a Class B CDL in 2025.
Box Trucks
Box trucks, also known as cube vans or straight trucks, are among the most common vehicles operated under a Class B CDL.
Uses in the industry:
- Delivery services: Transporting goods for companies like Amazon, UPS, and FedEx.
- Moving companies: Hauling household furniture and personal belongings during relocations.
- Retail distribution: Delivering products from warehouses to local stores.
Why they matter: Box trucks are the backbone of local and regional delivery, making them one of the most consistent sources of employment for Class B drivers. Because these trucks are large but do not involve heavy trailers, they fall squarely into the Class B category.
Cement Trucks (Concrete Mixers)
Cement trucks, often referred to as concrete mixers, are specialized vehicles used on construction sites.
Uses in the industry:
- Delivering and mixing concrete directly on-site.
- Supporting infrastructure projects like highways, bridges, and residential developments.
Why they matter: Construction projects rely heavily on timely delivery of concrete, and cement truck drivers play a vital role in keeping projects on schedule. A Class B CDL allows you to drive these vehicles legally, offering strong job stability in the booming construction industry.
Garbage Trucks
Garbage trucks are a classic example of vehicles that require a Class B CDL. They come in multiple styles, including front loaders, rear loaders, and side loaders.
Uses in the industry:
- Collecting residential and commercial waste.
- Operating compactors and hydraulic systems safely.
- Transporting waste to landfills or recycling facilities.
Why they matter: Municipalities and private waste management companies employ thousands of CDL Class B drivers every year. This makes garbage truck driving one of the most stable, recession-proof careers available to CDL holders.
Dump Trucks
Dump trucks are heavy-duty vehicles designed to carry and unload loose materials.
Uses in the industry:
- Transporting gravel, sand, soil, and asphalt for roadwork and construction.
- Hauling demolition debris from job sites.
- Supporting landscaping and large-scale excavation projects.
Why they matter: Dump truck drivers are essential in both construction and infrastructure development. Because these trucks are single-unit vehicles with powerful hauling capacity, they fit within the Class B CDL parameters.
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Straight Trucks
Straight trucks are a general category of vehicles in which the cab and cargo area are permanently attached to the same frame.
Examples include:
- Furniture delivery trucks.
- Large refrigerated trucks used in food distribution.
- Utility trucks for local businesses.
Why they matter: Straight trucks offer versatile job opportunities in many industries, from food logistics to construction supplies. They are especially common in short-haul operations, making them appealing to drivers who prefer to stay local rather than long-distance hauling.
Fire Trucks
Fire trucks are another type of vehicle that a Class B CDL covers. However, there is a special exemption for firefighters, meaning they do not necessarily need a CDL to operate fire trucks in the line of duty.
Uses in the industry:
- Transporting firefighters and emergency equipment.
- Carrying water tanks and pumping systems for fire suppression.
Why they matter: Even though many firefighters are exempt from CDL requirements, having a Class B CDL can enhance a firefighter’s credentials, improve safety, and make them more versatile in emergency response roles.
Certain Buses (with Endorsements)
While the Class B CDL allows you to drive some buses, operating passenger vehicles typically requires additional endorsements.
Examples of buses covered by Class B CDL:
- School buses – require both the Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements.
- City transit buses – transporting passengers on fixed urban routes.
- Charter buses or shuttles – moving passengers for tourism, hotels, or private events.
Why they matter: Passenger transport is a growing sector, especially in metropolitan areas. Adding endorsements to your Class B CDL significantly expands your career options and may increase earning potential.
Recap: The Scope of Class B Vehicles
In summary, with a Class B CDL, you can drive:
- Box trucks (local delivery, moving, retail distribution).
- Cement trucks (construction support).
- Garbage trucks (waste management).
- Dump trucks (construction, roadwork, landscaping).
- Straight trucks (general freight).
- Fire trucks (emergency services, with exemptions).
- Certain buses (with required endorsements).
This wide scope makes the Class B CDL a powerful license for local and regional driving jobs that offer both stability and competitive pay.
What You Cannot Drive with a Class B CDL
While a Class B CDL provides access to many commercial driving opportunities, it also has clear limitations. Understanding what you cannot drive is just as important as knowing what you can, especially if you are considering long-term career goals in trucking.
Class A Vehicles – Tractor-Trailers and Semis
A Class A CDL is required for operating the largest and most versatile commercial vehicles, such as:
- Tractor-trailers (18-wheelers, semis): These vehicles often exceed 26,001 lbs and pull trailers well over 10,000 lbs.
- Tanker trucks: Hauling bulk liquid cargo, often requiring Hazmat endorsements.
- Flatbeds and lowboys: Designed to transport oversized equipment and loads.
- Double and triple trailers: Combination vehicles used for long-haul freight.
These vehicles fall outside the Class B category because of their trailer weight and overall complexity.
The Trailer Rule – Over 10,000 Pounds
The key distinction between Class A and Class B licenses is the weight of the trailer:
- Class B CDL: You may tow a trailer under 10,000 lbs GVWR.
- Class A CDL: You may tow a trailer over 10,000 lbs GVWR.
This means if you want to drive an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer hauling goods across the country, you need a Class A CDL. However, if you plan to drive a dump truck with a small trailer carrying equipment under 10,000 lbs, a Class B CDL is sufficient.
Endorsements for Class B CDL
Getting a Class B CDL unlocks many driving opportunities, but adding endorsements can dramatically increase your career options and salary potential. Endorsements are special certifications placed on your CDL after passing additional knowledge (and sometimes skills) tests.
Why Endorsements Matter in 2025
The transportation industry is becoming more specialized, and employers often prefer or require drivers who hold specific endorsements. In 2025, endorsements can be the difference between a standard driving job and a high-paying, stable career.
Passenger (P) Endorsement
The Passenger Endorsement (P) is required to operate vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
- Vehicles covered: City buses, shuttle buses, motorcoaches.
- Testing requirements: Written knowledge test + skills test in a passenger vehicle.
- Career relevance: Essential for anyone considering a career in public transit or charter services.
School Bus (S) Endorsement
The School Bus Endorsement (S) is required in addition to the Passenger (P) endorsement if you plan to drive a school bus.
- Vehicles covered: Yellow school buses and similar student transport vehicles.
- Testing requirements: Written test covering school bus safety laws + behind-the-wheel test.
- Career relevance: School bus driving is a highly regulated profession, and this endorsement ensures drivers are trained for the unique responsibility of transporting children.
Hazmat (H) Endorsement
The Hazardous Materials Endorsement (H) allows you to transport regulated hazardous materials.
- Vehicles covered: Fuel tankers, chemical transport trucks (when under Class B limits).
- Testing requirements: Written hazmat exam + TSA background check + fingerprinting.
- Career relevance: Hazmat drivers are in high demand, and wages are often higher due to the specialized nature of the work.
Air Brakes Restriction Removal
Many Class B vehicles are equipped with air brakes. If you test in a vehicle without them, your CDL will carry an air brake restriction (marked as “L”), preventing you from legally operating air brake-equipped vehicles.
- How to remove restriction: Take your CDL skills test in a vehicle with air brakes.
- Why it matters: Most Class B vehicles (dump trucks, cement trucks, garbage trucks) use air brakes. Without this skill, your job options will be significantly limited.
Summary of Endorsements for Class B CDL
By adding endorsements, a Class B CDL driver can:
- Drive buses for passengers (P).
- Operate school buses safely (S).
- Handle hazardous materials for higher pay (H).
- Expand eligibility for vehicles with air brakes (removing restriction).
In short, endorsements unlock advanced career paths and make a Class B CDL much more valuable in today’s job market.
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Get Your Class B CDL Permit ASAP with ELDT Nation – Start Today
In partnership with Orlando Truck Driving Academy, ELDT Nation provides the fastest and most reliable path to earning your Class B CDL permit. With our FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) program, you can complete all required theory training online, at your own pace, with immediate submission to the federal Training Provider Registry.
Why Choose ELDT Nation?
- 15+ years of teaching experience in CDL preparation.
- 8,000+ students successfully trained and passed.
- $80,000 average annual salary reported by graduates.
Benefits of Our CDL Class B Course
- Unlimited video access – Study whenever and wherever it fits your schedule.
- Automatic FMCSA reporting – No delays in moving on to behind-the-wheel training.
- Printable certificate of completion – Proof that you’re CDL test-ready.
- Go-at-your-own-pace modules – Flexible learning designed to fit your lifestyle.
- Interactive quizzes and video modules – Helping you master even the toughest topics.
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