When applying for a commercial driver's license (CDL) in New Hampshire, there are both federal and state requirements that you must meet before you will be issued a CDL. You must be 18 years old to drive intrastate (within NH) and 21 to drive interstate (outside NH). Because New Hampshire is a pretty small state, it is likely you will be driving the commercial vehicle inter-state.
There are other CDL qualification rules that apply, like medical certification and a clean driving record. The intent is to prove you are physically fit to meet the demands of professional driving.
There are three classes of CDL in New Hampshire and across the US.
Class A: Any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GWVR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
Class B: Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR.
Class C: Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is placarded for hazardous materials.
It is really important to understand and become familiar with the vehicle classes because the license you apply for must correspond to the class of vehicle you plan to drive. Think about the size and weight of the vehicle as well as the hazardous designation, air braking system, and any passenger considerations. For example, an oil delivery truck would be Class B with a hazardous and tanker endorsement.
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