When do I need a CDL License ?

How do I know if I need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)?

You will need to obtain a CDL if your vehicle falls into the following categories:

• Combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing that gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle/trailer  being towed is more than 10,000 pounds. So, for example, if your truck weights 11,000 pounds and your  trailer has a GVWR of more than 15,000 pounds, you would be required to obtain a CDL.
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  • Don’t get puzzled on the line of the CDL fact sheet, "a) a combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds" and determine all trailers over 10000# require a CDL, in which case that is often wrong. A 9900# GVWR trailer would need to be pulled by a truck exceeding 16100# GVWR to have a GCWR over 26000# and will need a CDL.
  • A 14000# GVWR trailer would need to be pulled by a truck exceeding 12000# GVWR to have a GCWR over 26000# requiring a CDL.  Most newer model 2500 series trucks are under 11000# with some older models in the upper 8000's.  If you want to stay within 26000# and need to buy a 14000# trailer, a 3/4 ton 2500 series truck or a 1 ton single wheel 3500 series truck would work best regarding legalities as they most likely keep you within the 26000# mark.  Be aware that 1 ton dually 3500 Series trucks will put you over 26000# requiring a CDL as the trucks are normally over 12000# GVWR. 
• Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds. Each state has their own set of regulations in addition to federal requirements for a CDL, so it is important to research and understand the laws in your respective state before applying for a CDL.

 1 GCWR IS THE VALUE SPECIFIED BY THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE MANUFACTURER: HTTPS://WWW.FMCSA.DOT. GOV/REGULATIONS/RULEMAKING/2012-21017.

2 GVWR AND GCWR ARE MANUFACTURER DESIGNATED WEIGHTS, NOT THE LOADED WEIGHTS FROM THE BILL OF LADING OR THE SCALED WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE.

GVWR - Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the maximum rated weight of the vehicle and cargo, including passengers. GVWR may be applied to trucks or trailers, but not the two combined (this is a separate rating, the gross combined weight rating or GCWR).

Medical Card: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/medical https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/medical 

UCR Registration: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/medical 

FMCSA (Do I need a DOT number?):  https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/do-i-need-usdot-number