Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers | July 23, 2025 | Truck Accidents
West Virginia is home to its fair share of commercial vehicles, such as 18-wheelers and even school buses. Operating these large vehicles requires some special knowledge and training. This is why a commercial driver’s license (CDL) is required to drive certain vehicles in West Virginia.
Without this requirement, there would likely be many more car accidents and truck accidents on the roads. West Virginia law authorizes a few different classes of CDL. Dive into all the details below to learn more about the various types of CDLs available in West Virginia and how to obtain one.
Class A CDL
In West Virginia, the Class A CDL is the top-tier level of commercial driver’s license. According to the West Virginia DMV, the holder of a Class A CDL may drive vehicles within this class as well as all lower classes of vehicles.
The Class A CDL is needed to operate combination vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more where the trailer being towed is more than 10,000 pounds.
Some common examples or applications of a Class A CDL are:
- 18-wheeler semi-trucks
- Flat beds and heavy machinery transportation
- Large tanker trucks
Drivers with a Class A CDL may also need special endorsements to carry certain types of cargo.
Class B CDL
The Class B CDL is the middle-tier license. Drivers who hold a Class B license may operate:
- Single vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,0001 pounds or more
- Combination vehicles where the trailer being towed does not exceed 10,000 pounds
Some common examples of vehicles in this category include:
- School buses
- Cement or concrete trucks
- Dump trucks
- Garbage trucks
Drivers who hold a Class B CDL may also operate vehicles from all lower classes, but they may not operate a vehicle that requires a Class A license.
Class C CDL
Vehicles requiring a Class C CDL are a special group that does not fall into either the Class A or Class B categories.
Drivers with a Class C license may operate a vehicle with a GVWR not exceeding 26,000 pounds designed to:
- Transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, OR
- Transport hazardous materials
A Class C CDL holder is also required to have a passenger endorsement, a hazardous materials endorsement, or both.
CDL Endorsements in West Virginia
Some situations require a special endorsement in addition to your normal CDL. A driver must meet additional knowledge and skills testing to obtain these endorsements.
Some common endorsements available in West Virginia include:
- Double and triple towing
- Passenger
- Hazardous materials
- Tanker
- School bus
These endorsements help ensure that drivers are properly trained and qualified for specific tasks and vehicle types.
CDL Restrictions in West Virginia
Conversely, some CDL holders may have special restrictions on their license. These restrictions prevent them from operating certain types of vehicles or driving under certain conditions. Some examples of common restrictions include:
- Intrastate driving only
- No manual transmissions
- No tractor trailer
- No cargo in CMV tank vehicle
Some of these restrictions apply to younger CDL holders, and they may be removed once the driver meets all the requirements for obtaining a full CDL.
How to Obtain a CDL in West Virginia
To qualify for a CDL in West Virginia, you must first meet all the requirements. You must be at least 18 years old (21 for interstate driving). Most new drivers must also complete Entry Level Driver Training prior to obtaining a CDL.
The steps for obtaining your CDL are as follows:
- Complete the CDL application
- Submit your Medical Examiner Certificate
- Pay the required fees
- Take both the knowledge and skills tests
- Obtain your CDL instruction permit
- Complete your road skills test
You should also be aware that you will need to provide residency verification and other types of identity verification. Upon successful completion of the road skills test and payment of the appropriate fees, the DMV will issue your CDL. Adhering to all the West Virginia CDL rules and requirements can help you avoid citations and fines as well as keep you safe on those dangerous roads.
Contact the Truck Accident Law Firm of Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Operating a commercial vehicle in West Virginia requires skill, training, and a valid CDL. But even with strict licensing requirements, serious truck accidents still occur—often due to driver negligence, company violations, or equipment failures. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a crash involving a commercial truck, it’s important to act quickly.
At Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the unique complexities of truck accident claims, including federal and state trucking regulations, CDL requirements, and insurance issues. Our Charleston truck accident lawyers are ready to investigate your case, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
For more information, please contact an experienced truck accident lawyer at Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers, to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Charleston, Beckley, Morgantown, WV.
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Charleston
746 Myrtle Rd
Charleston, WV 25314
(304) 346-5990
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Beckley
101 N Kanawha St, Suite 101
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 252-5990
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Morgantown
453 Suncrest Towne Centre Drive, Suite 300
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 225-5990
