How to get a Class C CDL license: a step-by-step guide for specialized commercial drivers

What is a Class C CDL license?

Commercial driving isn’t limited to operating big rigs or long-haul trucks across long stretches of highway. Many essential transportation jobs — from hazardous materials (hazmat) couriers and paratransit drivers to passenger shuttle operators — require a different kind of license: the Class C Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

With a Class C CDL, you can operate a single vehicle under 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) that is either:

• Designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver), or
• Used to transport hazmat requiring federally mandated placards

Typical Class C CDL jobs include:

• Passenger shuttle or airport bus driver
• Small school bus or activity bus driver
• Paratransit or senior transit operator
• Small hazmat delivery driver
• Courier for medical or laboratory supplies
• Local delivery driver for smaller commercial vehicles

The demand for Class C CDL drivers is on the rise due to the expansion and improvement of ecommerce and local transit over the years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady job growth in the transportation sector from 2023 to 2033, particularly in delivery, transit, and logistics services.¹ For many, earning a Class C CDL is a cost-effective way to start a stable, well-paying, and flexible driving career.

Key takeaways

• A Class C CDL lets you operate smaller commercial vehicles under 26,001 pounds that carry 16 or more passengers or hazardous materials, making it ideal for shuttle drivers, small bus operators, hazmat couriers, and local delivery roles.
• Requirements are similar to other CDL types, including age minimums (18 intrastate/21 interstate), a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, a DOT medical exam, and passing both knowledge and skills tests.
• Training is shorter and more affordable than Class A or B programs — typically 2–6 weeks and $1,000–$3,000 — with many employers offering paid or subsidized training in exchange for a work commitment.
• Endorsements expand job options, especially Passenger (P), hazmat (H), and School Bus (S). Hazmat often leads to higher pay, and Class C drivers can upgrade to Class B or A later.
• The licensing process follows five main steps: Get a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) → Enroll in training → Pass endorsement exams → Pass the CDL skills test → Pay fees and receive your CDL. Once licensed, drivers can access a wide range of stable, local, and flexible transportation careers.

Class C CDL requirements

A Class C CDL carries the same federal safety and eligibility standards as other CDL types. However, it’s important to note that it doesn’t authorize the operation of heavy tractor-trailers. To qualify for a Class C CDL, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined below.

Age requirements

You must be:

• 18 years or older for intrastate driving (within your home state)
• 21 years or older for interstate driving (across state lines) or when carrying hazmat

Valid driver’s license and clean driving record

You must maintain a clean driving record and hold a valid, noncommercial driver’s license. Most states require residents to have at least one or two years of driving experience before applying for a CDL. Be sure to research the experience requirements specific to your state.

DOT medical certification

All CDL applicants must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam to obtain a Medical Examiner’s Certificate. This certificate ensures you are fit to operate a commercial vehicle safely. You are required to meet federal health standards related to vision, hearing, and general physical fitness.

Commercial learner’s permit (CLP)

Before taking your CDL skills test, you must first earn a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). With this permit, you can practice driving a commercial vehicle under supervision. You must hold your CLP for a minimum period of time (often 14 days) before scheduling your official skills exam.

Background check

If you plan to transport hazmat (H endorsement), you’ll need to pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check and security threat assessment. Similarly, if you plan to drive a small school or activity bus (P and S endorsement), you’ll need to pass a background check, as well as provide fingerprinting and additional written and road tests focused on student safety and emergency procedures.

Knowledge and vision exams

Class C CDL applicants must pass a general CDL knowledge test and additional written exams related to Class C operations and any endorsements — such as Passenger (P) or hazmat (H). You’ll also need to take a vision exam. The requirements to pass the exam are typically having at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without corrective lenses.

Class C CDL training and coursework

While training for a Class C CDL is shorter and more targeted than for a Class A CDL or Class B CDL, it is still comprehensive and should not be taken lightly. You’ll learn both the practical and theoretical skills that will prepare you to be a safe, professional driver of smaller commercial vehicles.

Classroom knowledge training

You’ll first complete written coursework and pass exams covering:

• General commercial driving rules and safety
• state-specific traffic laws and CDL regulations
• Vehicle inspection and maintenance basics

You will also need to complete coursework and exams related to endorsement-specific knowledge. If you’re pursuing a Passenger (P) endorsement, you’ll study topics like driver conduct and loading passengers safely. For hazmat (H) endorsement, you’ll learn about hazard classification, placarding requirements, and emergency response protocols. If you plan to drive a small school or activity bus, you’ll also need a School Bus (S) endorsement, which covers student loading and unloading procedures, use of safety equipment like stop arms and flashing lights, and proper response to school-related emergencies.

Behind-the-wheel (BTW) training

Your practical Class C CDL training will focus on smaller commercial vehicles, like vans, minibuses, or light-duty hazmat trucks. Common BTW instruction topics include:

• Pre-trip vehicle inspection (specific to your vehicle type)
• Passenger safety procedures and wheelchair lift operation (for paratransit or shuttle work)
• Defensive driving and hazard awareness
• Backing, turning, and parking maneuvers
• Manual transmission or air-brake operation, if applicable

Skills test

Once training is complete, you’ll take a three-part skills exam, typically administered at your state’s DMV or an authorized testing site. The Class C CDL skills test will include:

• Pre-trip inspection: You will demonstrate your ability to inspect the vehicle’s safety systems.
• Basic control skills: You will execute maneuvers such as straight-line backing, parallel parking, and turning.
• Road test: You will drive with an instructor on the road, navigating real traffic conditions while demonstrating safe driving habits and vehicle control.

Training options

Many drivers earn their Class C CDL through:

• Community colleges or vocational schools, which often offer short CDL training courses lasting 2–4 weeks.
• Local or regional CDL training schools, offering programs tailored to passenger or hazmat driving.
• Employer-sponsored training, which are often offered by school districts, transit authorities, and hazmat delivery companies.

Class C CDL programs are typically shorter — and far less expensive — than full Class A or Class B CDL training. The shorter duration and more accessible price make earning a Class C CDL an appealing option for entry level commercial drivers.

How to complete the CDL Class C process

Earning your Class C CDL is a several-step process. Below, you’ll learn what to expect, from start to finish:

Step 1: Get a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)

Apply for your CLP at your local DMV. You’ll need:

• Your valid driver’s license
• Proof of identity and residency
• A passing score on the general knowledge exam
• Payment of the CLP application fee (varies by state)

After passing the written tests, you’ll receive your CLP and be able to practice driving with a licensed CDL holder.

Step 2: Enroll in a CDL training program

Next, you’ll enroll in a state-approved training program. Employers often offer paid training programs which is nice because you’ll be able to earn while you learn. Transit and delivery companies usually offer these programs, so be sure to do your research if this seems like a good career option for you. CDL training typically lasts anywhere from 2–6 weeks, depending on your schedule and chosen endorsements.

Step 3: Pass knowledge and endorsement exams

Before your skills test, you must pass the required written exams for your chosen endorsements:

• Passenger (P) for shuttle or paratransit drivers
• Hazmat (H) for hazardous material transporters
• School Bus (S) for small school bus or activity bus drivers

If you plan to drive both Passenger and hazmat, you may apply for a combined X endorsement (Tank and hazmat) in some states.

Step 4: Pass the CDL skills test

Once you’ve completed your training and practiced with your CLP, you’ll schedule your skills test. You must bring your own test vehicle — meaning you have to arrange access to an appropriate vehicle that matches the class and endorsement type you’re applying for (for instance, a passenger van for a P endorsement). Upon passing the skills test, you’ll be issued your Class C CDL license.

Step 5: Pay licensing fees and receive your CDL

The final step is payment. You will pay the applicable CDL licensing and endorsement fees, which vary by state. You’ll then receive your physical Class C CDL card, officially qualifying you to operate the commercial vehicles you’ve been training and studying for.

Timeline and cost

As mentioned above, the entire CDL training process typically takes between two and six weeks, depending on your schedule and training path. Costs usually range from $1,000 to $3,000, including testing fees, training, and medical exams.

If you enroll in employer-sponsored or government-subsidized programs, you may be able to complete your training with little to no out-of-pocket expense. There are many city transit agencies, courier services, and delivery companies that offer paid CDL training in exchange for a work commitment. It’s definitely something worth looking into if you’re serious about earning your Class C CDL.

Frequently Asked Questions

What vehicles require a Class C CDL?

You need a Class C CDL to operate any single vehicle under 26,001 pounds GVWR that either carries 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or transports hazardous materials requiring a placard. Examples of vehicles that would require a Class C CDL to operate include shuttle vans, small buses, and hazmat box trucks.

Can I get a Class C CDL without driving a bus?

Yes. While many use a Class C for passenger transport, you can earn it solely for hazardous material transport or other specialty delivery roles that don’t involve passengers.

Is a hazmat endorsement required for a Class C CDL?

No, it’s optional, but it is required if you’ll transport hazardous materials. But it’s worth noting that many delivery and logistics companies offer higher pay for drivers who hold the hazmat endorsement, due to the elevated risk involved.

Can I upgrade from Class C to Class B or A later?

Absolutely. Many drivers use their Class C CDL as a stepping stone toward earning a Class B CDL or Class A CDL. Your commercial driving experience with a Class C license can make the transition smoother, reducing training time when upgrading to Class A or B.

How long is a Class C CDL valid, and how do renewals work?

Most CDLs are valid for 5–8 years, depending on your state’s rules.2 For example, a Texas CDL is valid for five years, while a New York CDL is valid for eight years. Renewal requires maintaining a valid medical certificate and completing any necessary background checks for endorsements like hazmat.

Next steps

Are you ready to start your career as a commercial driver? If this sounds like a promising career path for you, obtaining your Class C CDL is one of the most accessible ways to enter the field. Get started by following the steps below (and we’ve sprinkled in a few tips to keep in mind too):

• Download your state’s CDL manual from your DMV website. Review the sections on general knowledge, passenger transport, and hazardous materials.
• Schedule your CLP exam and start studying early — practice tests are widely available online.
• Enroll in a local CDL training program, either through a community college, private school, or employer.
• Take your skills test once you’re confident behind the wheel.
• Get your Class C CDL and start exploring jobs in public transit, delivery, hazmat logistics, and beyond.

For many drivers, a Class C CDL is the first step toward a lifelong, fulfilling career as a commercial vehicle driver, a career that is not going by the wayside anytime soon. It provides reliable local work, stable income, and future advancement into higher CDL classes. A Class C CDL is also a versatile license you can use to operate different kinds of vehicles should your interests change or different career opportunities arise, as long as you obtain the right endorsements. Whether your goal is to drive a passenger shuttle, deliver medical supplies, or transport hazardous materials safely, your commercial driving journey can begin with a Class C CDL.

Start with your local DMV’s CDL manual, and see which Class C jobs near you offer paid training. Then, get ready to hit the road with a rewarding transportation career.

Sources

¹www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2024/article/industry-and-occupational-employment-projections-overview-and-highlights-2023-33.htm 

²www.transforce.com/drivers/driver-resources/how-to-handle-expired-cdl