What is a CDL-B?

A CDL-B is a type of commercial driver's license that allows individuals to operate commercial vehicles weighing more than 26,000 pounds and/or carrying more than 24 passengers. This includes vehicles like delivery trucks, city buses, and tour buses. To get a CDL-B, one must pass both a written test and a skills test, which includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic controls test, and an on-road driving exam.

Training requirements

To qualify for a CDL-B, you must meet several requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old (21 years old for those driving across state lines or transporting hazardous materials).

• Have a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.

• Pass a medical examination.

• Complete a state-approved CDL training program.

These CDL training programs are designed to prepare students for the written and skills tests. They cover topics such as vehicle inspection, basic controls, and on-road driving.

What to look for in a class

When looking for a CDL-B class in Durham, there are several factors to consider:

• Accreditation: The school should be accredited by a recognized accrediting body. Accreditation ensures that the school meets certain quality standards.

• Course content: The course should cover all the topics needed to pass the written and skills tests, including vehicle inspection, basic controls, and on-road driving.

• Instructors: The instructors should be experienced commercial drivers.

• Facilities and equipment: The school should have modern facilities and up-to-date vehicles for hands-on training.

What to expect from the day-to-day class

A typical day in a CDL-B class might include:

• Classroom instruction: This may cover topics like vehicle inspection, basic controls, and on-road driving.

• Hands-on training: You might practice driving a commercial vehicle under the supervision of an experienced instructor.

• Study time: You'll likely have time to study for the written test.

• Testing: You might take practice tests to prepare for the real thing.

What does the certification process look like

To become CDL-B certified, you must:

• Complete a state-approved CDL training program.

• Pass a written test covering topics like vehicle inspection, basic controls, and on-road driving.

• Pass a skills test, which includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic controls test, and an on-road driving exam.

Once you've passed these tests, you'll receive your CDL-B and be able to drive commercial vehicles.

How to find related jobs

After receiving your CDL-B, you can find related jobs by:

• Checking job boards like Indeed or Monster.

• Visiting the websites of trucking companies and looking for job postings.

• Networking with other commercial drivers.

What other classes someone can take after becoming a CDL-B

With a CDL-B, you might consider taking additional classes to enhance your career prospects. For instance, you could take a class to earn a passenger or school bus endorsement, which would allow you to drive large passenger vehicles. Or, you could take a class to earn a hazardous materials endorsement, which would allow you to transport hazardous materials.

Additional topics

Importance of safety training

One critical aspect of CDL-B training is safety. This includes not only understanding how to operate the vehicle safely but also how to handle emergency situations, understanding road conditions, and recognizing potential hazards.

Career advancement opportunities

With a CDL-B, there are several career advancement opportunities available. For instance, you might aim to become a fleet manager or transportation manager, roles that involve overseeing a company's vehicles and drivers.

Transferrable skills

As a CDL-B driver, you'll develop many transferrable skills. These include time management, communication, problem-solving, and mechanical skills.

The role of physical health

Physical health plays a significant role in a commercial driver's career. Regular medical check-ups and maintaining a good fitness level are crucial for managing the physical demands of the job.

Final Thoughts

A CDL-B can open the door to a rewarding career as a commercial driver. With the right training and dedication, you can enjoy a career that offers flexibility, independence, and the opportunity to travel. Dreambound provides reputable CDL-B training programs that fits your career goals and learning style. Dreambound provides extensive CDL-B training programs near you that fits your career goals and learning style. If you're looking for more insights into vocational training programs in North Carolina, be sure to read one of our blog posts on becoming a truck driver and the one on becoming an HVAC technician.

Dreambound is your go-to for city-specific guides if you're starting in this field. And if you're in another location or considering a change, we've written several others as well.

• How to Become a School Bus Driver in Connecticut
• How to Become a School Bus Driver in Georgia
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• How to Become a School Bus Driver in Vermont

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