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Nevada Class A Commercial Driver License
Nevada's Class A Commercial Driver License is the highest level of commercial vehicle licensing, allowing drivers to operate trucks and other large vehicles across the state and beyond.
This license lets you drive commercial motor vehicles, including straight trucks and tanker trucks, and operate combination vehicles that may exceed the gross combination weight rating requirements.
Obtaining this license requires meeting age, medical, and training requirements that ensure that operators are fully prepared for the responsibilities of handling large tractor‑trailers, transporting hazardous materials, in Nevada and the remaining U.S.
Eligibility Requirements for Class A CDL in Nevada
Applicants looking to obtain a Class A commercial motor vehicle license in Nevada must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid non‑commercial driver's license.
In addition, a clean driving record is required, and a background check is mandatory for routes that involve hazardous material transport.
Key eligibility factors include:
- Minimum age of 21
- Valid medical examination card (DOT physical) issued by an approved medical examiner or certified medical examiners
- TSA background check for hazardous‑material routes
- Proof of completion of the level driver training and the written knowledge test
First‑time Class A candidates must also complete entry‑level driver training before attempting the skills test and must show that they can drive combination vehicles safely.
Nevada Class B Commercial Driver License
A Class B commercial driver's license in Nevada allows you to operate a single vehicle weighing up to 26,001 pounds or more, or a combination vehicle with a gross combination weight rating of less than 26,001 pounds.
Like a Class A license, the process of obtaining a Class B CDL license involves meeting age, medical, and training requirements set by the Nevada DMV, including a vehicle inspection and the road test.
Vehicle Types Covered Under Class B
Class B allows drivers to operate single vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, or to tow a vehicle not exceeding 10,000 pounds.
Common examples include:
- Straight trucks, box trucks
- Large passenger buses
- Segmented buses
- Cement trucks
- Dump trucks with small trailers
With additional endorsements, Class B holders can also drive certain tractor‑trailers or other specialized vehicles, expanding their commercial driving opportunities.
Nevada Class C Commercial Driver License
A Class C commercial driver's license covers school buses and other commercial vehicles that do not meet the weight thresholds but transport 16 or more passengers or placarded hazardous materials.
This class covers school bus drivers, school bus endorsements, and other commercial vehicles that are not subject to the gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating limits of Classes A and B.
To operate these commercial vehicles, you need to hold a commercial license, provide proof of a medical examination card, and receive proper training. The license type must be maintained in good standing, and failure to comply with federal regulations and Nevada CDL requirements may lead to license suspension.
Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) Process in Nevada
The commercial learner permit (CLP) allows you to practice driving commercial motor vehicles with a licensed instructor from the CDL office in Las Vegas.
The CLP requires that you provide a medical examination card and pass a written knowledge test. It also requires a background check for anyone planning to transport hazardous materials or operate a tank vehicle or a vehicle with a tank trailer.
After obtaining the CLP, you must go through the required training and pass the skills test, road test, and vehicle inspection before you can transition to a full Class A, B, or C CDL.
Endorsements for Nevada CDL Holders
On top of holding a commercial license, you may be required to obtain different types of endorsements, depending on vehicle types and the types of cargo you are transporting.
The most common CDL endorsements include:
- P: Passenger vehicles, including school buses and large vans.
- N: Tank vehicles, such as tanker trucks and tank vehicles.
- H: Hazardous materials, for hazardous‑material transport and transporting hazardous materials, which require special handling and a special knowledge test.
- X: Tanker plus hazardous materials, which requires the H endorsement plus the N endorsement.
- T: Trailer, for driving a small trailer or triple trailers.
These common endorsements require passing a specialized knowledge test related to the endorsement type and a skills test. Also, you'll be provided the necessary training to ensure that you can safely transport hazardous materials and properly handle tank vehicles and other commercial vehicles.
Renewal and Maintenance of Nevada CDLs
Renewal of a Nevada CDL requires a medical certification from an approved medical examiner.
In addition to providing a valid medical examination card, you may be required to undergo periodic retesting if you are older or have a medical condition. Failure to renew can result in license suspension and serious consequences, including a traffic violation or license suspension.
You must also provide proof of a vehicle inspection and insurance for tank vehicles.
Maintaining a CDL in good standing is crucial to keeping your right to commercial driving and requires keeping a clean driving record, passing background checks, and demonstrating proper training.
Injured In or by a Commercial Vehicle in Nevada?
Commercial vehicle accidents are often devastating motor vehicle crashes that often result in severe injuries and damage, due to the sheer weight difference between a regular passenger vehicle and a truck.
Due to the severity of a truck accident, it's crucial you get an experienced personal injury team at the Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm to protect you and your family's rights and potential financial settlement.
Schedule a free consultation with a Las Vegas truck accident lawyer from the Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm by calling (702) 566-3600.
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Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer is a Las Vegas personal injury law firm with over 20 years of experience helping clients obtain maximum compensation following injuries from accidents such as car crashes, worksite injuries, and slips and falls. Over those years, The Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm has become an experienced law firm that can ensure exceptional results for any of its clients.
