Class A vs Class B CDL Towing

If you’re looking at a towing career, the first big decision is which CDL class you need. Class A and Class B both qualify you to drive tow trucks, but they cover different vehicle combinations and open different job opportunities. This guide breaks down the differences in plain terms, so you can decide which license fits your goals and budget.

What Each Class Allows

Class A CDL lets you drive any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the towed unit is over 10,000 pounds. That means you can operate a heavy-duty wrecker with a trailer or a tractor-trailer. With a Class A, you can also drive any vehicle a Class B driver can drive.

Class B CDL covers a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or a vehicle towing a unit not over 10,000 pounds. Most standard tow trucks, like a medium-duty wrecker, fall under Class B. You can also drive a bus or a dump truck with this license, but you cannot drive a combination vehicle with a heavy trailer.

Vehicle Types and Towing Scenarios

Class B tow trucks are typically used for:

• Light-duty and medium-duty towing (cars, SUVs, small vans)
• Flatbed towing for vehicles up to 10,000 pounds
• Wheel-lift or hook-and-chain operations
• Local and regional towing, including roadside assistance

Class A tow trucks are needed for:

• Heavy-duty towing (semi-trucks, buses, RVs)
• Towing with a trailer or a second vehicle in combination
• Recovery operations that require a heavy wrecker (rotator or boom)
• Long-distance towing where the total combination exceeds Class B limits

If you plan to tow large commercial vehicles or do heavy recovery, you’ll likely need Class A. If you’re sticking to passenger vehicles and light trucks, Class B is enough.

Endorsements and Skills

Both classes require passing a written knowledge test and a skills test (pre-trip, basic controls, road test). But the tests differ in what you’re tested on.

Class A skills test includes:

• Pre-trip inspection of the tractor and trailer (if you test with one)
• Coupling and uncoupling a trailer
• Backing maneuvers with a trailer (like offset back and alley dock)
• Road driving with a combination vehicle

Class B skills test includes:

• Pre-trip inspection of the single vehicle
• Basic control skills (straight line backing, offset back, parallel parking)
• Road driving without a trailer

You may also need endorsements depending on your job:

• Air Brakes (Z): Required if your tow truck has air brakes. Most heavy tow trucks do, so you’ll likely need this.
• Tanker (N): If you tow vehicles with hazardous materials or fuel, you may need a tanker endorsement.
• Hazmat (H): For towing vehicles carrying hazardous materials, but this is rare in standard towing.
• Combination (T): Only for double/triple trailers, not typical for tow trucks.

Cost and Time to Get Licensed

Getting a CDL costs money and time. Here are realistic ranges for 2026:

Item	Class B	Class A
CDL permit fee	$10-$50	$10-$50
CDL skills test fee	$100-$200	$100-$200
Training program (if not sponsored)	$3,000-$7,000	$5,000-$10,000
Total out-of-pocket (if self-funded)	$3,200-$7,300	$5,200-$10,300
Time to train (full-time)	3-6 weeks	4-8 weeks

Many towing companies will sponsor your CDL training if you sign a contract to work for them for a year or two. This can cut your upfront costs to near zero, but you’ll owe them time.

Job Opportunities and Pay

Class B tow truck drivers typically earn $35,000 to $55,000 per year, depending on location and experience. Class A drivers, especially those doing heavy recovery or long-distance towing, can earn $50,000 to $80,000 or more. But the higher pay comes with more responsibility and often more on-call hours.

Job Type	Typical Pay Range (2026)
Light-duty tow driver (Class B)	$35,000-$45,000
Medium-duty tow driver (Class B)	$40,000-$55,000
Heavy-duty tow driver (Class A)	$50,000-$70,000
Rotator operator (Class A, specialized)	$60,000-$80,000+

How to Choose: Practical Steps

1. Assess your goals: Do you want to tow cars locally or move up to heavy recovery? If you’re not sure, start with Class B and upgrade later.
2. Check local demand: Call towing companies in your area and ask what class they require for entry-level positions. Some will hire Class B drivers and train them for Class A later.
3. Get your permit: Study the CDL manual for your state, then take the written tests for the class and endorsements you need. You can do this before enrolling in a school.
4. Find a training program: Look for a school that offers towing-specific training or a company that sponsors CDL training. Compare costs and schedules.
5. Take the skills test: Practice with the exact type of vehicle you’ll use on the job. If you can, test in a tow truck, not a tractor-trailer, if you’re going for Class B.
6. Start applying: Once you have your CDL, apply to towing companies. Emphasize any towing experience, even if it’s non-CDL.

FAQ

Can I upgrade from Class B to Class A later? Yes. You’ll need to pass the Class A knowledge and skills tests, but you may not have to retake the general knowledge test if you already passed it. Check with your state DMV.

Do I need a special endorsement to tow a car on a flatbed? No, not for the towing itself. But if the tow truck has air brakes, you need the air brake endorsement. Also, if you tow a vehicle that’s over 10,000 pounds with a Class B, you’re out of compliance.

Is a Class A CDL worth it for towing? It depends. If you plan to stay in light towing, Class B is cheaper and faster. If you want to do heavy recovery or long-haul towing, Class A opens more doors and higher pay.

Can I get a CDL if I have a DUI? It’s possible, but it depends on the state and how recent the DUI is. A DUI can disqualify you from getting a hazmat endorsement and may affect insurance. Be upfront with employers.

The Bottom Line

Class B is the entry point for most tow truck drivers. It’s cheaper, faster, and covers the majority of towing jobs. Class A is for those who want to tow heavy equipment or work in recovery. Start with Class B if you’re new, then upgrade when you have experience and a clear need. Either way, get your air brake endorsement and practice your backing skills. That’s what will get you hired and keep you safe on the road.