The Complete Guide To A Career In Trucking
How do I know if I need a CDL?
For our purposes here, most drivers will be interested in driving your every day, average tractor-trailers requiring a CDL Class A license.
There are, however, various types of circumstances and vehicles that will require either a lower class of CDL, or not require a CDL at all.
Those in the farming industry, military, or emergency response fields may not be required to have a CDL.
What kinds of vehicles require me to have a CDL?
You will be required to have a CDL in order to operate any of the following types of vehicles. Keep in mind that each individual state may have different rules and definitions:
- A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
- A combination vehicle with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, if the vehicle(s) being towed is over 10,000 pounds.
- A vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver).
- Any size vehicle which requires hazardous material placards or is carrying material listed as a select agent or toxin.
This manual provides driver license testing information for drivers who wish to have a commercial driver license (CDL). This manual does NOT provide information on all the federal and state requirements needed before you can drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV).
Use our handy "Do I Need A CDL?" flowchart to figure out if you will need to get a CDL.
What do the different CDL classes mean?
The FMCSA defines 3 different classes of CDL, depending on what definition the CMV meets:
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Class A:
Any combination vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs or more, with the vehicle being towed weighing more than 10,000 lbs.
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Class B:
Any single vehicle with a GVWR of more than 26,001 lbs., or combination vehicle as such towing less than 10,000 lbs.
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Class C:
Any single or combination vehicle that is not classified under either Class A or B, but is designed to carry either placarded hazardous materials or 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
Wiki - CDL - Commercial Driver's License
More information about the different classes of CDL.
What types of vehicles are exempt from the driver needing a CDL?
Drivers operating emergency response vehicles or snow and ice removal vehicles are generally exempt from needing a CDL. Most military drivers are also exempt from the requirements, with the exception of the U.S. Reserve.
Operators of farm vehicles that meet certain criteria do not need a CDL. They must be driving a vehicle specifically used for farming, not be driving for a carrier, and stay within 150 miles of their farm.
FMCSA - Harvesting and beekeepers.
Generally, those drivers involved in the harvesting of crops or transportation of bees will be excepted from having a CDL.
FMCSA - General CMV exceptions.
Covering CDL requirement exceptions for farm workers, military drivers, emergency vehicle drivers, and snow or ice removers.
Recreational Vehicles: State CDl Manuals & Links to Motor Vehicle Departments.
Each state may treat personal recreational vehicles (RV's) differently in regards to what kind or class of license a driver needs in order to operate the vehicle.
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