Your commercial driver’s license (CDL) is more than just a license to drive a truck: It’s a valuable commodity.
It speaks volumes about your qualifications.
Like the framed certificates and diplomas hanging on the wall in your doctor’s office, your CDL tells others that you’ve put in the work, accumulated the knowledge and passed the tests required to safely and efficiently drive a Class 8 vehicle.
Way back in 1990, when I was attending truck driving school and preparing to earn my CDL, an instructor advised me to get all the endorsements I could qualify for. His reasoning was that drivers often change jobs looking for a better deal. Having the endorsements already on the CDL made things much easier than having to study and then take the tests to add them later. He was right.
My first CDL had every possible endorsement.
Throughout my driving career, I used my endorsements for doubles/triples, tanker, hazmat and even passenger vehicle. When I needed a driving job, my CDL was my ticket to an open door. I still keep it, just in case. Besides, is having an endorsement you aren’t currently using a bad thing?
Of course, there are also restriction codes that may appear on your CDL, prohibiting you from operating certain types of equipment.
First, there’s the “L” restriction.
The “L” restriction prohibits a CDL holder from operating a vehicle equipped with air brakes. Drivers of smaller vehicles equipped with hydraulic brakes sometimes tow trailers with enough weight capacity to qualify as commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). In some cases, that’s the only vehicle available for the road test, so the driver may qualify for a “Class A” CDL — but without air brakes.
Then, there’s the “Z” restriction.
The “Z” restriction, used if you test in a vehicle with a combination of air and hydraulic brakes, may also be used. If you get this restriction, you’ll need to pass the air brake written test and retake the road test in an air brake-equipped vehicle to get it removed.
The newest restriction is the “E” restriction.
The “E” restriction prevents a CDL holder from driving a CMV that’s equipped with a manual transmission. Since about 95% of Class 8 trucks sold today come with auto-shift transmissions, you may never need to know how to shift gears or work a clutch.
On the other hand, you may need a local job or want to work for a company that has trucks with manual transmissions. Even if you don’t, learning to operate a manual transmission gives you more knowledge of how a transmission works, even if the gears are being selected for you.
What endorsements are available?
Double and Triple Trailers
One of the more common endorsements is “T,” which stands for doubles and triples. While you’ll find double — and even triple — trailers around the globe in a variety of configurations, drivers often skip getting the endorsement because they plan to be hired by a carrier that only hauls single trailers.
Consider this, however: Double trailers are often used in local or regional operations, like linehaul routes for package services. These jobs often pay well with excellent benefits. Some are union positions, if that’s appealing to you, and many provide much more time at home than irregular-route carriers. Depending on your family situation, you may find this type of work more attractive later.
Tank Vehicles
The “N” endorsement stands for tank vehicles. Tanks can haul both liquid and granulated solid products. Carriers that haul tanks often specialize in areas such as food, chemical or petroleum.
Rather than backing into a dock, they often load and unload at special facilities or specified areas at customer locations. Loads can be pumped on or off or dropped by gravity, depending on the product and the customer. If you’re a fan of hooking up a hose and waiting for the trailer to load or unload, tanker may be for you.
As with doubles and triples, tanker jobs are often local or regional. It’s not unusual for an experienced driver to come off the road to make local gasoline deliveries, getting home every night.
Pneumatic tankers operate by blowing air through a discharge tube while the product trickles into the airstream. Doing so allows the product — be it sand, sugar, flour, plastic pellets or whatever — to be pumped long distances much like a liquid.
Hazardous Materials
The “H,” or hazardous materials, endorsement NOT on the “easy-to-obtain” endorsement list, and it is often misunderstood. You won’t need the endorsement for non-placardable amounts of some materials, but it’s important to know which ones DO require it.
You’ll need to pass a written hazmat test at your state licensing facility, and you’ll need to pass a threat assessment through the Transport Security Administration (TSA).
The threat assessment includes fingerprinting and a federal background check that includes your criminal record. Convictions for espionage, sedition, terrorism, murder and crimes involving explosives or other weapons of mass destruction will permanently disqualify you from passing the assessment. Other serious convictions can disqualify you for a period of seven years.
The cost of the written test varies from state to state. The cost of the TSA threat assessment is $85.25, but if you already have a TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) card, the rate is reduced to $41. TSA recommends that you allow a minimum of 60 days for completion of the assessment.
It’s also important to remember to request a new threat assessment before your hazmat endorsement expires, so you’ll receive it in time to renew your CDL.
Tank and Hazardous Materials
The “X” endorsement combines tank and hazardous materials endorsements. The ability to haul hazmat greatly increases job opportunities, but the risks associated with the cargo are something you should consider. Some products, particularly chemicals, may require special gloves or protective suits, or even breathing apparatus. Others are easier to deal with but still have special handling requirements.
Bus Endorsements
The “P” endorsement stands for buses, typically the larger charter-type vehicles. You’ll need to pass both a written and a road test to get it. The “S” endorsement allows operation of a school bus; this also requires both written and road tests and may include background checks. Additionally, depending on testing requirements, a restriction may be placed on the CDL limiting the size of the passenger vehicle driven, especially if it’s articulated or towing a trailer.
Knowledge is power.
It’s been said that knowledge is power. CDL endorsements are your evidence that you have the knowledge — and they give you the power to obtain another driving job when you need it.
Cliff Abbott is an experienced commercial vehicle driver and owner-operator who still holds a CDL in his home state of Alabama. In nearly 40 years in trucking, he’s been an instructor and trainer and has managed safety and recruiting operations for several carriers. Having never lost his love of the road, Cliff has written a book and hundreds of songs and has been writing for The Trucker for more than a decade.
