CDL Classifications, Endorsements, Restrictions & Exemptions
CDL Classifications, Endorsements, Restrictions & Exemptions
Three classes of Commercial Driver Licenses are available. These licenses come with specific endorsements and restrictions. Also, some vehicles are exempt from CDL requirements.
CDL Classifications
Table 28: CDL Classifications
| Class | Definition |
|---|---|
| A | Any combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) exceeding 26,000 pounds, provided the vehicle being towed has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) exceeding 10,000 pounds |
| B | Any single vehicle with a GVWR exceeding 26,000 pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not exceeding 10,000 pounds |
| C | Any single vehicle or combination of vehicles that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either required to be placarded for hazardous materials or designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver |
A CDL of any class also allows operators to drive their personal vehicle; no other driver license is needed. It does not allow them to drive a motorcycle unless they have a Class 3 license along with the Class A, B, or C CDL. For example, A3 allows operators to drive a Class A commercial vehicle and their personal vehicle, including a motorcycle.
South Dakota Endorsements
Operators may need the following CDL endorsements:
Table 29: CDL Endorsements
| Code | Endorsement |
|---|---|
| T | Double & Triple Trailers |
| P | Passengers |
| N | Tank Vehicles |
| H | Hazardous Materials |
| X | Combination Tank & Hazardous |
| S | School Bus |
South Dakota Restrictions
The following CDL restrictions may apply:
Table 30: Possible CDL Restrictions
| License Type | Code | Restriction |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Learner’s Permit | P | No passengers in a commercial motor vehicle |
| Commercial Learner’s Permit | X | No cargo in a tank commercial motor vehicle |
| Commercial Driver License | E | Automatic transmission only |
| Commercial Driver License | K | Intrastate only |
| Commercial Driver License | L | Operation of commercial motor vehicle not equipped with air brakes only |
| Commercial Driver License | M | Unable to operate Class A passenger vehicle |
| Commercial Driver License | N | Unable to operate Class A or B passenger vehicle |
| Commercial Driver License | O | No tractor-trailer commercial motor vehicle |
| Commercial Driver License | V | Medical variance that allows the driver to be issued a medical certificate |
| Commercial Driver License | W | Seasonal CDL |
| Commercial Driver License | Z | No full air brake (air over hydraulic brake) |
Exemptions
The following do not need a South Dakota CDL:
- operators serving in the United States military, operating military vehicles in pursuit of military purposes;
- operators of emergency firefighting equipment necessary to the preservation of life, property, or the execution of emergency government functions performed under emergency conditions not subject to normal traffic regulation;
- operators of rental transporting equipment used as personal family use vehicles;
- operators of recreational vehicles used as personal family recreational use vehicles; and
- operators of a Covered Farm Vehicle (CFV) and operated within the restrictions provided (see Chapter 4 for details on operating CFVS).