What class of CDL is required to drive a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver?

To drive a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, a Class B CDL is required. This classification is specifically meant for larger passenger vehicles that exceed the capacity limits set for lighter vehicles.

Class B CDLs are intended for drivers who operate vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 26,000 pounds, or those that are configured to transport a significant number of passengers. The training and regulations associated with a Class B license ensure that the driver is properly prepared to manage the complexities and responsibilities involved in operating such larger and often more difficult-to-handle vehicles.

This requirement is part of the broader framework of CDL classifications, which also includes Class A, which is necessary for combinations of vehicles, and Class C, which is for smaller passenger vehicles and is only required when transporting 16 or more passengers within those limitations. A Class D license is not applicable in this context, as it pertains to standard non-commercial vehicles.