Class C CDL Training

Driving Our Students to Success

At SPCDL Truck Driving School®, we are committed to helping you achieve success by providing in-person, one-on-one Class C CDL training with your certified instructor.

The Class C Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is essential for drivers who intend to operate vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers or haul hazardous materials.

PLEASE NOTE: TRAINING HOURS FOR CURRENT CDL HOLDERS ADDING A CDL PASSENGER ENDORSEMENT

Current CDL holders and Class C CDLs that are adding a CDL Passenger Endorsement have no minimum number of training hours required.

Our program provides online theory training and (4) hours of 1 on 1 training. New Class A or Class B CDLs are required to do a minimum of 15 hours of training in California.

Flexible Payment Plans

We offer flexible payment plans and a 10% discount for military personnel, veterans, and first responders, making it easier than ever to get started on your commercial driving career.

What is a Class C CDL?

A Class C CDL is required for drivers who operate vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or vehicles that haul hazardous materials. This license is commonly used by individuals who wish to drive:

- Shuttle buses

- Passenger vans

- School buses (if a Passenger Endorsement is added)

- Vehicles carrying hazardous materials

Unlike the broader Class A or Class B CDLs, the Class C CDL is more specialized, focusing on the safe transport of passengers and the handling of hazardous materials. To legally operate these types of vehicles, drivers must pass a Class C CDL test, which includes both a written exam and a skills test.

Why Choose SPCDL for Class C CDL Training?

SPCDL offers a unique approach to Class C CDL training by focusing exclusively on in-person instruction. This ensures that students receive personalized, hands-on guidance from experienced instructors. Here’s why SPCDL is the right choice for your Class C CDL:

One-on-One Training: SPCDL provides dedicated one-on-one instruction, so you never have to share your training time or vehicle with other students. This allows you to get the full benefit of personalized guidance from our certified instructors.

Two Full Days of Driving: Our program includes two full days of back-to-back driving practice with your instructor, ensuring you gain the confidence and skills needed to excel during your CDL test.

Test Day Support: When the time comes to take your Class C CDL road test, SPCDL will meet you at the DMV with our vehicle and provide support throughout the testing process. We make sure you are fully prepared and confident on test day.

By choosing SPCDL, you’re not just getting basic training; you’re gaining real-world skills that will set you apart as a professional driver.

Class C CDL with Hazmat Training – Key Features

- Specialized Vehicle License: A Class C CDL allows you to operate vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers or vehicles that carry hazardous materials in smaller quantities. It’s ideal for drivers operating vehicles that don’t meet the weight requirements of Class A or B but still require a commercial license for specific duties.

Hazmat Endorsement (H)

- Age Requirement: You must be 21 years old to get a Hazmat Endorsement.

- Transport Hazardous Materials: The Hazmat Endorsement qualifies you to handle and transport dangerous materials, such as chemicals or gases, in smaller vehicles (like vans or small trucks).

- TSA Background Check: Completion of a TSA background check and fingerprinting is required to qualify for the Hazmat endorsement.

- Written Test: You’ll need to pass a Hazmat-specific written test that covers the regulations and safety measures for transporting hazardous materials.

- Compliance with FMCSA and DOT: Training covers federal guidelines from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) for safe and legal transportation of hazardous goods.

Training Includes:

- Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Inspections: Learn how to conduct thorough inspections to ensure that your vehicle is ready to transport hazardous materials safely and in compliance with regulations.

- Hazmat Compliance: Detailed instruction on proper handling, loading, securing, and unloading of hazardous materials, focusing on safety and regulatory compliance.

- Emergency Procedures: Gain essential skills to handle emergencies, including spills, accidents, and leaks involving hazardous materials, with an emphasis on protecting passengers and the public.

- Placard Usage: Training on how to correctly use Hazmat placards to identify the types of hazardous materials being transported.

- Job Flexibility and Opportunities: A Class C CDL with Hazmat training opens doors to various job roles, such as:

- Small hazardous material transport (e.g., delivery vans carrying chemicals or fuel)

- Passenger vehicles carrying hazardous goods

- Local delivery services transporting hazardous waste

- Enhanced Earning Potential: Drivers with a Class C CDL and Hazmat endorsement can access more specialized positions, which often come with higher pay due to the increased responsibility and safety risks involved.

- Safety and Responsibility: With this endorsement, drivers are held to higher safety standards, requiring in-depth knowledge of handling hazardous materials in smaller vehicles, along with ensuring passenger safety when applicable.

A Class C CDL with Hazmat training allows drivers to work in specialized roles, transporting hazardous materials in smaller vehicles. This endorsement not only increases earning potential but also opens opportunities in industries like local delivery services, fuel transport, and small-scale hazardous waste hauling.

California and Federal Requirements for Class C CDL

To obtain your Class C CDL, you must meet both California state and federal regulations. These requirements ensure that all CDL holders are capable of safely operating commercial vehicles and transporting passengers or hazardous materials.

California Requirements

Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to drive within California (intrastate) and 21 years old for interstate driving (across state lines).

Written Test: Pass the California CDL written test, which covers state-specific laws and regulations for operating commercial vehicles.

Medical Certification: Obtain a valid medical certificate from a DOT-approved medical examiner to ensure you meet the physical requirements for driving a commercial vehicle.

In-Person Training: Complete in-person training to gain hands-on experience with vehicle operations, safety procedures, and passenger management.

Federal Requirements

DOT Physical Exam: You must pass the Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam to confirm that you are medically fit to drive.

Hours of Service (HOS) Rules: Comply with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, which limit how many hours you can drive before taking required breaks. This ensures driver safety and prevents fatigue.

FMCSA Compliance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) governs the safe operation of commercial vehicles, and drivers must adhere to their guidelines, including regulations for carrying hazardous materials.

By fulfilling these state and federal requirements, you’ll be fully prepared to pass your CDL test and begin your career as a commercial driver.

Comparative Analysis: Class A, B, and C CDL

When deciding which CDL to pursue, it’s essential to understand the differences between the three main types of licenses—Class A, Class B, and Class C—as well as how each can enhance your career options.

Class A CDL

- Required for operating combination vehicles (e.g., tractor-trailers) with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more and towing a trailer weighing over 10,000 pounds.

- Offers the most flexibility, allowing you to drive large commercial trucks across state lines and carry a variety of cargo.

Class B CDL

- Permits driving single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, but the trailer weight must be less than 10,000 pounds.

- Typically used for vehicles like buses, dump trucks, and large delivery trucks.

Class C CDL

- Required for driving vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers (e.g., shuttle buses, vans) or for carrying hazardous materials.

- More specialized, focusing on passenger safety and hazardous material handling.

Understanding these differences will help you determine which license best suits your career goals.

Flexible Payment Plans & Discounts

At SPCDL, we believe that financial constraints shouldn’t prevent you from pursuing a career in commercial driving. That’s why we offer flexible payment options tailored to fit your budget. Our plans can be customized to help you afford your training without added stress.

Additionally, we provide a 10% discount for military personnel, veterans, and first responders as a way of giving back to those who have served our country. This discount makes it even easier for you to start your Class C CDL training.

Our Location

Students come to our San Bernardino location for in-person, one-on-one training sessions throughout San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, Los Angeles, and San Diego counties in California.

Get Started with Class C CDL Training Today

Now is the time to take the first step toward a rewarding career as a Class C CDL driver. When you get started with SPCDL Truck Driving School, you’ll receive personalized, hands-on training from experts that prepare you for success.

Our certified instructors, flexible payment options, and DMV test day ensure that you have everything you need to pass your test and start driving.

Sign Up Today: Call us or visit our website to sign up for SPCDL's Class C CDL training program. Learn how to get a CDL by signing up today.

Flexible Payment Plans: Talk to us about customizing a payment plan that works for you.

Discounts for Military, Veterans, and First Responders: Don’t forget to take advantage of our 10% discount if you qualify.