While most states do not require a cdl for driving large rv s some do require special non commercial licenses structured after the federal classification.
Do you need cdl for rv with air brakes.
And the good news is in the majority of cases no you do not need a special license to drive an rv.
That said there are some more specific rv license requirements to keep an eye on depending on the total weight of the vehicle and the state you re planning to drive it in.
A truck with a gvw of 26 000lbs is pretty close to being useless to carry any heavy loads legally you could only carry 4 ton on a f 650 where a f 550 can darn near do the same legally.
The two classes applicable to rv s are a b which are defined below.
No form of airbrakes and you are applying for your first cdl you will be given an l restriction.
Depends on the truck.
If you have a cdl with an l restriction and you test in a vehicle with air over hydraulic brakes you will be upgraded from an l to a z restriction.
In addition the gross vehicle weight rating and gross vehicle combination weight rating of vehicles that a driver can operate with a class d license increased the non cdl class c license will be eliminated after the dmv changes the driver license system and can apply.
Air over hydraulic brakes and you are applying for your first cdl you will be given a z.
According to the federal motor carrier and safety administration you do not need a cdl with air brake endorsement to drive a vehicle that is under 26 000 gvwr that has air brakes.
States have reciprocal agreements on driver s licenses so if you have the proper license in your home state you should be ok with it across the country.
We have linked a source where available so that you can further investigate what your state requires.
I know in my state a cdl is not required for a rv that is being used as a recreation vehicle.
Having a endorsement allows you to operate air brakes on a single axle with any gvw but you need a cdl to operate a tandem or a combination vehical.
Under a new york state law that took effect on july 26 2005 the dmv eliminated the non cdl class c license.
Once you have a cdl one must have all needed endorsements for the truck that you are in control of.
Which is not exactly a cdl a or b.
For example rvs often have air brakes.
With a chauffeurs license one can operate a truck up to your rating with air brakes.