Massachusetts CDL Classes Explained
Which Massachusetts CDL class you need depends on vehicle weight, what it tows, and the type of operation, not just the truck size. The three classes are set by federal rule (49 CFR 383.91) and are the same in every state, so a Massachusetts CDL is valid nationwide. Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles issues the license and runs the knowledge and skills tests. Massachusetts depends on regional carriers for dense urban delivery, port freight, and biotech supply chains.
A Class A CDL is generally used for combination vehicles, including tractor-trailers, when the gross combination weight rating is 26,001 pounds or more and the towed unit is over 10,000 pounds.
Knowledge Test Topics
- General Knowledge
- Air Brakes if equipped
- Combination Vehicles
- Vehicle Inspection
- Basic Vehicle Control
- Road Test
Common Job Types
- Tractor-trailer driver
- Regional freight driver
- Heavy combination vehicle operator
- Class A delivery driver
Class A CDL in Massachusetts
Class A is the license behind most of Massachusetts's long-haul and heavy freight, much of it moving on I-90, I-93, I-95, I-495. With biotech and pharmaceutical distribution, port and marine freight, food and beverage driving demand, typical Massachusetts Class A work includes:
- Biotech and pharmaceutical distribution: regional and over-the-road distribution runs for grocery, retail, and e-commerce freight
- Port and marine freight: container drayage between the ports and inland rail yards
Apply, test, and schedule through Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. Not sure this is your class? Use the Massachusetts CDL Selector.
A Class B CDL is generally used for a single commercial motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, plus limited towing.
Knowledge Test Topics
- General Knowledge
- Air Brakes if equipped
- Vehicle Inspection
- Basic Vehicle Control
- Road Test
Common Job Types
- Straight truck driver
- Dump truck driver
- Large bus driver
- Box truck driver
- Concrete mixer driver
Class B CDL in Massachusetts
Class B covers the single heavy vehicles that keep Massachusetts moving locally: no tractor-trailer, but everything from dump trucks to full-size buses. Typical Massachusetts Class B work includes:
- Biotech and pharmaceutical distribution: local delivery straight trucks and last-mile box trucks
- Port and marine freight: yard trucks and local box trucks serving the port terminals
- Transit and school districts: city buses and full-size school buses across Massachusetts (P and S endorsements)
Apply, test, and schedule through Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. Not sure this is your class? Use the Massachusetts CDL Selector.
A Class C CDL may apply when the vehicle does not meet Class A or B weight definitions but is used for passengers, school bus operation, or placarded hazardous materials.
Knowledge Test Topics
- General Knowledge as required
- Passenger or School Bus endorsement if applicable
- HazMat endorsement if applicable
- State-specific requirements
Common Job Types
- Shuttle driver
- Small passenger vehicle driver
- School activity driver
- HazMat delivery driver
Class C CDL in Massachusetts
Class C applies to lighter vehicles in Massachusetts that still need a CDL because of what they carry: 16 or more passengers, or placarded hazardous materials. Typical Massachusetts Class C work includes:
- Biotech and pharmaceutical distribution: light HazMat delivery routes when the load requires placards
- Smaller school buses and activity buses for Massachusetts school districts (P and S endorsements)
- Shuttle, paratransit, and church or community vans built for 16 or more passengers
Apply, test, and schedule through Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. Not sure this is your class? Use the Massachusetts CDL Selector.
Not sure which class applies to you?
Answer a few questions about your vehicle and operation, and the CDL Selector gives you a starting point in under a minute.