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CDL License Requirements

In order to determine if you need a CDL license, you need, you need to understand how the Gross Vehichle Weight Rating (GVWR) is determined. First, the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for each vehicle is established by the truck and trailer manufacturers for their equipment. For licensing purposes, your combined GVWR is determined by adding the Manufacturer's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of your Truck plus the Manufacturer's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of your trailer.

When do I need a CDL?
    A Class A CDL License is required when the combination of the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) totals 26,001 or more provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.

    A Class B CDL License is required for any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR.

    A Class C CDL License is required for 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.

EXAMPLES:
    CDL requirements BEGIN at 26,001 lbs but gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) on the trailer will determine whether you need a Class A or Class B CDL. The GVWR of the trailer must be 10,001 lbs or more to fall under Class A CDL.

    Example 1: Truck GVWR 11,000 lbs. + Trailer GVWR 13,000 lbs. = GCWR 24,000 lbs. - NO CDL required

    Example 2 : Truck GVWR 11,000 lbs. + Trailer GVWR 15,500 lbs. = GCWR 26,500 lbs. - Class A CDL required

    Example 3: Straight Truck GVWR 28,000 lbs. = GCWR 28,000 lbs. - Class B CDL required

Important Information!!
    It is extremely important to be aware that the combined GVWR of your truck and trailer determines the proper licensing. It is not what you happen to weigh when you are stopped at scale. You risk being subjected to heavy fines if, in fact, the manufacturers combined GVWR for your equipment is over 26,000 pounds and you are not licensed properly, regardless of what you happen to scale when you are weighed.
Endorsements and Restrictions
    Drivers who operate special types of CMVs also need to pass additional tests to obtain any of the following endorsements on their CDL:

    • 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)
    • X - Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials

    If a driver either fails the air brake component of the general knowledge test or performs the skills test in a vehicle not equipped with air brakes, the driver is issued an air brake restriction, restricting the driver from operating a CMV equipped with air brakes.
Penalties
    The Federal penalty to a driver who violates the CDL requirements is a civil penalty of up to $2,500 or, in aggravated cases, criminal penalties of up to $5,000 in fines and/or up to 90 days in prison. An employer is also subject to a penalty of up to $10,000, if he or she knowingly uses a driver to operate a CMV without a valid CDL.

More information from the FMCSA website.

 
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