A class C license is to drive?

Answer 1

That depends on a couple of things. The first is whether it's a Class C CDL or not. In the case of a Class C CDL, it permits the operator to operate a vehicle or combination with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or Gross Combination Weight Rating of 26,000 lbs. or less - vehicles which do not normally require a CDL, but for which the operator is required to have a CDL because one of the following three conditions is in effect:

• The vehicle is transporting a quantity of hazardous materials which requires the display of hazmat placards under 49 CFR. This would require a Class C CDL with Hazmat endorsement.
• The vehicle is a bus designed to transport more than 15 persons (including the driver). This would require a Class C CDL with Passenger endorsement (or a school bus endorsement in the case of a bus being used to transport school children)
• The vehicle is a NY-registered commercial vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating/Gross Combination Weight Rating of 18,001 lbs. or more.

For non-CDL licenses, jurisdiction over classification is given to the states. Thus, classification of non-CDL licenses can vary greatly between states. One state's Class C license may be very different from another state's, while other states have done away with the C classification in order to avoid confusion with a Class C CDL.

Answer 2

A Class C Commercial Drivers Licence is for vehicles with a GVWR of 26,000 lbs. or less which are defined as a commercial vehicle under the FMCSR, which includes hazmat haulers and vehicles designed to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver). Non-CDL licences are not federally regulated, and vary by state. In most states, a (non-CDL) Class C licence is an unrestricted licence which permits the holder to operate vehicles up to 26,000 lbs GVWR which do not fall into the classification of a commercial vehicle under the FMCSR.