If you are a truck driver, you have a lot of opportunities before you. If you accept different types of cargo, you can significantly increase your earnings potential, even if you haul general freight.
The type of commercial driver’s license (CDL) you have can affect whether you can obtain various endorsements that may increase your earnings. So, here are a few different types of CDL endorsements and CDL endorsement codes so you can bring career to the next level.
Endorsements for CDL
You can operate different CMVs depending on which endorsements you have on your CDL. You need to apply for which endorsement you wish to receive when applying for your CDL. You’ll receive the appropriate CDL endorsement test once you have declared which ones you want. Each state also requires an endorsement, just as there are different CDL Classes between states.
A commercial driver’s license endorsement must operate certain commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). For the following federal endorsements, additional tests are required outside of those required for Class A, B, or C CDLs. State-specific endorsements may also be available.
Among the different endorsements you can pursue are:
H Endorsement
When an endorsement H is added to a CDL, the driver is permitted to drive a vehicle loaded with hazardous materials. A written knowledge test is required before the H endorsement can be granted.
N Endorsement
An N CDL endorsement allows an operator to operate a tanker vehicle (which transports liquids and gases). Drivers who wish to obtain a tanker CDL endorsement N must pass a written knowledge test.
P Endorsement
It would be best to have a P endorsement to operate a vehicle or bus that seats 16 people (including you, the driver). You must pass both the passenger P knowledge test and the road test to receive this endorsement. To drive a school bus, you must fill out separate forms and undergo a federal background check (since school bus drivers need two different endorsements).
S Endorsement
An S endorsement is the second endorsement a school bus driver needs. As stated previously, to receive an S endorsement, you must pass a written knowledge test, a driving test, and a background check.
T Endorsement
You can operate double or triple trailers if you hold the T endorsement, but you must clear a written knowledge test to obtain it.
X Endorsement
You can operate a vehicle hauling hazardous materials in a tank with the X endorsement. It needs to pass a written test to get the combination endorsement.
The app can help you manage your driving career if you want to get a CDL and advance your career with the right endorsements. Applying to new jobs is easy to store all your application information, including endorsements and certifications. There are also jobs available based on the licenses you hold.
Ayesha completed her Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and started her career as a College Lecturer in 2013. Today, she’s a happy mom of 2 Kids in the field of digital marketing. She loves reading books, spending time with her family, and making delicious food for her husband.
Amy Saunders says
Hi there! One of my college mates is considering becoming a truck driver and has been going through some of the available options for him to do so. You did a great job in explaining the importance of a P endorsement on top of our CDL license if we want to carry a small amount of people. I’ll certainly forward this article to him so that he’ll perform the right procedures later.