General CDL questions for those that have 'em

[newbury]

1. If one has a CDL and is just driving personal stuff does the person have to do all the CDL things? Keep a log, can only drive so many hours, etc.

For example I just drove 14 hours from Mississippi, but on occasion with bad weather etc. it's taken 17 hours.

2. Are all States CDL tests the same?

3. Does getting a CDL almost automatically raise your insurance?

My cousin-in-law was asking if I could help drive his cattle to market in a 14K trailer.

 

[Smallplot]

CDL is only for Commercial Vehicle. If you are not driving something that qualifies as a commercial vehicle then you don't have to run logs or have any hours restrictions. Depending on what you do - based in interstate or intrastate and how far you go you may not be required to run log book anyhow.

Your driver's license is not what is insured so you insurance will not go up with just getting a CDL endorsement on your driver's license.

While all question may not be the same, The CDL has been adopted nation wide and thus will have to meet nationwide requirements.

 

[rsewill]

You can drive all you want in a non-CDL situation like you describe and then still drive 11 hours in a CDL situation. You need to be rested and not drive tired.

 

[timster2]

Driving a vehicle that requires a CDL will require following the rules and restrictions on your license. Driving a non CDL vehicle there is no need for all the paperwork etc.

Be aware that there are changes coming to your CDL in the next few years. In the past if you were using a CDL you were required to carry a current medical card with it. Changes coming to the license will have your medical card on file and accessible to law enforcement via their computers, you will no longer be required to carry the medical card. Making this change will require those that have a CDL, but are not currently driving or intend to drive a vehicle requiring a CDL, to declare this in writing to their licensing authority. You can change your declaration as needed by getting a physical and filing the forms. As usual there is a bureaucratic encumbrance involved with exemptions and exceptions.

In PA if you don't file the proper paper work as required, on time, your license will be automatically downgraded and if you want your CDL back you will have to start over from scratch, learners permit, road test, etc.

 

[sam5570]

the my cousin in law deal could possibly be your worst night mare believe me i have seen it happen just depends on how the cops what to do it. if you have a wreck on the way to market or where ever hauling someone elses goods depending on how big a butts they want to be they can charge you with not having afederal motor carrier permit and a us dot permit. all of this is required when you are hauling for a fee. it gets very complicated.just make sure you owe cousin a favor and no checks or written.

 

[wykubotaguy]

Do be aware that having a cdl automatically gets you higher fines even if your driving a non-commercial vehicle ( 10 mile an hour over in a car gets you the 10 mile hour rate in a semi etc....

 

[Ductape]

Do be aware that having a cdl automatically gets you higher fines even if your driving a non-commercial vehicle ( 10 mile an hour over in a car gets you the 10 mile hour rate in a semi etc....

And don't forget blowing a .04 instead of a .08 for an OUI.

Personally..... if you aren't making driving professionally your bread and butter, I'd steer real clear of a CDL. Just creates more issues where there doesn't need to be any.

 

[newbury]

Thanks guys for the replies.

I generally drive tired for the last hour or so of the trip, I've been driving for 13 hours plus. Luckily both "ends" of my trip end on Parkways for about 30 to 60 minutes. So I go from a traffic speed of 70-75 to 50-55. Kinda gives a "wind down period".

But stopping in a motel costs about a half tank of fuel, plus I need to secure my load from theft.

I think I'll put off the CDL until I have to.

 

[Groo]

Do be aware that having a cdl automatically gets you higher fines even if your driving a non-commercial vehicle ( 10 mile an hour over in a car gets you the 10 mile hour rate in a semi etc....

I've never heard of that one, or the .04 BAC either. For one thing I am pretty sure it is .02 in a commercial vehicle.

You can have a Class A or B endorsement with an operator's license.
state tests are different, but they are fairly comparable.
to haul the cattle trailer, there is no need for a CDL, unless you are getting paid for it.

 

[56FordGuy]

I've never heard of that one, or the .04 BAC either. For one thing I am pretty sure it is .02 in a commercial vehicle.

You can have a Class A or B endorsement with an operator's license.
state tests are different, but they are fairly comparable.
to haul the cattle trailer, there is no need for a CDL, unless you are getting paid for it.

.04 in TN last I checked.