Do I need a CDL for my Service Truck?
Nov 07, 2008
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a Commercial Motor Vehicle is:
"A motor vehicle designed or regularly used to carry freight, merchandise, or more than ten passengers, whether loaded or empty, including buses, but not including vehicles used for vanpools, or recreational vehicles operating under their own power."
A CDL is needed when operating a service truck or service vehicle that meets any of the following:
- A GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of 26,001 pounds or more
- Designated to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver
- Placarded for hazardous materials
For more details please visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
What Should I Expect for My CDL Test?
While each state develops their own testing procedure, they have to meet or exceed the Federal standards. Here is the minimum requirement:
- A 30 question or more general knowledge test
- A grade of 80% or higher on the general knowledge test and all other testing
- A skill test in a vehicle representative of the service truck the applicant operates or is going to operate. Here are the basic required skills.