Mitkof
Bronze Member
I just renewed my CDL and I had to go back home and get my US Passport to show them. Seemed weird, they give a stnd driver license to people in country illegally, but I have to show my Passport to renew my CDL.
Who has their Class A CDL?
- Thread starter dieselcrawler
- Start date
- Views: 26267
QRTRHRS
Elite Member
First time I have heard of this? Anyone else know anything about needing a passport to renew?
Mitkof
Bronze Member
I was told it's either my Passport or a Certified Birth Certificate. I'd never heard of this before and I've had my CDL since early 80s.
You are correct for Texas but watch not only your actual weight but your manufacturers weight rating.
I have a dually with a GVWR of 13,025. To pull a 14k rated trailer with this truck even if the trailer was completely empty would require a class A CDL. The combined gross weight would probably be 14k well under 26 but because of the weight ratings it is an over 26k combination.
Copperhead
Veteran Member
Well, just a stickler here... the CDL did not come into existence until 1991 to meet the new federal mandate in 1992. You might have had a Chauffer's license or similar, but the CDL did not exist before 1991. I was one of the first drivers to get the new CDL in August of 1991. Before that, was Chauffer's license stuff. I wanted to beat the rush to get the required CDL by April of 1992 when the regulation went into full effect.
It does seem strange about a passport or birth certificate. I renewed mine this last year and didn't need any of that stuff.
DK35vince
Super Member
News to me.
I don't recall ever having a chauffer's license.
Took my class B CDL test in a triaxle dump truck in the early 80's and took my class A CDL test in the early 90's.
Copperhead
Veteran Member
Right. The Federal regulations regarding CDL, which must be applied to all state licensing agencies, is that if the towed vehicle or trailer has a RATED rating of 10,001 lb or more, then that requires a Class A. Doesn't matter what the actual weight at the time is. If the towed vehicle or trailer has a rated weight of 10,000 or less, even if the total gross of the power unit and the trailer exceed 26,001 lb, then a Class B is the one. If towed vehicle or trailer has a gross rating of less then 10K, and the combination is less than 26K, then a Class C is the required CDL. This all does not necessarily apply to private users pulling their own stuff, like a 1 ton dually pulling a 13K RV trailer on vacation. But if it is for commercial use, even private commercial use, then this all applies.
Sound clear as mud? It is to a lot of folks.
wcampbell47
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Jul 21, 2009
- Messages
- 697
- Location
- Texas Coast
- Tractor
- Kubota L3901 ASV Compact Tracked Loader
I am seeing a number of tandem axle dual wheel trailers showing up on Craigs List for sale and I am guessing just for this reason. I have been told that troopers are paying a lot more attention to this dually gooseneck combo now which requires DOT numbers, except maybe in some farm applications. Trailers have to be inspected yearly which requires a VIN. It took me 4 months to get a shop built trailer legal. So far I have been careful to select a truck and trailer that keeps me under the requirements for CDL and DOT.
To get the CDL there are four or five written tests then you must take a road test in a vehicle of the class of the license you are wanting. For example if you want a class a CDL without and air brake restriction you need to take the test in a combo over 26k with a trailer over 10k with air brakes. You also will need a medical card before they let you take the road test.
The CDL is just the tip of the iceberg though unless you are driving for someone else. If you want to run your own vehicle over 26k and are not covered under a farm or RV exemption be prepared for a TON of paperwork. DOT numbers, UCR registration, IFTA, IRP, annual commercial inspections on trucks and trailers, drug testing, driver qualification, commercial insurance, etc.
