2005 Model Commercial Driver’s License Manual Section 1 INTRODUCTION Do You Need a CDl? Section 1 - Introduction Page 1-1  This Section Covers There is a federal requirement that each state have minimum standards for the licensing of commercial drivers This manual provides driver license testing information for drivers who wish to have a commercial driver license (CDL). This manual does NoT provide information on all the federal and state  requirements needed before you can drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). you may have to contact your state driver licensing authority for additional information. You must have a CDL to operate: (Your state may have additional definitions of CMVs.) To get a CDL, you must pass knowledge and skills tests. This manual will help you pass the tests. This  manual is not a substitute for a truck driver training class or program. Formal training is the most reliable way to learn the many special skills required for safely driving a large commercial vehicle and becoming a professional driver in the trucking industry. Figure 1.1 helps you determine if you need a CDL. NOTe: A bus may be Class A, B, or C depending on whether the GVWR is over 26,001 pounds or is a combination vehicle. • Commercial Driver license Tests • Driver Disqualifications • Other Safety Rules • Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. • A combination vehicle with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds, if the trailer(s) has a GVWR of 10,001 or more pounds. • A vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver). • Any size vehicle which requires hazardous material placards or is carrying material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR part 73. Federal regulations through the Department of homeland Security require a background check and fingerprinting for the Hazardous Materials endorsement. Contact your local department of driver licensing for more information. Figure 1.1 No No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Does the vehicle or combination of vehicles have a manufacturer’s weight rating (GVWR) over 26,000 pounds? Is the vehicle a combination vehicle towing a unit over 10,000 pounds GVWR? You need a Class A CDl. You need a Class B CDl. You need a Class C CDl. You need a Class C CDl. You DO NOT need a CDl. Does the single vehicle have a GVWR over 26,000 pounds? Is the vehicle designed to carry 16 or more people (including the driver)? Does the vehicle require hazardous meterial placards or transport a select agent or toxin?