CDL Endorsements vs CDL Restrictions

Table of Contents:

• CDL Endorsements vs CDL Restrictions
• Types of CDL Endorsements
• Types of CDL Restrictions
• Starting Training at DriveCo

Key Differences Between CDL Endorsements and CDL Restrictions

While endorsements and restrictions are both related to CDLs, they serve different purposes. Endorsements are added to a CDL, allowing drivers to operate other vehicle types or transport different types of cargo. By earning endorsements, CDL holders have more job opportunities and can increase their earning potential.

Restrictions are essentially the opposite of endorsements. They limit the types of vehicles that can be driven and kinds of cargo that can be carried. These restrictions are put on CDLs based on multiple factors, but most often it’s due to education levels. Like endorsements though, restrictions can be removed, allowing drivers to take on harder jobs, also increasing their earning potential.

Types of CDL Endorsements

There are six main endorsements that can be added to your commercial driver’s license. Each endorsement is indicated by a letter, typically on the front of the license.

These endorsements are:

• H (Hazardous Materials): Allows drivers to transport hazardous materials, including chemicals, flammable materials, and other dangerous goods.
• N (Tanker): Allows drivers to operate transport cargo that is stored within tanks, like liquids and gases. These include water, fuel, cheese, and chocolate.
• P (Passenger): Allows drivers to operate vehicles that carry 16 or more multiple people, primarily school buses and coach busses.
• S (School Bus): Allows drivers to operate school buses. Since these drivers will be transporting children, many states many require a background check to earn this endorsement.
• T (Doubles/Triples): Allows drivers to haul more up to three trailers at a time.
• X (Combination Hazmat and Tanker): Allows drivers to haul hazardous materials within a tanker vehicle. This is often needed to transport gasoline to gas stations.

In addition to your CDL, these endorsements are required to drive specific vehicles. The requirements for each one may vary from state to state, but each will have its own written knowledge test to pass before receiving it.

Types of CDL Restrictions

Along with endorsements, a CDL can also have restrictions put on it. Some of these restrictions can be removed by earning endorsements, while others may require retesting. Restrictions are also indicated by a letter on the front of the license.
These restrictions are:

• E (Automatic Transmission): Requires drivers to only operate vehicles with an automatic transmission. It can be removed by passing the CDL skills test in a truck with a manual transmission.
• K (Intrastate Only): Prevents drivers from operating trucks outside the state in which the license was issued. This restriction typically only applies to drivers under the age of 21.
• L (No Air Brakes): Prevents drivers from operating vehicles with air brakes. This is applied to the license if the air brake knowledge test is not passed.
• M (No Class A Passenger Vehicle): Prevents drivers from operating Class A vehicles that transport passengers. This restriction is less common but can be removed by taking the “S” or “P” skills test in a Class A vehicle.
• N (No Class A and B Passenger Vehicle): Limits drivers to only operating Class C passenger vehicles. These drivers can still operate Class A and Class B vehicles, but they cannot have passengers.
• O (No Tractor-Trailers): Prohibits drivers from operating Class A vehicles with a fifth-wheel connection. To remove, you’ll need to take the skills test again with a vehicle that has a fifth-wheel connection.
• P (No Passengers in Vehicle): Prohibits drivers from operating any vehicle that carries 16 or more passengers. This can be removed by passing the skills test in a vehicle that carries passengers.
• Q (Bus only): Restricts drivers to only operate buses and can be removed by passing the skills test in a vehicle with more than 15 passenger seats.
• R (Restricted Agricultural CDL Privileges when presented with Seasonal Validation Document): Limits operation of certain commercial vehicles to specific seasons, specifically in agricultural settings.
• T (Hazmat Prohibited): Prohibits drivers from hauling hazardous materials. This can be removed by earning your hazmat endorsement.
• X (No Cargo in Tank Vehicle): Prohibits drivers from operating tank vehicles that have cargo in them. This is often confused with the “X” endorsement, which means the opposite.
• Z (No Full Air Brake): Restricts drivers from operating vehicles that have a full air brake system, limiting the kinds of vehicles a person can drive.

Restrictions are often mixed up with endorsements, so it’s important to pay attention and be mindful when determining what steps are needed to have any of them removed from your CDL.

CDL Training at DriveCo

The kinds of endorsements and restrictions you have on your CDL have a significant influence on the types of vehicles you can drive, impacting the kind of jobs you can do. As you begin your truck driving journey, be sure to think about what you want your career to look like after training, as this can help you determine if extra classes are needed.

At DriveCo, we can help you build a career you’re passionate about, including helping you earn endorsements and remove restrictions so you can build on your skillset and increase your earning potential.

Begin your trucking career with us! Contact our team to get started!