Commercial Vehicle Operator B Class

Commercial vehicle operation is an important component of the Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics industry. Commercial vehicle operators with Class B commercial licenses may support either the passenger transportation industry or the distribution of goods and materials. Equipment includes 15+ passenger vans, buses, coaches, and straight trucks. The hospitality industry requires CDL-B drivers, with a "P" - Passenger endorsement, to transport passengers to hotels and airports, operate rental car shuttles, as well as scheduled bus, charter bus, tour bus, urban, and transportation services. Vehicle operators may drive locally, regionally, and/or between urban areas, depending on the nature of the business. A CDL-B driver without a "P" - Passenger endorsement on their license may operate heavy straight trucks (over 26,000 lbs.), such as dump trucks and non-trailered box vans. CDL-B operators conduct pre-trip vehicle inspections, report safety and equipment issues to the dispatcher, and must conform to USDOT rules and regulations, including the accurate updating of logs and records.

This training prepares students to test for a Maryland CDL-B license. The program includes classroom instruction and practical experience behind the wheel on range and road. Students focus on safety, inspections, basic control, backing, trip planning, logging, and accident reporting. The Maryland MVA's CDL-B licensing exam occurs at the end of the course. The exam includes pre-trip inspections, range maneuvers, and completion of a road test of 14+ miles. ​

​Successful candidates enjoy travel and the independence of the open road, but because drivers interact with many people (such as other drivers, clients, and fleet managers) communication skills are important. An interest in safe driving, problem solving, and understanding regulations is helpful.

Program completers can drive straight trucks, 15+ passenger vans, buses, and coaches. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, overall employment of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is projected to grow 6% from 2020 to 2030 in Maryland. Projected annual job openings in Maryland are 3,370. Additional career information may be found in Career Coach: https://ccbcmd.lightcastcc.com/.​​

Program Course Sequence