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Compare nearby storage unitsDo You Need a CDL to Drive a Garbage Truck?
Updated . Rules checked against the Code of Federal Regulations and FMCSA.
Yes, you need a commercial driver's license to drive a garbage truck with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. Federal rules treat a truck that heavy as a commercial motor vehicle, and a single truck in that range is driven on a Class B CDL (49 CFR 383.91). If the truck pulls a trailer rated over 10,000 pounds, you need a Class A. The GVWR is printed on the plate or sticker inside the driver's door, and the job listing may name the class the employer wants.
City sanitation jobs spell it out. The New York City Department of Sanitation requires a valid New York State CDL, Class A or B, by the date a new sanitation worker is appointed (DSNY).
Which CDL class covers a garbage truck?
The class follows the weight rating of the vehicle you drive, not the type of waste or the route.
| License | Vehicles it covers | What that means on a collection job |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | A combination rated at 26,001 pounds or more, where the towed vehicle is rated over 10,000 pounds | Needed when the truck pulls a heavy trailer. A Class A holder can drive Class B vehicles too. |
| Class B | A single vehicle rated at 26,001 pounds or more, or one towing a trailer rated at 10,000 pounds or less | Covers a single collection truck at or above the weight threshold. |
| Class C | A smaller vehicle built to carry 16 or more people, or one placarded for hazardous materials | Set by passengers or hazardous materials, not by truck weight. |
| No CDL | A vehicle under all of the thresholds above | A regular license can be enough for a small truck, but check the listing. |
Source: 49 CFR 383.91 (vehicle groups) and 49 CFR 383.5 (commercial motor vehicle definition).
Does a garbage truck helper need a CDL?
The federal CDL rule applies to the person who operates the commercial motor vehicle (49 CFR 383.23). A helper who rides on the back, rolls carts or loads bulk items and never takes the wheel does not need one under that rule. An employer can still ask for a license, so read the listing. Browse garbage helper jobs or listings that say no CDL is required.
What is the air brake restriction, and does it matter?
If you fail the air brake knowledge test, or take the skills test in a vehicle without full air brakes, your CDL carries an air brake restriction and you may not drive a commercial vehicle with any type of air brakes. A similar restriction applies when you test in an automatic and want to drive a manual transmission (49 CFR 383.95). Ask the employer which brakes and transmission its trucks use before you book a test vehicle.
How do you get a CDL to drive a garbage truck?
| Step | Federal rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Get a commercial learner's permit | A permit comes before the CDL. It is valid for up to one year, and you must hold it at least 14 days before the skills test. | 49 CFR 383.25 |
| Finish entry-level driver training | Required for a first Class A or B CDL, or a Class B to Class A upgrade, since February 7, 2022. The trainer must be on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. | FMCSA ELDT |
| Pass the knowledge and skills tests | You are tested for the vehicle group you want on your license. Testing in a truck without air brakes adds the air brake restriction. | 49 CFR 383.91, 383.95 |
| Carry a medical certificate | Drivers need a medical examiner's certificate issued within the past 24 months. | 49 CFR 391.45 |
| Clear the drug and alcohol check | Before you drive, the employer must run a pre-employment query of the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. | 49 CFR 382.701 |
| Meet the age rule | At least 21 to drive across state lines. States set the age for driving within the state. | 49 CFR 391.11 |
FMCSA's own video walks through who needs entry-level driver training and how to find a provider on the Training Provider Registry.
Can you get hired before you have a CDL?
Some listings on this board say the employer pays for training. Look for waste jobs that offer paid training and read each listing to see whether the training covers the permit, entry-level driver training and the skills test. Once you hold the license, CDL garbage truck driver jobs open up.
How much do garbage truck drivers make?
Federal wage data for collection workers and CDL truck drivers is in the garbage truck driver salary guide. For helpers and collectors, with median pay in every state and New York City sanitation pay, see the garbage man salary guide.
Garbage truck CDL questions
Do you need a CDL to drive a garbage truck?
Yes, if the truck has a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more. Federal rules make that a commercial motor vehicle, and a single truck of that weight is driven on a Class B CDL. Check the weight rating on the truck door or ask the employer which class the route needs.
Is a Class B CDL enough for a garbage truck?
A Class B CDL covers a single truck rated at 26,001 pounds or more, including one towing a trailer rated at 10,000 pounds or less. You need a Class A CDL when the combination is rated at 26,001 pounds or more and the towed trailer is rated over 10,000 pounds.
Do garbage truck helpers need a CDL?
No federal rule requires a CDL to ride on or load a garbage truck. The CDL rule applies to the person who drives a commercial motor vehicle. An employer can still ask helpers to hold a CDL or a regular license, so read the listing.
Can I drive a garbage truck with an air brake restriction?
Not if the truck has air brakes of any type. A CDL carries an air brake restriction when you fail the air brake knowledge test or take the skills test in a vehicle without full air brakes, and the restriction bars you from driving a commercial vehicle with any type of air brakes.
Do I need training before taking the CDL test?
Yes if you are getting your first Class A or Class B CDL, or upgrading from Class B to Class A. Since February 7, 2022, those drivers must finish entry-level driver training from a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before the skills test.
How old do you have to be to drive a garbage truck?
You must be at least 21 to drive a commercial motor vehicle across state lines. States set their own minimum age for driving within the state. New York City requires sanitation workers to be 21 by the date of appointment.