What is the class of license needed to drive a five-axle truck and trailer combination?

To operate a five-axle truck and trailer combination, a Class A commercial driver's license is required. This is because a Class A license allows the driver to operate combinations of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided that the trailer itself weighs more than 10,000 pounds.

In this case, a five-axle truck and trailer are typically used for heavy hauling and can exceed these weight thresholds. A Class A license ensures the driver has the necessary skills and knowledge about the complexities and safety protocols associated with handling larger and heavier vehicle combinations.

Other license classes do not permit the operation of such combinations; for example, a Class B license is typically for driving single vehicles over a specified weight, generally without a trailer that exceeds the allowed limits. A Class C license is meant for smaller, specialized vehicles that do not fall into the heavier truck or combination categories, while a Class D license is generally for passenger vehicles and does not meet the commercial driving requirements.