Do you need a CDL to drive a 26000 GVW truck with airbrakes?

Answer 1

Assuming this is a commercial use vehicle, and not a registered farm vehicle or recreational vehicle (which are exempt from CDL requirements), the answer is no, unless:

• It is a bus designed to transport more than 15 persons (including the driver). In this case, it would require a minimum Class C CDL with passenger endorsement, and no air brake restriction.
• It is a vehicle transporting a quantity of hazardous materials which requires placards to be displayed on the outside of the vehicle. In this case, it would require a minimum Class C CDL with hazmat endorsement, and no air brake restriction.
• It has a trailer in tow. Once you attach a trailer to a 26k GVWR truck, you've created a combination with a Gross Combination Weight Rating of more than 26,000 lbs. A Class B CDL would be required if the weight rating of the trailer is 10,000 lbs. or less, and a Class A CDL would be required if the weight rating of the trailer is in excess of 10,000 lbs.

If the vehicle ends up requiring a CDL, you must take the written air brakes test at the DMV along with all the other written tests for your CDL, and you must perform your road test in a vehicle equipped with air brakes. Otherwise, you receive a restriction on your CDL which prohibits you from operating a commercial vehicle equipped with air brakes.