Do you need a cdl for a not for hire truck?

Answer 1

Being "not for hire" does not necessarily exempt it from requiring a CDL. It can still be a commercial vehicle and not be for hire.

For a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or a combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating of 26,001 lbs. or higher, and CDL is required in all but the following instances:

Registered Farm Vehicles

• Must be registered as a farm vehicle.
• Must be used only for the purposes of that farm.
• Must not be hired out on a third party basis.
• Must be operated within a 150 air mile radius of the farm it belongs to.
• Must be operated by the farmer, immediate family members of the farmer, or direct (W2) employees of the farmer.

Military Vehicles:

• Must be vehicles still in military service - a decommissioned military vehicle owned by a civilian or civil agency is not considered a military vehicle.
• Must be operated by military personnel in the course of military duties.
• Drivers must be properly licensed through military authorities.
• Drivers operating military vehicles on public roadways must still possess a valid drivers license.

Recreational Vehicles:

• Must be used only for private, recreational purposes.
• Must not be operated on a for-hire basis.

Firefighting/First Response Vehicles:

• Must be in active service of a fire department or other emergency first response agency.
• Must be operated by firefighters or first responders in the course of their duties.

If the vehicle you're operating does not fall under one of those exemptions, it requires a CDL if:

1. It is a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or a Combination of Vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating in excess of 26,000 lbs.
2. It is a vehicle, of any weight class, which is transporting hazardous materials in any quantities which require placards to be displayed in accordance with CFR 49.
3. It is a vehicle, of any weight class, which is a bus designed to transport more than 15 persons (including the driver). This holds true whether or not the bus is transporting passengers.

Bear in mind that, for vehicles which fall under the exemptions from requiring a CDL, licensing requirements are left to the states, and will vary greatly between the different states. Thus, even if a vehicle doesn't require a CDL, there is a possibility that an upgraded non-CDL license may be required. Additionally, if it's a commercial use vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating in excess of 10,000 lbs., you will need a valid DOT medical card.