Do I need a CDL?

[rjkobbeman]

If the GCVWR is less than 26001 lbs on a truck trailer unit, you do not need a CDL or a Class A license. The wording on most DMV sites leaves a lot to be desired.

I got into a huge argument with an American friend of mine over this regulation. For in Ontario, if the trailer exceeds 10,000 lbs you absolutely have to have your Class A.

What do you mean by this statement:

you do not need a CDL or a Class A license

A Class A license is a CDL, isn't it?

 

[Soundguy]

perhaps in the frozen north they call them something different?

soundguy

 

[Duffster]

I hope somebody can help me with this. I live In Pa, and was looking at getting a gooseneck to pull my bobcat. My truck GVW is 9,200 and unladen weight of truck is 6,249. The trailer I was looking at is a GVW of 14,000 and unladen weight of 5,200. My bobcat is around 6,600. Do I need to have a CDL to be legal?

Didn't you get an answer on the other site. LOL.

NO.

 

[Duffster]

What do you mean by this statement:

you do not need a CDL or a Class A license

A Class A license is a CDL, isn't it?

Some states have both Commercial and Noncommercial class A's.

 

[Duffster]

What's the gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of your truck? That's the number you need to figure out if you're overweight.

Then you need to check the axle ratings of your truck to see if the tongue load of that GN trailer with your Bobcat load exceeds the rear axle load rating.

None of these numbers have anything to do with the question at hand.

 

[captaincrab55]

In most states if your combined truck and trailer weight is under 26,000 you don't need a CDL.

But a DOT card may be required to drive a Vehicle or Combination over 10,000 lbs...

 

[HK45]

Duffster, I posted on the Diesel place to. The only answer was NO. Ok so if I'm not over 26,000 I don't need a CDL.

 

[wallace]

Duffster, I posted on the Diesel place to. The only answer was NO. Ok so if I'm not over 26,000 I don't need a CDL.

That is correct. You should however make sure your tow vehicle is licensed for combination weight cause if you don't you may be sited for over your licensed weight!

 

[Duffster]

Duffster, I posted on the Diesel place to. The only answer was NO. Ok so if I'm not over 26,000 I don't need a CDL.

Correct but like the previous poster stated you still may need a Med card and the the jive that goes with it.

 

[George2615]

Attached is the NY State rules for whether you need a CDL or not. If you read the class D (regular drivers license) info you will see you may operate any truck and trailer combination up to 26,000 without a CDL or need for a DOT card.
Your state may vary and most have similar info to this on their sites.