# Cdl Classes And Endorsements > Use this skill when the user asks about CDL classes (A, B, C), endorsements (H, N, P, S, T, X), required for hazmat / passenger / school bus / tank / triple-trailer operations, what each class is permitted to operate, the TSA Security Threat Assessment for hazmat, and ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) requirements. Cite 49 CFR 383. - Skill: `x3allamerican/cdl-classes-and-endorsements` (Agent Skill) - Install (CLI): `npx skillmds add x3allamerican/cdl-classes-and-endorsements` - Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/x3allamerican/cdl-classes-and-endorsements/raw - Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS) - Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex - Category: Security - Author: x3allamerican (https://skillmd.com/u/x3allamerican) - Updated: 2026-08-19 - Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/x3allamerican/cdl-classes-and-endorsements --- # CDL Classes + Endorsements — 49 CFR 383 A Commercial Driver License (CDL) is a federal-licensed credential to operate Commercial Motor Vehicles. The class + endorsements determine what the driver can legally operate. ## CDL Classes (49 CFR 383.91) ### Class A Combination vehicle with a **Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) ≥ 26,001 lb**, provided the GVWR of the trailer being towed is more than 10,000 lb. What it covers: - Tractor-trailer (semi truck pulling a 53' trailer) - Truck-and-tow with a heavy trailer - Any heavier combination ### Class B Single vehicle with a GVWR ≥ 26,001 lb, OR combination where the trailer GVWR is ≤ 10,000 lb. What it covers: - Straight trucks (single chassis) - Bus (school bus, motorcoach) - Dump truck - Box truck ### Class C Vehicle that doesn't meet A or B criteria, BUT is either: - Designed to transport 16+ passengers (incl. driver), OR - Used to transport hazardous materials in placardable quantities Required for: small buses, passenger vans (16+ seats), hazmat trucks under 26,001 lb. A Class C driver hauling hazmat in a 1-ton pickup needs Class C + H endorsement. ## Endorsements (49 CFR 383.93) | Endorsement | What it allows | Additional test/requirement | |---|---|---| | **H** | Transport of hazardous materials (HM placardable) | Hazmat written test + **TSA Security Threat Assessment** | | **N** | Tank vehicle (vehicles designed to transport liquids/gases in tanks) | Tank vehicle written test | | **P** | Passenger (16+ passenger vehicles) | Passenger written test | | **S** | School bus (specifically) | School bus written test + S endorsement requires P endorsement first | | **T** | Double / Triple trailer | Doubles/Triples written test | | **X** | Combination of H + N (hazmat + tank) | Both H + N requirements | A driver hauling fuel in a tanker needs Class A + N + H = "X" endorsement (combined). ## TSA Security Threat Assessment for H endorsement For the H (hazmat) endorsement, the driver must pass a TSA background check covering: - Criminal history (last 7 years) - Immigration status - Connection to terrorist organizations - Mental capacity Cost: ~$95 + state fees. Renewed every 5 years (same as the CDL endorsement). ## ELDT — Entry-Level Driver Training (49 CFR 380) Effective Feb 7, 2022, anyone obtaining a new CDL OR an additional endorsement OR upgrading class must complete: - **Theory training** (online or in-classroom) — minimum hours specified - **Behind-the-wheel (BTW) training** — minimum hours specified - **Provider must be on the Training Provider Registry (TPR)** at fmcsa.dot.gov Training records (TPR certification) must be kept in the DQF. ELDT applies to: - First-time Class A or Class B CDL applicants - Class A CDL upgrade from Class B - H, P, S endorsement additions (separate ELDT per endorsement) Pre-Feb 2022 CDL holders are NOT required to complete ELDT for their existing CDL. ## CDL holder restrictions (49 CFR 383.73) Restrictions appear on the CDL itself: | Restriction Code | What it means | |---|---| | L | No air brakes (driver hasn't taken air brake test) | | E | No manual transmission (auto only) | | M | No Class A passenger vehicles | | N | No Class A and B passenger vehicles | | O | No tractor-trailer (5th wheel) | | Z | No full air brakes | | K | Intrastate only | | V | Medical variance / exemption | These are SEPARATE from medical cert restrictions but often overlap. ## Age requirements (49 CFR 383.3) - **18 years old** — minimum for intrastate Class A or B CDL (some states are 21) - **21 years old** — minimum for interstate Class A, B, or C CDL - **21 years old** — minimum for hazmat endorsement - **21 years old** — minimum for passenger / school bus endorsement (with state variation) ## Common mistakes 1. **Driver upgrade from Class B to Class A without ELDT** — required by Feb 2022 rule. 2. **Hazmat endorsement expired due to lapsed TSA STA** — renewed every 5 years; easy to miss. 3. **S endorsement without P endorsement** — invalid; S requires P first. 4. **CDL class doesn't match vehicle operated** — Class B driver operating a tractor-trailer = violation. 5. **Restriction E violated** — Class A driver with E restriction (no manual) operating a manual transmission CMV. ## Where this fits in X3 X3's `dq-files.html` tracks CDL class + endorsements + restrictions per driver. Dispatchers see this when assigning vehicles. The hazmat-basics skill cross-references the H endorsement requirements; the medical-certification skill cross-references the V restriction (medical variance). --- ## Built by X3 Compass The AI-powered DOT compliance platform for fleets 1–100 power units. Try a 7-day free trial — no credit card required — at https://x3compass.com/?utm_source=skill&utm_medium=github&utm_campaign=cdl-classes-and-endorsements X3 Compass turns these skills into a complete operational platform: driver qualification files, drug & alcohol consortium, MVR pulls, hours-of-service tracking, hazmat shipping, IFTA filing, FMCSA audit prep, and DataQ dispute drafting — all CFR-cited, all in one place. *This skill is published under the X3 Compass open skills initiative. Contributions welcome at https://github.com/x3fleetsafety/skills*