Everything You Need to Know About Upgrading from Class C to Class A CDL

Are you seeking to expand your career options in the trucking industry? One of the critical steps that enables you to drive larger commercial vehicles, such as tractor-trailers and combination vehicles, is upgrading from a Class C to a Class A CDL. This upgrade opens a wide array of driving jobs in the commercial transportation sector and increases earning potential.

Upgrade from Class C to Class A requires drivers to meet the qualification criteria, finishing the training for ELDT, written knowledge test and driving skills, and documents presentation. We’ll go into every step to walk you through it to getting your Class A CDL. Let’s get rolling!

How to upgrade Class C to Class A?

You will need to meet the pre-requirements, training, and testing that prove your capability in handling bigger commercial vehicles to upgrade from a Class C to a Class A CDL. This license upgrade will give you the opportunity to drive such vehicles as tractor-trailers and combination vehicles, hence expanding your working horizons in the commercial driving industry. You will be able to make this transition to a Class A CDL with the right preparation and commitment.

Meet basic eligibility requirements

Before you are able to upgrade from a Class C to a Class A CDL, you first must meet some eligibility requirements. This is an assurance that you can safely operate the larger commercial vehicle because of your level of skill, experience, and health. The basic requirements include the following basic requirements:

  • Age requirements: You should be at least 21 years old for driving across state borders. For driving within states, some states allow drivers to be as young as 18 years old.
  • Valid Driver’s License: You must possess a valid Class C CDL or standard driver’s license.
  • Medical certification: A DOT medical examination indicating that you have met the health standards for driving a commercial vehicle.
  • U.S. citizenship or legal residency: You are required to show that you are a U.S. citizen or a permanent legal resident.
  • Clean driving record: The applicant is expected to have a clean driving record. Serious offenses like DUI and reckless driving will automatically bar you from upgrading your CDL.

These basic requirements will keep you in contention, after which training and examination can be offered for the class A CDL.

Complete required training

From February 2022, the FMCSA requires all new CDL applicants or the applicants wanting to upgrade the CDL Class must undergo Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), which includes both theory and behind-the-wheel training. This is a requirement that must be covered under the national standard for safe driving. This training is therefore to be taken from an accredited provider within the community, covering things like vehicle inspection, safe driving practices, and basic control skills.

Upgrade Class C to Class A
Complete required training

Completing required training, such as ELDT, will mean a person is fully prepared for the skills and knowledge tests while psychologically being assured to drive a Class A vehicle safely.

Pass the written knowledge test

To upgrade to a Class A CDL, you first need to pass the written knowledge test, which gauges your comprehension of essential areas of operation in a commercial vehicle. Normally, this includes sections such as:

  1. General knowledge test: This would cover the basic elements of commercial driving, like traffic laws, vehicle inspection, safe driving practices, and the management of emergencies.
  2. Combination vehicles test (if applicable): A Class A CDL will let you drive combination vehicles, such as tractor-trailers. This section will cover important aspects like coupling and uncoupling trailers, trailer swing control, turns, and inspecting combination connections.
  3. Air brakes test (if applicable): If the vehicle you will be driving has an air brake system, you will have to take the air brakes test. This section will test your knowledge of how air brakes work, how to inspect the air brakes, and what to do in case of an air pressure loss or system failure.
  4. Endorsements (if applicable): You may also need endorsements depending on the type of cargo or vehicle you want to drive. Each one endorsement requires a special written test.

Review your state’s CDL manual thoroughly, focusing on sections relevant to Class A vehicles. Besides, take online practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format and common questions.

Take the CDL practice tests right now!

Pass the skills test

Upgrade Class C to Class A
Pass the skills test

Once you have passed the written knowledge test, the next step towards a Class A CDL is passing the skills tests. This practical test will ensure that you can operate a Class A vehicle safely under normal conditions. This test normally has three parts, which are as follows:

  1. Pre-trip inspection: Explain and demonstrate the inspection of the vehicle for safety, including brakes, tires, lights, and coupling systems. Describe what you’re checking and why.
  2. Basic vehicle control: Perform straight-line backing, offset backing, parallel parking, and alley docking maneuvers. These exercises put your control and precision to the test.
  3. On-road driving: Drive in actual traffic and demonstrate safe driving practices, including proper lane usage, turning, merging, and maintaining safe distances.

Passing the skills test is nearly the final step in getting your Class A CDL; it proves that you are competent and qualified to safely operate large commercial vehicles safely.

Pay fees and submit documents

The final step in upgrading to a Class A CDL is paying the required fee and providing documents to complete your application. This way, your application will be fully complete and ready for processing. Here’s what to expect:

1. Pay required fees:

  • The fees vary with states but generally include charges for a written test, skills test, and issuance of the CDL.
  • Some states may also charge extra fees for specific endorsements.
  • Be prepared to pay all these fees out-of-pocket and often in advance of taking a test or of submitting your application.

2. Required documents:

  • Proof of identity and residency: A valid driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued ID, along with your proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
  • Medical certification: A valid DOT medical card showing you are qualified physically to drive a commercial vehicle.
  • ELDT certificate: Proof of completion of Entry-Level Driver Training.
  • Test results: Proof that you passed your written and skills test.

When the fees are paid and documents submitted, get ready for an upgrade to a Class A CDL!

Obtain your Class A CDL

Upgrade Class C to Class A
Obtain your Class A CDL

Once you have passed all the tests and paid the fees, your Class A CDL will be issued with submission of all other documents. Some states issue a temporary CDL immediately. The actual license is then mailed to you.

Final thoughts

Upgrade Class C to Class A CDL is considered a rewarding step because it opens opportunities for more prospects in the entire commercial driving area. By fulfilling the eligibility criterion, training, and necessary tests, drivers will be en route to operating big vehicles such as tractor-trailers and combination vehicles.

With dedication and preparation, the process for upgrading your Class C to a Class A can be straightforward and set you up for success in your trucking career. So take the first step today with the advantage of holding a Class A CDL!


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