Mayfield Law, LLC | May 5, 2025 | Personal Injury
Commercial driver’s licenses, usually referred to as CDLs, are required for drivers operating commercial or specialized vehicles for their employment. Drivers can obtain different types of commercial driver’s licenses, depending on what they need to drive. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) maintains regulations for commercial driver’s licenses and their use on Georgia’s roadways.
Here, we’ll get into the different types of commercial driver’s licenses and how they can affect car accident claims. If you or a loved one were injured in an accident with a commercial truck or vehicle in Nahunta, GA, a CDL could have an impact on the claim and how it proceeds. An experienced Nahunta truck accident lawyer can help you understand your options.
What Is a Commercial Driver’s License?
A Commercial Driver’s License allows an individual to operate vehicles that surpass certain weight levels or haul cargo for commercial purposes. Federal and state regulations are in place to make sure roads are safe for commercial truck operators and all other drivers at the same time. The FMCSA oversees CDLs for commercial vehicle drivers nationwide. Heavy vehicle drivers are held to higher standards than other drivers, due to the increased skill and training needed to safely operate a commercial vehicle.
CDLs include three main types of licenses: Class A, Class B, and Class C. The different types are based on a vehicle’s purpose, total weight, and size.
Types of Commercial Driver’s Licenses
Commercial vehicle operators in Georgia can seek three main types of CDLs:
Class A: Heavy-Duty Hauling
A Class A CDL is required to operate vehicles with combined weights of at least 26,001 pounds. The Class A license is typically used for:
- Tractor-trailers (18-wheel semi-trucks)
- Livestock carriers
- Tanker trucks
Drivers are required to pass written tests and skills tests to obtain Class A licenses.
Class B CDL: Medium-Duty Vehicles
A Class B CDL is used for single vehicles weighing over 26,001 pounds, or vehicles that tow other vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or less. Vehicles requiring Class B licenses include:
- Dump trucks
- Passenger buses
- Box trucks (such as delivery vehicles and other cargo vehicles)
The Class B CDL is usually preferred for drivers who transport passengers or goods, but do not need to cross state lines.
Class C CDL: Specialized and Small-Scale Uses
Class C CDLs are for drivers transporting 16 or more people in a vehicle, or transporting hazardous materials. Vehicles that require a Class C CDL to operate include:
- School buses
- Passenger vans
- Hazmat vehicles
- Farm service vehicles
Depending on the cargo transported or special features of the vehicle, different endorsements might be required as well.
What Are the Requirements To Get a CDL in Georgia?
Applicants for a commercial driver’s license in Georgia will need to meet certain requirements to operate. These include:
- Holding a valid non-commercial driver’s license
- Passing a vision test
- Being at least 18 years old (21 years old to drive across state lines)
- Having a Department of Transportation medical certificate
- Having proof of legal residence
- Passing a written test for the CDL they seek
- Passing a skills-based test for the CDL sought
Additional endorsements might be required for some vehicles, such as school buses, farm vehicles, tanker trucks, and more.
Do Commercial Driver’s Licenses Impact Vehicle Accident Claims?
Car accidents involving commercial vehicles can complicate accident claims at times. When commercial truck drivers fail to follow regulations and safety standards, the driver and their employer could be responsible for losses suffered by another driver. CDL holders are held to higher standards than other drivers and fall under scrutiny when they are involved in accidents. An experienced Nahunta personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options and next steps after a truck accident.
Contact a Nahunta, GA Truck Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in an accident with a commercial vehicle in Nahunta, Georgia, you could seek financial compensation from the other driver, their employer, a third party, or any combination. Commercial truck drivers can hold different types of commercial driver’s licenses. If a CDL holder was involved in your accident, contact a Nahunta personal injury lawyer to understand your legal options.
Contact the Nahunta Personal Injury Lawyers of Mayfield Law, LLC for Help Today
For more information, contact Mayfield Law, LLC to schedule a free consultation with our experienced personal injury attorneys. We proudly serve clients in Brunswick, GA, Nahunta, GA, as well as Glynn County and Brantley County. We’re here to offer trusted, compassionate legal guidance. Let us help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.
Mayfield Law, LLC Brunswick
1611 Union St
Brunswick, GA 31520
(912) 457-8557
Mayfield Law, LLC Nahunta
13903 E Cleveland St
Nahunta, GA 31553
(912) 457-8557