To obtain the Class B CDL, drivers must prove they have not had their license revoked or suspended in two years; been found at fault for any vehicle accident; been convicted of driving under the influence or refusing to take a sobriety or drug test; gotten a ticket for leaving the scene of an accident, reckless driving, excessive speed or other moving violation; or used a vehicle in the commission of a felony such as drug trafficking. They must obtain medical certification that they are physically capable of operating such vehicles and submit to a drug test.
Classes prepare students for the Class B CDL exam by teaching about air brakes systems, using a log book, vehicle start up and shut down, general vehicle operation, safe driving techniques, communicating on the road, cargo handling, safety maneuvers, traffic rules, customer relations, driving regulations, handling extreme weather conditions, entering and exiting roadways, city and night driving, space and speed management, turning, backing, parking and accident guidelines. Some schools offer practice written tests for students.
The Class B CDL exam contains a skills component. Applicants must successfully demonstrate operating the vehicle in real-life situations, so schools include practice driving in their instruction. Some CDL programs have simulators, but most require hours of on-the-road driving experience with an experienced instructor. Students practice backing, parking, entering and exiting roadways and turning. This road training often begins on a controlled course but then moves out onto actual roadways to help students learn how to handle driving in realistic situations.
Program requirements vary greatly. Classroom hours required may be as few as eight but more often run about 20 to 25 hours. Field instruction typically takes an additional 30 to 65 hours. Programs typically simulate the driving test experience, and some even include the actual exam as part of the course of study. Students wanting additional endorsements such as passenger vehicle and school bus certification must also pass skills tests using these vehicles, so some schools offer training that focuses on these concepts.