Coping With Gymnophobia or the Fear of Nudity

Coping With Gymnophobia or the Fear of Nudity Phobias Types Print Coping With Gymnophobia in Your Life Fear of Nudity By Lisa Fritscher Lisa Fritscher is a freelance writer and editor with a deep interest in phobias and other mental health topics. Learn about our editorial policy Lisa Fritscher Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on June 19, 2015 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on November 19, 2019 Spaces Images / Getty Images More in Phobias Types Causes Symptoms and Diagnosis Treatment Gymnophobia, or the fear of nudity, is a highly personalized phobia. Some people with this fear are afraid only of being naked in public, as is the case in communal showers or changing rooms. However, some people also fear being naked while theyre with their partner or even when theyre on their own. Others fear being naked alone as well. Many people with gymnophobia are unable to participate in sexual activities  and may develop a more generalized fear of sex  that stems from their gymnophobia. In extreme cases, this fear can even lead to a phobia of bathing or showering. Some people are comfortable with their own nakedness  but fear the nudity of others. Causes Gymnophobia can have many different causes. Those who have been through a sexual trauma are certainly at increased risk for the phobia, partially because they feel especially vulnerable when naked or they experience nudity as a triggering event. Fear of nudity (or, more commonly, a fear of sex) can also be brought about by being raised in a conservative culture or  religion that frowns on nudity and sexual expression. Children and young teens may also develop this fear if they are bullied or shamed for some reason related to their bodies, for example, if they are developing more or less rapidly than their peers. Gymnophobia is sometimes related to other anxieties as well, such as the fear of vulnerability or the fear of intimacy. It may also be linked to body dysmorphic disorder, social anxiety, and other conditions that cause people to be unusually critical of themselves. Lastly, having surgical scars or other disfigurements can cause increased shame of ones body that can easily develop into gymnophobia. Coping Strategies Many people with gymnophobia find that simple adjustments help them to keep their fears at bay. For example, they may refuse to shop in stores that have communal dressing rooms, they can skip the shower after a workout, and they may have sex with the lights off. For mild to moderate gymnophobia, this can be all thats required to keep the condition from disrupting their life. Over time, however, the fear can worsen, and gymnophobic persons can find themselves changing an increasingly long list of activities in order to prevent showing their bodies. Its when gymnophobia is having a profoundly disruptive effect on a persons life  â€" for example, they cease to bathe â€" that it is necessary to take action. Gymnophobia, like all phobias, responds well to a variety of treatment methods. Depending on your therapists school of thought, you may be encouraged to probe your past to determine the root cause of your fear. Or you may simply learn techniques for overcoming your current fearful thoughts. Whichever path you take, overcoming gymnophobia takes time and effort, but the rewards are well worth the trouble.

The Impact of Social Class and Stratification - 1728 Words

Skylar Freve Mr. Gompf Sociology 101 30 November, 2010 The Impact of Social Class/Stratification Stratification and the division of people into social classes is a fundamental part of American society. Stratification is a concept that is universal; it is found in every country, every nation of the world. It is a system in which large groups of people, not individuals, are divided into different layers according to their relative property, power, and prestige. Stratification applies not only to the different nations of the world as a whole, but to the different groups of people within those nations as well. Each of these groups is stratified into its own class; the group of people ranked most closely to them in property,†¦show more content†¦This group of power elite uses their status to affect only laws and changes that benefit them and perpetuate the cycle that keeps them at the top. So, while social mobility is possible within a class system, it is not always easy to come by (Henslin 207-210). Each social class is like a subculture of society with distinct appro aches to life. Your social class can affect your physical and mental health, family life, education, and influence your religion and politics. It can even affect your interactions with crime and the criminal justice system. The higher up the social ladder you are, the more access you have to better health care, advanced education, and other opportunities. Which social class you belong to affects your decision of whom to marry; whether you will vote democrat, republican, or not at all; and even which religious denomination you will belong to. Statistically, the upper classes tend to vote republican, the middle and working class democratic, and the lowest classes do not vote at all. Your social class can also affect your dealings with the criminal justice system. Most crimes are committed within the criminal’s home neighborhood, so lower classes are more likely to be victims of these crimes. From another aspect, the white-collar crimes of the privileged classes are gene rally dealt with outside the justice system, while the street crimes of the lower class are dealt with through police interaction and court cases. This meansShow MoreRelatedSocial Stratification1747 Words   |  7 Pagesaddress what social stratification is, and why sociologists consider it crucial to our understanding of today’s society. In addition it will also be discussing the three dimensions of social stratification and how we think its changed since the 1970s and 80s to today, and which theory we think best explains this change. Along with how the inequality of valued resources impacts America as a whole, and how the recent financial meltdown has made stratification worse in America. Stratification can be definedRead MoreStratification Impact On Society877 Words   |  4 Pages The meaning of stratification is inequalities between people, community or society. It can happen socially or economically based on social status, class, ethnicity, income, wealth, race, religion, gender and power. Stratification is an unfair situation and we can find it almost in every society. In this case, resources in a society distributed unequally. For instance, in some society men and women treated differently. In Asia, some community believes that women cannot eat before man orRead MoreThe Impact Of Social Stratification On Minorities1195 Words   |  5 Pages†¨Ã¢â‚¬ ¨The impact on minorities due to inequality†¨Introduction †¨During the course of this class I have learned about social problems within the society in which we live and around the world. It is disturbing to learn that poverty, social inequality, race and cultural discrimination, gender stra tification, environmental damage, population growth, and urbanization are among the social problems and controversial issues that still exist in the United States. What is Social Stratification Social stratificationRead MoreStratification And Inequality Essay1497 Words   |  6 Pagessociologist broadly interested in three areas: 1) stratification and inequality; 2) immigration and globalization, 3) work and labor markets. Specifically, I focus on examining how class structure and migration patterns contribute to social inequalities and labor market outcomes. Also, I work on the themes of immigration, work and occupations in the United States. I am particularly interested in examining these processes in the urban context. Stratification and Inequality Growing up in ChinaRead MoreSsci 316 Study Guide Answers Essay978 Words   |  4 Pageswould not be as important as they are today 2. Are race and ethnicity the only types of inequality in the US today? diversity in US today is not limited to ethnicity, race – other factors: social class (SES or socio-economic status), education, size of group, religion, language As defined in this class what do the terms ‘majority’ and ‘minority’ refer to? (understand that a primary difference is relationship to power; it is not about numbers) minority group: reduced access to power, authorityRead MorePrinciples Of Stratification On Society1547 Words   |  7 PagesThis paper will be discussing â€Å"Some Principles of Stratification† by Kingsley Davis and Wilbert E. Moore, â€Å"Classes in Capitalism and Pre- Capitalism† by Karl Marx, and â€Å"Who Rules America?† by G. William Domhoff. Davis and Moore examine stratification, social class, and positional rank and their effects on individuals and society. Marx examines inequality in society, the relationship between the oppressor and the oppressed or the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, and methods of production and theirRead MoreWhat Do Sociologists Mean by Social Stratification?1506 Words   |  7 Pagessociologists mean by social stratification? Discuss its consequences for society and for individuals living within it. Illustrate and support your response with sociological argument and evidence. Sociologists have varying views on social stratification, therefore their approach to how it can impact society and individuals results in very different concepts. This piece of work will identify and discuss the key points which are significant to the sociological debate. Social Stratification is ‘a systemRead MoreShould America Adopt A New Perspective?1137 Words   |  5 Pagescharacteristics of social groups, organizations, social stratification, and the current class system in the United States (Moffitt). I believe that there are more dangers than advantages to adopting a new multicultural perspective in America. There are many different characteristics that go into the different cultures which in adopting so, this can complicate the social structure. There are numerous different aspects that go into cultural perspective such as sexuality, deviance, race, gender, social stratificationRead MoreArgument Essay : The Land Of Opportunity 1146 Words   |  5 Pagesnotion that social structure pushes people around, influencing the ideas they hold and the lives they fashion (213). Personally, I agree with the author when he explains that this is largely due to history textbooks lacking imperative information about the ever-changing social stratif ication of the United States. This then leaves young Americans without the proper knowledge to fully contextualize the reasons for which opportunity in the United States is unequal due to social class imbalances forRead MoreSocial Inequality And Educational Opportunity And Health1577 Words   |  7 Pageseveryday life preferably thinking that there is no class stratification within America. They have thought that they no longer have those social classes that existed like a century ago (Ervin 7). Acknowledging the various social strata most often people prefer to ignore the disparity that is associated with them. Historically, social disparities relate to educational opportunity and health. However, a lot of improvements have been made in the social institutions and structures benefiting the entire

Farenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury - 1068 Words

Fire is a basic human necessity-capable of both causing devastation and sustaining life. With its various uses, fire’s symbolic meaning is ambiguous: to some, fire symbolizes destruction and death, yet to others it can symbolize passion, knowledge and comfort. Ray Bradbury successfully portrays the ambiguity of fire’s symbolism in Fahrenheit 451, as Montag’s mental transformation and relationship to society changes his understanding of fire; believing first that fire is simply a destructive force, to slowly understanding the comforting and unifying nature of fire. Bradbury first portrays fire as a destructive force, starting his novel with Montag burning books. With the brainwashed mindset of his society, â€Å"it was [Montag’s] pleasure to burn. It was a special pleasure to see things eaten, to see things blackened and changed† (Bradbury 3). While the society sees burning as a pleasure, the fire depicted here embodies the elimination of knowledge and individualism as firemen â€Å"[stamp] out books and the freedom of thought that books represent† (â€Å"Fahrenheit 451†). In his description of the burning process, Bradbury uses words such as â€Å"venomous† and â€Å"death† to show the true nature of Montag’s profession, and while it brought him joy, his actions were truly destructive. Burning is also the most irreversible method of destruction, causing the complete obliteration of whatever is burned. In this way, the use of fire to get rid of books shows the intense desire of this society toSh ow MoreRelatedFarenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury1274 Words   |  5 Pagesperil, and chaos. However, in the futuristic novel Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, Fire symbolizes much more than just danger and destruction. Guy Montag, a firefighter who lights fires instead of putting them out, lives in a society that seems to revolve around destruction and the glory that burning certain objects brings them. Bradbury uses fire to symbolize the destructive way that the futuristic society functions. Not only does Bradbury use the symbol of fire to describe the society as a wholeRead MoreFarenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury784 Words   |  3 Pagesâ€Å"The books are to remind us what fools we are† (Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451). Book Burning has been around ever since books have. All throughout history from biblical to modern time book have been burned. Rarely are books burned for no reason, some of the most common reasons books are burned for religiously or politically. However is burning books good or bad for society? Whether if book burning is good or bad depends on how you see the reason they are being burned. There are many ways that book burningRead MoreFarenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury829 Words   |  3 Pagesfor her but he never showed them towards her. Montag decided to start opening up books and reading them. The books is an outlook on the future. The world is taking over. Bradbury had a vision of the upcoming future. He wanted to get his point across of the books. But the writer doesn’t understand Bradbury point of why people don’t like to read books. The writer feel like if you can read text messages or get on the internet to read then you can take your time out and open up a book toRead MoreFarenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury2018 Words   |  8 Pagesthe end is near. 2. He shows Montag is a fireman but has a softer side when he runs into a young girl. He is different from other firemen because he listens to what the interesting girl is saying. 3. Montag has 451 engraved on his helmet because is a fireman so that is ID number. 451 also is the temperature at which paper burns. 4. When Montag met Clarisse, he had a different look on life. Before he met her, he did not realize all that was going on in the world and after he begins to questionRead MoreFarenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury1171 Words   |  5 Pagesone another. Mr. Bradbury uses a lot of repetition in which at time I can’t understand or depict on what it’s trying to say. â€Å"Fool Montage, fool, fool, oh good you silly pool†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Here it use fool at the repetitive about the sentence I can understand its clearly. Another is, â€Å"The old man would go on with this talking and this talking droopy, drop stone by the stone by the flake by flare. This sentence I can’t understand what it is saying, or why Bradbury chose these repetitiveRead MoreFarenheit 451- Lit By Ray Bradbury1168 Words   |  5 PagesFahrenheit 451- Lit. Critique The title of the book I read was Fahrenheit 451. The book was written by Ray Bradbury and was published in 1951. This book is about a dystopian America where there is extreme censorship and any media (mainly books) that questions the government is burned by a branch called the Firemen. The main character whose name is Guy Montag is a fireman who begins to realize that what he’s doing is wrong after meeting a young girl named Clarisse. As the book goes on it is revealedRead MoreAnalysis of Ray Bradbury ´s Farenheit 451689 Words   |  3 Pagesthe question â€Å"Are you happy† Montag’s Smile melts and, in essence, this serves as the start of Montag’s evolution. (4). Montag’s first encounter with Clarisse is described with a heavy amount of imaginary, particularly nature related imaginary. Ray Bradbury says â€Å"The autumn leaves blew over the moonlit pavement... letting the motion of the wind and the leaves carry her forward† (3). Nature is pure and devoid of any human illness (Technology, as used in the novel, is like bacteria/viruses). It is theRead MoreMontag’s Gradual Change in the Book Farenheit 451 Essay545 Words   |  3 PagesIn the book , Farenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, there are a lot of symbols present. But, the most omnipresent symbol is the fire symbol. The plot of this book depends solely on this symbol. The reason for this symbol’s importance is that Montag’s changing attitudes reflect the differing meanings of the fire symbol. If one examines the way Bradbury uses the fire symbol to reveal Montag’s attitude towards life and his society, one recognizes that everything has good and bad qualities. It is in alsoRead MoreThe Similarities Between Societies1321 Words   |  6 PagesSocieties Ray Bradbury is one of those rare individuals whose writing has changed the way people think, by a mere spark he has entranced the reader, just after a few short pages and you are hooked. He has more than five hundred published works that exemplify the American imagination at its most creative – from technological advances to futuristic societies. Also his timeless, constant appeal to audiences young and old has proven him to be one of the truly classic authors of today. Ray Bradbury incorporatesRead MoreCritical Response Fahrenheit 4511592 Words   |  7 PagesThe novel â€Å"Farenheit 451† written Ray Bradbury between 1950 and 1953 is thought provoking novel which raises important concerns about what the future may hold. Predominantly told through the eyes of the protagonist Guy Montag Bradbury warns humanity of a future containing mind manipulation, abuse of technology and heavy government censorship. The purpose of this book is clearly to warn society of the path we are headed to if we continue to value new technology over knowledge by showing us â€Å"that although

Everything Free Essays

Name Submittal Date Course Number and Section Week 6 Case Study Questions #1. ) Using the details of the case study, identify the stages – a beginning, middle, end, and an aftermath – of the conflict process that Edward and Elizabeth went through. The beginning was when Laura texted Edward back and he thought she was upset. We will write a custom essay sample on Everything or any similar topic only for you Order Now The middle was when Edward texted her back upset about her response. The end was when they argued at home of dumb stuff even though the argument was for no reason. The aftermath is now they are both mad at each other. 2. ) What is the disinhibition effect and how did it play a role in the case study? The disinhibtion effect is the loss of inhibitions when interacting with someone online that leads to the tendency to escalate the conflict. They weren’t watching how they were emailing so it seemed rude when she emailed it even though she didn’t mean to. #3. ) Discuss at least three strategies to alleviate online conflict, be it from texting, IMing, or emailing? How could have Edward and Elizabeth employed these strategies to avoid their conflict? There strategies to alleviate online conflict are too breath, plan your message don’t text real quick cause you might regret what you send. Avoid personal attach, name calling and emotional overstatement. Another would be too be sure you want to express your anger, sometimes it’s not worth the fight. Edward definitely should have breathed and made sure if he wanted to express his anger. #4. ) Often times we hold back our true feelings with a spouse or significant other because we assume the issue is trivial and not turning into a conflict. But how might not sharing your feelings with a spouse or significant other have a long-term effect on your relationship? Use specifics from the case study to support your answer. The long term effect is you start to resent your partner because you never express that he upset you. So when you finally do argue you bring up all that pushed back feelings and explode. Thus causing a much worse fight. In the case study I chose for him to confront her so there wasn’t really any held in emotion. #5. ) What are some of the skills and strategies used to maintain and escalate a close relationship? How could Edward and Elizabeth use these skills to overcome the issue they have with their electronically-mediated communication? Some of the skills to maintain a close relationship are to express emotions, provide comfort and social support engage in relationship talk, be tolerant and show restraint, and manage conflict cooperatively. They could express emotion using emoticons. Definitely show restraint and not text immediately when thinking someone is upset. Always see first if they upset before attacking them saying why are they mad and such. How to cite Everything, Papers

Everything Free Essays

Name Submittal Date Course Number and Section Week 6 Case Study Questions #1. ) Using the details of the case study, identify the stages – a beginning, middle, end, and an aftermath – of the conflict process that Edward and Elizabeth went through. The beginning was when Laura texted Edward back and he thought she was upset. We will write a custom essay sample on Everything or any similar topic only for you Order Now The middle was when Edward texted her back upset about her response. The end was when they argued at home of dumb stuff even though the argument was for no reason. The aftermath is now they are both mad at each other. 2. ) What is the disinhibition effect and how did it play a role in the case study? The disinhibtion effect is the loss of inhibitions when interacting with someone online that leads to the tendency to escalate the conflict. They weren’t watching how they were emailing so it seemed rude when she emailed it even though she didn’t mean to. #3. ) Discuss at least three strategies to alleviate online conflict, be it from texting, IMing, or emailing? How could have Edward and Elizabeth employed these strategies to avoid their conflict? There strategies to alleviate online conflict are too breath, plan your message don’t text real quick cause you might regret what you send. Avoid personal attach, name calling and emotional overstatement. Another would be too be sure you want to express your anger, sometimes it’s not worth the fight. Edward definitely should have breathed and made sure if he wanted to express his anger. #4. ) Often times we hold back our true feelings with a spouse or significant other because we assume the issue is trivial and not turning into a conflict. But how might not sharing your feelings with a spouse or significant other have a long-term effect on your relationship? Use specifics from the case study to support your answer. The long term effect is you start to resent your partner because you never express that he upset you. So when you finally do argue you bring up all that pushed back feelings and explode. Thus causing a much worse fight. In the case study I chose for him to confront her so there wasn’t really any held in emotion. #5. ) What are some of the skills and strategies used to maintain and escalate a close relationship? How could Edward and Elizabeth use these skills to overcome the issue they have with their electronically-mediated communication? Some of the skills to maintain a close relationship are to express emotions, provide comfort and social support engage in relationship talk, be tolerant and show restraint, and manage conflict cooperatively. They could express emotion using emoticons. Definitely show restraint and not text immediately when thinking someone is upset. Always see first if they upset before attacking them saying why are they mad and such. How to cite Everything, Papers

Truman Doctrine - Results Essays - Presidency Of Harry S. Truman

Truman Doctrine - Results The Truman Doctrine was the impetus for the change in United States foreign policy, from isolationist to internationalists; thus we were drawn into two wars of containment and into world affairs. The Truman Doctrine led to a major change in U.S. foreign policy from its inception - aid to Turkey and Greece - to its indirect influence in Korea and Vietnam. The aftermath of World War II inspired the U.S. to issue a proclamation that would stem Communist influence throughout the world. However, our zeal in that achievement sent our soldiers to die in Vietnam and Korea for a seemingly futile cause. It must be the policy of the U.S. to support free peoples. This is no more than a frank recognitions that totalitarian regimes imposed on free peoples . . . undermine the foundations of . . . peace and security of the United States. The Truman Doctrine would change the foreign policy of the United States and the world. This policy would first go in aid to support the democratic regimes in Turkey and Greece. These nations were being threatened by Soviet-supported rebels seeking to topple the government and install a Communist regime. The Soviets were also making extreme territorial demands especially concerning the Dardanelles. A direct influence of this Doctrine was, of course, the Marshall Plan. The Marshall Plan was designed to give aid to any European country damaged during World War II. It tremendously helped ravaged European nations such as Italy and France. By helping them economically, the Marshall Plan indirectly helped to stem growing Communist sentiment in these countries. The process whereby the Truman Doctrine came to fruition was a long and arduous one. After World War II, the Soviet Union and the United States stood at the pinnacle of world power. By the late '40's, the U.S.S.R. had caught up to the United States' nuclear weapons programs. In addition, they were very land-hungry. Throughout Russia's history, they have been in search of a port - a quest advanced further by Peter the Great and Catherine the Great. The Soviets in that respect were direct threats to their non-Communist neighbors: Greece, Turkey, and Iran. In Iran, the U.S.S.R. was not evacuating Iran's northern provinces despite entreaties from the United States. In Turkey, the Soviet Union coveted several naval bases along the Straits of Dardanelles. Further, they pressured Turkey for border cessions that Turkey had taken from Russia after World War I. In Greece, the Soviets encouraged the insurgent leader Markos Vafiades with arms and economic support. The British troops helping the Grecian government were strangled of supplies due to poor economic times in Britain. Also, further territorial requisitions to Yugoslavia, Albania, and Bulgaria were being made. Seeing the deteriorating U.S. - Soviet relations, Truman issued two statements about "agreements, violations, reparations, and Soviet actions threatening U.S. security." "1. The Middle East is of strategic importance to the U.S.S.R.(from which they are in range of an air attack.) 2. The U.S. must be prepared to wage atomic and biological warfare." (Ferrel 247) Soon after, he sent bombers to the Middle East. He desired the return of all arms given to U.S.S.R. under the Lend-Lease Act. There isn't a doubt in my mind that Russia intends an invasion of Turkey and seizure of the Black Sea straits to the Mediterranean. Unless Russia is faced with an iron fist and strong language another war is in the making, How many divisions have you? Truman had his eye on the Soviets and on war. However, The U.S.S.R. never made such invasions and thus quelled Truman's paranoia. The Truman Doctrine was starting to develop during 1947 when Truman issued several statements. 1. The present Russian ambassador . . . persona non grata . . . does not belong in Washington. 2. Urge Stalin to pay us a visit. 3. Settle the Korean question . . . give the Koreans a government of their own. 4. Settle the Manchurian question . . . support Chang Kai-Shek for a strong China. 5. Agree to discussion of Russia's lend-lease debt to the U.S. 6. Agree to commercial air treaty. 7. Make it plain that we have no territorial ambitions. That we only want peace, but we'll fight for it! Truman also set several goals for questioned territories: The U.S. would go to war if provoked. The Danube, Trieste, Dardanelles, Kiel Canal, and Rhine-Danube

How to Get a Commercial Drivers License (CDL)

How to Get a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Congratulations on your decision to start your career as a Professional Truck Driver! You are entering a field that is in high demand, so your chances of getting a job and becoming a truck driver are more than excellent!The first thing you have to do is to get your commercial driver’s licence (CDL).Different states have different guidelines, click on your state below to find out how you can get started.AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaNorth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingThe Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration works with each individual state to license and certify drivers.The Commercial Motor Vehicle Sa fety Act of 1986 was designed to improve highway safety. It ensured that drivers of commercial vehicles are qualified to drive them and removed unsafe drivers from the highways. The Act established minimum standards and required states to upgrade their existing programs.Before the Act was passed, even in states with separate license classes, drivers were not necessarily tested in the types of vehicles they would be driving. States must now test commercial drivers according to federal standards to ensure that drivers know how to operate the trucks or buses they intend to drive.CDL Classes for Every StateThere are separate classes of commercial driver’s licenses. Every state issues licenses in these categories:Class A: Any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GWVR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.Class B: Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle tow ing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR.Class C: Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is placarded for hazardous materials.The license allows you to drive at the class(es) below it. So If you have a Class A license, you can drive Class A, B, and C vehicles. Those with a Class B license can drive Class B and C vehicles.EndorsementsTo be licensed for certain types of commercial vehicles, extra testing is required. If you pass, you will receive an endorsement on your CDL. These are the endorsements that you can apply for:T―Double/Triple Trailers (knowledge test only)P―Passenger (knowledge and skills tests)N―Tank Vehicle (knowledge test only)H―Hazardous Materials (knowledge test only)S―School Buses (knowledge and skills tests)Applying for a Hazardous Materials Background CheckAfter you get a C DL, apply for a background check from the  TSA if you’ll be obtaining a hazardous materials endorsement. You may do this online or by contacting a TSA agent. They will ask for:Your CDL or CDL permit number.Proof of legal status.Proof of Identity.Next, the TSA will ask you to go to a fingerprint office to give your fingerprints. The TSA and the FBI will conduct background investigations. You will be responsible for various  fees.   Learn more here.If you already have your noncommercial driver’s license, check this round up of state guidelines and see what you’ll need to do to be certified to drive safely behind the wheel of a commercial rig!