What special license do you need to drive a passenger van?

Answer 1

That depends on the usage, number of passengers, and your jurisdiction. In the US, anyone can drive a non-commercial 15 passenger van (such as a Ford Club Wagon) on a regular drivers license. When it comes to driving passengers on a for-hire basis, it gets a bit more complicated.

In some states, you can operate up to a 15 passenger van with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 26,000 lbs. or less on a regular drivers license when transporting passengers on a for-hire basis. In other states, a chauffeur's license is required for taxi drivers, limo drivers, and drivers of passenger vans designed for up to 15 persons (this number includes the driver). You'll need to check with your state to see which applies in your instance.

A passenger vehicle designed to transport more than 15 persons (again, including the driver) and with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 26,000 lbs. or less will require a Class C CDL with P (passenger) endorsement.

A passenger vehicle designed to transport more than 15 persons (one again, including the driver) and with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of more than 26,000 lbs. will require a Class B CDL with passenger endorsement.

ALL vehicles transporting school children will require an S endorsement, which is a passenger endorsement that also includes a background check.