bryan w
Basically you got it. Just people talking. A good radio will probably have roughly a five mile range but sometimes on a clear night you can catch a "skip wave" that will allow you to talk to someone halfway across the country. Not sure of how it happens but something in the atmosphere lines up just right and it happens. As far as license goes, none needed. The CB stands for citizens band.

marie w
I have one in my truck, I usually turn it on going to work and home, I pick up a bunch of people when i get to the interstate. I also like to use it when I drive out of town b/c you can find out where all the cops are. You talk about anything. My husband is also a truck driver so it keeps him awake talking to other drivers on the road when he has a long haul! No special license, the distance depends on your radio as in watts and also your antenna.