A Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is the most versatile type of commercial license you can earn. It allows you to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the vehicle being towed is over 10,000 pounds.

In short: if you’re looking to drive big rigs like semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, flatbeds, and livestock haulers, this is the license you need.

What You Can Drive with a Class A CDL

• 18-wheelers / Semi-trucks

• Tractor-trailers (including doubles and triples with endorsements)

• Flatbed trucks

• Tanker vehicles

• Livestock carriers

• Most Class B and Class C vehicles (with proper endorsements)

Common Careers That Require a Class A CDL

• Long-haul or regional trucking (OTR)

• Local delivery drivers (freight, fuel, construction materials)

• Heavy equipment transport

• Agriculture and livestock hauling

• Oil and gas industry drivers

• Government and utility fleet drivers

Why Train with DrivePoint?

At DrivePoint CDL Academy, we prepare you to not just pass the test — we train you for real-world driving. You’ll learn:

• Pre-trip inspections

• Backing and coupling maneuvers

• Safe highway and city driving

• How to handle heavy loads and long trailers

• Skills for mountain driving (unique to Colorado terrain!)

• Federal regulations and logbook basics

A Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) allows you to operate a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or a vehicle towing another vehicle that weighs 10,000 pounds or less.

This license is ideal if you're planning to drive straight trucks, buses, or other large commercial vehicles that don’t require a trailer.

At DrivePoint CDL Academy, we go beyond the basics. Our Class B program trains you to:

• Conduct full pre-trip inspections

• Navigate tight urban driving scenarios

• Operate commercial vehicles safely under load

• Understand federal and state CDL requirements

• Build confidence through hands-on training with real vehicles

We also offer passenger and school bus endorsements if you plan to drive for a school district or transit agency.

A Class C Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is for operating vehicles that transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or carry hazardous materials (HazMat) — when the vehicle doesn’t meet the weight requirements for Class A or B.

This license is ideal for small passenger vehicles, shuttles, and specialty transport vehicles.

What You Can Drive with a Class C CDL

• Passenger vans and shuttle buses

• School vans (not full-size school buses)

• Hotel and airport shuttles

• Medical transport vans

• Vehicles carrying HazMat materials (with HazMat endorsement)

• Small HazMat trucks

Common Careers That Require a Class C CDL

• Shuttle driver (airport, hotel, campus)

• Non-emergency medical transport (NEMT)

• Charter or tour van driver

• Courier or delivery drivers handling hazardous materials

• Transit agency support vehicles

Why Train at DrivePoint for Class C?

We tailor your Class C training to the job you're aiming for — whether it's passengers or HazMat. You’ll learn:

• Safe vehicle operation

• Passenger safety protocols

• Defensive driving in city and suburban settings

• HazMat handling (with proper endorsement prep)

• Pre-trip inspections and CDL skills testing

Passenger (P) Endorsement

What It Is:

A Passenger Endorsement is required for anyone driving a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

This endorsement is typically added to a Class B or Class C CDL.

What You Can Drive:

• School buses (with additional “S” endorsement)

• Shuttle buses (airport, hotel, campus)

• Charter or tour buses

• Transit vans and small buses

• Employee transport vehicles

Requirements:

• Hold a valid CDL permit

• Pass a Passenger Endorsement knowledge test

• Complete a skills test in a passenger vehicle

• Pass a background check and medical screening (especially for school-related work)

What You’ll Learn at DrivePoint:

• Passenger safety and loading procedures

• Emergency protocols and evacuation

• Mirror usage and blind spots

• Passenger interaction and professionalism

• Proper braking, turning, and backing in passenger vehicles

Great for students entering school districts, transit systems, or hospitality-based transport work.

HazMat (H) Endorsement

What It Is:

A Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HazMat or "H") is required to operate vehicles that carry materials classified as hazardous under federal law — including chemicals, gases, explosives, and certain medical or industrial materials.

Usually added to a Class A, B, or C CDL.

What You Can Transport:

• Fuel, oil, and flammable liquids

• Compressed gases and chemicals

• Radioactive or corrosive materials

• Industrial, medical, and waste products

• Any cargo labeled with a DOT HazMat placard

Requirements:

• Be at least 21 years old

• Pass the HazMat knowledge test

• Pass a TSA security threat assessment (background check + fingerprinting)

• Valid DOT medical card

• Citizenship or legal resident status

What You’ll Learn at DrivePoint:

• Hazard class identification

• Proper placarding and labeling

• Loading, unloading, and segregation of materials

• Emergency response and incident reporting

• Federal and state HazMat transportation regulations

Great for students entering fuel transport, chemical delivery, or government/industrial fleet jobs.

Non-CDL Vehicle Training & Certification

Not every commercial vehicle requires a CDL — but every driver still represents your brand.

At DrivePoint CDL Academy, we offer non-CDL driver training and vehicle certification designed for small businesses, municipal fleets, and contractors who want to ensure safety, professionalism, and insurability — even when CDL isn’t required.

What Is Non-CDL Driver Certification?

This training is for drivers operating light- to medium-duty commercial vehicles that fall below CDL weight limits (under 26,001 lbs GVWR and towing under 10,000 lbs).

We provide real-world instruction and evaluation to help companies:

• Protect their fleet and employees

• Improve public image and customer confidence

• Lower insurance risk

• Build accountability into hiring and onboarding

Who It’s For:

• Food trucks, florists, coffee carts

• Mobile service fleets (cleaning, dog grooming, landscaping, etc.)

• Contractors with vans or small box trucks

• Nonprofit, campus, or municipal support vehicles

• Local delivery businesses

• Real estate and media production crews with company vehicles

What’s Included in Training:

• Basic vehicle safety inspection (daily checklist)

• Safe driving habits for city and suburban environments

• Backing, turning, and parking practice

• Hands-on driving evaluation with certified trainer

• Legal and insurance documentation standards

• Optional: Company-specific policy integration or compliance training

What You’ll Receive:

• Driver Certification Report

• Printable Certificate (great for HR and insurance files)

• Vehicle Safety Checklist

• Optional annual re-certification available

Why It Matters:

Even without a CDL, your drivers are operating branded equipment on public roads. One bad driving experience can damage your reputation or cost you thousands in claims.

Our Non-CDL Certification program gives you peace of mind that your drivers are:

• Trained

• Evaluated

• Documented

• And representing your business the right way.

A focused, on-road assessment designed to ensure CDL drivers are safe and fit to return to duty after an injury, medical leave, or extended time off. Evaluations include a full pre-trip check, road driving observation, and a written performance summary for employers or insurance providers.