What is the maximum number of people that a Class C CDL can accommodate, excluding hazardous materials?

A Class C Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is designed for operating vehicles that transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver. This means that the maximum number of people allowed in a vehicle driven under a Class C CDL, when not considering hazardous materials, begins at 16.

Thus, the correct response emphasizes that a vehicle with a capacity of 16 to 23 passengers can be operated under a Class C CDL. Vehicles in this classification typically include small buses and vans that fall within these parameters.

Options that suggest fewer than 16 or more than 23 individuals do not align with the definitions imposed by federal and state regulations for commercial driving licenses, thus confirming the specificity of a Class C license in accommodating 16 to 23 passengers correctly.