Choosing the Right CDL License Starts with Your Goals
License Starts with Your Goals A career in commercial driving begins with one decision: Class A or Class B license? Each opens different job paths, vehicle types, and salary levels.
At High Impact Truck Driving Academy in Wilmington, CA, we’ve helped thousands across Los Angeles County—Long Beach, San Pedro, Carson, and more—earn their CDL and launch rewarding careers.
What’s the Difference Between CDL Class A and B?
CDL Class A License
A Class A Commercial Driver’s License allows you to operate a combination of vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, where the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 pounds.
Common Vehicles You Can Drive:
- Tractor-trailers (18-wheelers)
- Tanker trucks
- Flatbeds
- Livestock carriers
Career Opportunities:
- Long-haul trucking
- Regional freight delivery
- Cross-country logistics
CDL Class B License
A Class B CDL permits you to drive a single vehicle over 26,001 pounds or tow a vehicle under 10,000 pounds.
Common Vehicles You Can Drive:
- Straight trucks
- Dump trucks
- School and city buses
- Delivery box trucks
Career Opportunities:
- Local delivery and courier services
- Public transportation
- Utility and construction fleets
✅ To see official definitions and vehicle classifications, check the California DMV’s CDL license categories.
CDL A vs B Requirements: What You Need to Know
| Requirement | Class A CDL | Class B CDL |
| Minimum Age | 18 (21 for interstate) | 18 (21 for interstate) |
| Vehicle Type | Combo vehicles with trailer >10,000 lbs | Single vehicle >26,001 lbs |
| Training Hours (at High Impact Truck Driving Academy) | 100 hours | 75 hours |
| DMV Attempts Included | 3 | 3 |
| Starting Investment | $4,500 ($3,000 promo) | $3,500 ($2,500 promo) |
At High Impact Truck Driving Academy, our instructors offer personalized CDL Class A vs B training in Wilmington, CA, ensuring you meet all state and federal requirements with confidence.
CDL Training Requirements in Wilmington, CA
| Requirement | CDL A | CDL B |
| Minimum Age | 18 (21 for interstate) | 18 (21 for interstate) |
| Training Hours | 100 hours | 75 hours |
| DMV Test Attempts | 3 included | 3 included |
| Tuition | $4,500 (promo: $3,000) | $3,500 (promo: $2,500) |
Contact our CDL training experts to get help choosing your path.
If you’re still unsure, our admissions team is happy to guide you through a career assessment consultation. Many of our students have transitioned from a Class B to a Class A license as their goals have evolved.
Which CDL License is Right for You?
Choose Class A if you want to:
- Drive across state lines (OTR)
- Access high-paying logistics careers
- Upgrade from Class B later
Choose Class B if you prefer to:
- Stay local with consistent hours
- Work in public transit, utilities, or delivery
- Train faster and start sooner
📞 Schedule a free consultation to explore your options.
Real Student Success Stories
“Experience in this school got my CDL. I recommended to everyone the people are great they teach you well. Good driving knowledge. I’m ready to roll out and make some easy money.”
— Pedro Banuelos
“Best school ever all the instructors are positive and very polite any bad review you see is a weirdo that didn’t attend the classes . go get your cdl at High Impact Truck Driving Academy Arthur Eliana Josh victor and at the office Donovan Dora they were all cool people they will push you to do good and they were all available for any question you may have honestly it was a good experience”
— Henock Mandefro
Why Choose High Impact Truck Driving Academy?
At High Impact Truck Driving Academy, our commitment to experience, expertise, and trustworthiness shines through in every program we offer:
✅ 10+ years of training SoCal commercial drivers
✅ 6:1 student–instructor ratio
✅ Modern trucks and real-world scenarios
✅ Transparent pricing—no hidden fees
✅ Job placement support from our local partners
We’re not just a school—we’re a launchpad for your career in commercial driving.
💡 Learn more about our CDL Training Programs
Final Thoughts: CDL Class A vs. B—It’s About Your Future
Choosing between a CDL Class A or B license is about more than vehicle size—it’s about your goals, lifestyle, and income aspirations. At High Impact Truck Driving Academy, we’re here to help you make the right decision and back it up with expert training.
✅ Ready to Get Started?
Take the first step toward a high-demand trucking career.
👉 Contact High Impact Truck Driving Academy to speak with our admissions team and book your free consultation.
Serving Wilmington, Long Beach, Carson, San Pedro, & Los Angeles
FAQs: CDL Class A vs. Class B in California
Can I upgrade from Class B to Class A later?
Yes. Many start with Class B, then upgrade later for more options.
Is Class A CDL training harder than Class B?
It involves more complex training, but our instructors guide you step by step.
What’s the best CDL license for Southern California jobs?
Class B for local jobs. Class A for regional or national logistics with higher pay.
Is there a big salary difference between Class A and Class B CDL jobs?
Yes. Class A jobs typically pay more, especially for long-haul roles.
Do I need a special endorsement for passenger or school bus driving with a Class B CDL?
Yes. You’ll need “P” (Passenger) or “S” (School Bus) endorsements for Class B driving jobs.
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