I Need Clarification About Farmers Needing CDL To Drive Their Own Equipment

Hi Everyone

I have to retake the permit tests and noticed this in the training:

"NOTE: For the drivers of truck-tractor semitrailers, the farmer, his or her spouse and their children, parents on both sides, brothers and sisters on both sides and their spouses operating a truck-tractor semitrailer and meeting the above criteria also are exempted from the CDL Program. These drivers must be at least age 21, and the vehicle must have Farm plates. These drivers are still required to take the appropriate CDL written, skills and road tests to be licensed."

So if you (the farmer and relatives) are exempted from the CDL Program, why do you still have to take the CDL written, skills, and road tests?

And if its still required, you might as well pay the fee and get your CDL...

I realize this is a minor question but am I misreading this?

Thanks!

I know in Michigan there is a farm equipment endorsement. It allows you to operate farm equipment on public roadways. My guess is that would be a similar reason. They would only be allowed to operate a tractor-trailer for delivery of their own goods as well.

Here are the basic regulations:

• Controlled and operated by a farmer, a member of the farmerʼs family or an employee;
• Used to transport farm products, equipment or supplies to or from a farm (including nurseries and aquacultures);
• Used within 150 air miles of the farm; and
• Not used in the operations of a common or contract carrier; and
• Used in nursery or agricultural operations.

It can vary from state to state I believe. But basically if you're driving a truck owned by your farm and you're only transporting your own goods within 150 miles of the farm. You'd have to check with the DMV in your state to clarify the situation better.