CDL Class B: Your Guide to Jobs, Costs, and Training Time

Among the CDL Classes offered through New Sound CDL School is the Class B CDL. But what is this Class and how does it differ from Class A? In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about the Class B CDL, including prospective jobs, requirements, cost, length of training, and more. If you’re unsure which Class of CDL to pursue, make sure to also read our article on the Class A CDL.

Our team at New Sound CDL School is made up of seasoned drivers who’ve taken their passion for driving into the classroom. As trained and experienced experts with decades of experience, we’ve created the premier training school in Washington state for people that are serious about excelling in their new career as professional drivers. Ours is the trusted resource for all things CDL, so let’s answer those burning questions so you can get started on your journey to a profitable and stable career on the road.

What is a Class B CDL?

Technically speaking, a Class B CDL is a license that allows you to operate single vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, so long as any attached trailers weigh less than 10,000 pounds. We understand that sounds very confusing and probably means nothing to you, so we’ll explain it like this: a Class B CDL permits you to drive large commercial vehicles that are single units, so this excludes hauling large trailers like a semi-truck or tanker. To operate semi-trucks and tractor trailers, you’d need to secure a Class A CDL.

With a Class B CDL, you can operate:

• Dump trucks
• Delivery and box trucks
• City and school buses
• Utility trucks
• Cement mixers

With additional endorsements, your licensing can be expanded to also include more specialized vehicles. A Class B CDL is typically associated with local or regional deliveries, as opposed to long hauls across the nation, but those definitely aren’t out of the question.

What are the Requirements for a Class B CDL in Washington State?

To qualify for a Class B CDL in Washington, you must meet basic requirements like completing a recognized training program and obtaining a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP):

1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to drive commercial vehicles within Washington State and 21 to operate across state lines or haul hazardous materials.
2. Driver’s License: You must have a current, valid, and unrestricted Washington State driver’s license.
3. Medical Certification: You need a valid medical certificate per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that meets the associated medical requirements.
4. Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP): You must obtain a CLP by passing the knowledge test and hold it for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.
5. Training: Washington requires 80 hours of training from a certified provider like New Sound CDL to ensure drivers are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills.
6. CDL Exam: After meeting the above requirements, you must pass the full Class B CDL exam before being awarded the license to begin your career.

What Jobs Can I Get with a Class B CDL?

Class B CDL holders have access to diverse job opportunities across several industries. This license is your door into the public and private transportation sectors as a city or school bus driver or shuttle operator. It also provides you a foot into the construction industry as a dump truck driver transporting materials to and from work sites or a cement mixer driver for road and building projects. However, the most popular use of a Class B CDL is likely that of a delivery truck driver operating box trucks for local deliveries of food, furniture, or general cargo. As we mentioned earlier, this Class of CDL aligns best with those who are interested in remaining local and being able to come home at the end of every work day.

Adding endorsements to your Class B CDL also expands the range of vehicles you can drive and opportunities you qualify for. A Few common endorsements include:

• P Endorsement: Required for driving passenger vehicles such as city buses or shuttles.
• S Endorsement: Allows you to operate school buses, which have specific safety and operational requirements.
• H Endorsement (HazMat): Permits you to transport hazardous materials, although this endorsement typically requires a background check and additional testing.

There are also restrictions based on the vehicle used during your skills test. For example, if you test with an automatic transmission, an "E" restriction will be placed on your license, limiting you to automatic vehicles only.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Class B CDL?

In Washington State, obtaining a Class B CDL through New Sound CDL takes only two weeks for a full-time program, totaling 80 hours of required instruction. This involves 40 hours of classroom learning and 40 hours of hands-on training. Here’s a breakdown:

• Classroom Instruction: 40 hours covering essential knowledge, safety regulations, and best driving practices.
• Street Driving and Maneuver Training: 14 hours of practical, on-the-road training, with an additional 8 hours focused on backing maneuvers.
• Proficiency and Observation: The remaining hours involve lab training, range training, and observational exercises to build driving confidence and control.

This shorter program length compared to Class A CDL training (which requires 160 hours) makes a Class B CDL an incredibly attractive option for those looking to start work quickly. Two weeks of training is all it takes to get you into the driver’s seat of your future.

How Much Does it Cost to Get a Class B CDL?

The cost of getting a Class B CDL in Washington involves various steps with fees associated with each. Here’s a list of what to expect and the costs required from start to finish for you to get your Class B CDL:

• CDL Knowledge Test: $35
• Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP): $40
• CDL Skills Test: $175
• CDL Training Program: Our Class B program at New Sound CDL is $3,175. In comparison, the program provided nearby by Bates costs around $3,500 and takes five weeks to complete.

We also offer various financial assistance options, simply reach out to us for more information to see how we can help.

How Hard is it to Pass the Class B CDL Exam?

While it’s no easy task to obtain your Class B license, New Sound CDL School will provide you with all of the training and assistance necessary for you to succeed. There’s good reason for requiring 80 hours of accredited training before allowing anyone to attempt the exam. Our program combines classroom teaching from experienced drivers with educational training, supervised practice in modern trucks, and a top-notch facility and training lot designed with your success in mind. You’ll learn everything you need to know for the exams and a career on the road, so you can not only pass the test but also confidently step into your first day on the job with full confidence. Our professional trainers are fluent in Spanish, Russian, and Ukrainian, so you can even learn in those languages if necessary.

Students of our CDL school pass the exam on their first attempt at an 80% rate, so you can trust the program that we’ve taken years to develop. While the CDL exam can be difficult, our experienced educators will provide you with everything you need for a Class B CDL career.

Begin Your Class B CDL Career

Drivers with Class B CDLs will have opportunities that are versatile while boasting good pay and  job stability. Whether you’re interested in driving in the construction, public transportation, or local delivery industries, a Class B CDL provides a fast route to a rewarding career.

At New Sound CDL School, our experienced instructors and modern equipment makes it easy for you to pass the CDL exam and start your career quickly. Our program will prepare you to pass the exam at an 80% success rate while going above and beyond to ensure that you excel in the driver’s seat of your new job. 

If you’re ready to get started, apply today for the premier CDL training experience in Washington state. Or simply contact us if you’re still unsure and would like more information or guidance on your decision. Our team is always ready to help!