Cdl?

[dberry]

Just wondering how many people do and don't have a CDL. I did not realize when I bought my trailer that I had to have a class A CDL even if I drive around empty everyday. Truck = 8800 lbs, trailer = 20000 lbs = 28800 GCGVW. I'm sure this is true for every state. I know someone that got caught in Ohio, did not get in trouble, but was not allowed to move the truck. I'm not taking any chances, I'm getting mine. Just wanted to hear everyones take on this. thanks!

 

[RobertBolinger]

In NC you have to have a class A CDL if you pull a trailer over 10K, unless it's an RV, or for farm use-farm use is limited to 20 miles from the farm.

 

[Hudsonhawk]

In Texas, as long as you are not commercial you do not need a CDL. You still need a Class A non-CDL license though.

 

[amillstream]

I live in WV and have a CDL farm exemption. I can only haul for myself and have to stay within 150 miles of the farm when pulling my 18000 GVW trailer. (Truck is 11000 and trailer is 18000, 29000 combined)

 

[DHawthorne]

In Florida you don't need a CDL unless your combined is greater than 25k. There's two types, A, articulated and non-articulated.

The drivers license isssue here runs from Class A to Class E. Class E being a Car. Over length, like in towing a fifth wheel does require a Class D license. More stuff on the test.



Dave

 

[EB]

If your combined registered gross wt. is over 26,001 lbs. you are required to have a CDL according to DOT regulations. I have had to go to a weigh station and drive a fellows truck to its destination because he didn't have a CDL.

 

[MMiller]

I have my CDL to drive semi truck. I don't necessarily have it because of what I tow. I so far stay out of trouble in that department because I just haul my toys. I haul heavy, but not for income, or part of work, just for fun.



Michael

 

[sewman]

I was going down a hill in CT. a couple of years ago & wasn't watching my speed DOT tols me 84 in a 55,he also asked for my med card,DOT#,logbook I said HUH? He said yes since my gvw is over 10,500 I'm supposed to have it!Why because I had a 12' trailer with the business name on it. I was hauling for $$$ So I was fined for speeding @ the trucker rate of something like $320. 00,told to pull in the rest stop & take a 4hr break,he also mentioned 1 more mph & he would've taken me away in handcuffs.

BUT he was a nice guy in the end he told he's gettng off work in 15 min & heading west & since I was going east I could do whatever I wanted cuz he was going home.

So now I got a 16' v-nose hauler w/o any lettering & watch my speed,so far so good.

Bob

 

[jimnance]

A recreational vehicle used for personal recreation is not subject to DOT commercial regulations. Generally, with respect to licensing requirements the regulations in the state in which your license was issued will apply. Some peace officers are under the impression that commercial regulations apply to us, but they clearly do not.



In fact, I would question whether a peace officer could require you to go to a weigh station.



It would be helpful to keep a copy of your states vehicle code in your vehicle in the event you are pulled over and there was some question as to whether you were properly licensed.



I've found that many officers just don't understand that laws that pertain to RV's all that well.



As far as maintaining a log book or complying with Federal Hours of Service Regulations they simply do not apply! They only apply to trucks engaged in commercial transport.

 

[dberry]

I was refeering to trailers other than campers and RVs.

 

[QRTRHRS]

A few years ago, I had registered my 14k gooseneck flatbed at 10k to avoid the CDL. I soon realized that with a dry weight of about 4500lbs, that did not leave much legal leeway. I decided the trailer was to big at 25' with the 14k rating and I had reached a point where I was not using it as much so I sold it. I figured I would work towards getting my CDL and eventually get a 20k trailer which would better suit my needs.



While years ago I had a commercial license, I was not driving when the CDL came out so I never got it. Then I lost my job to outsourcing to China so I took the CDL class to update my skills. In my case, it was payed for so I figured it may come in handy. It has worked out since I can't find worthwhile work using my former skills, I am driving again.



This is what I think though: It's a real grey area with no easy answer. The system is not really set up for your 3500 Ram with a gooseneck with either electric or vacuum over hydraulic brakes. The schools are set up for big rig training and can be quite costly.



I do believe since traffic volumn is not lessening and "we" represent revenue, you will see changes and more stringent requirements. Safety is also a big issue with RV's getting larger and heavier.



Pay me now or pay me later comes to mind. As long as you plan on running heavier equipment, you may want to work something into your schedule.

 

[dberry]

I'm not going to school just so I can pull my trailer with my truck. I got the permit packet from BMV and am studying it and will practice maneuvering myself. I will have a class A with no endorsements, it isn't good for much more than pick-up and trailer but I will be legal!

 

[QRTRHRS]

You can find on line sites for practicing the written part. Here is one. http://www.layover.com/newbies/cdltest/

 

[dberry]

Thanks that is great.

 

[Fastang]

I'm in the same boat... I have a 2 car wedge trailer and I registered it at 9999 so that I can stay under cdl while I studying for the test but I'm real close on axle weight all the time esp if I have 2 trucks on... . I'm also going for the class A with no endorsements...

 

[dberry]

My trailer has a 20000 lbs gvw, if I was to derate it to 9999 lbs, I could only haul 4999 lbs. My trailer weights 5000 so I wouldn't be able to haul much, not even medium size tractors. I believe for me the CDL is the way to go.