If you are considering a career in construction or heavy equipment operation, you may be wondering “Do you need a CDL to drive a dump truck?”. The answer is: It depends on your dump truck’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). You do need a Commercial Driver’s License to drive a dump truck when its GVWR exceeds 26,000 pounds to ensure that you are comprehensively fit for the tasks and you are able to ensure safety on the road. On the other hand, if your vehicle has a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less, a CDL is unnecessary.
Understanding CDL requirements for dump trucks is crucial for both aspiring drivers and employers in the industry. In this blog post, we will thoroughly discover whether you need to acquire a Commercial Driver’s License to drive a dump truck, and how to successfully get it. Now let’s scroll down and ace the driving career!
Do you need a CDL to drive a dump truck?
The answer is: It depends. Specifically, a Commercial Driver’s License is of no use if your vehicle’s GVWR is under 26,000 pounds. However, if the GVWR of your dump truck is 26,000 pounds or more, you are required to obtain a CDL to legally drive it.
Depending on your dump truck’s specific weight and size, class A CDL or class B CDL will be required.
- Class A: Required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the towed vehicle is heavier than 10,000 pounds.
- Class B: Required to operate any single vehicle that isn’t hitched to a trailer with a combined weight greater than 26,000 pounds, as well as trucks with a detached towed cargo vehicle that weighs less than 10,000 pounds.
Class C is normally not suitable for driving a dump truck as it only applies for vehicles with GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds or a vehicle towing another vehicle that weighs less than 10,000 pounds.
Typically, driving a dump truck with a CDL class B is sufficient; however, class A is not a bad choice for those desiring greater opportunity in driving career.
Besides the basic CDL class, certain endorsements may be required to operate dump trucks in specialized contexts. Here are some common tests and endorsements you might need:
- Air Brakes: Required to operate vehicles with air brake system, commonly found on most modern dump trucks.
- Combination vehicles: Needed if you plan to drive a dump truck with a trailer over 10,000 pounds GVWR.
- Hazardous Materials (H endorsement): Required for hauling hazardous materials like waste or chemicals in the dump truck.
Want to know more about H endorsement on CDL? Drop by here to see the details!
- Tank Vehicles (N endorsement): Required for dump trucks designed to transport liquids, such as those carrying septic tanks.
Continue reading about the N endorsement to know whether you need it.
It is important to note that endorsements needed may vary based on the materials transported and the state’s regulation; therefore, you are recommended to consult your state’s DMV for a full list of endorsements applicable to your dump truck.
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How to get a CDL for a dump truck?
The very first step to get a CDL for your dump truck is to determine which class license your dump truck needs to be operated. Normally, driving a dump truck will require a class A CDL or class B. The next steps need completed are:
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- Meet eligibility requirements: age requirement (you must be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving (within your state) or 21 for interstate driving), proof of US residency, Medical Examination certificate and passing a vision test.
- Acquire the Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP): Schedule and pass a written knowledge test to get your CLP. With a CLP, you can practice driving a dump truck under the supervision of a licensed CDL holder for at least 14 days, per Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules.
- Complete the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT): For those obtaining class A or class B for the first time, they must complete the ELDT organized by the FMCSA.
- Pass the skills test: Schedule your CDL road test, which includes three parts: a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic control test, and an on-road driving test. Passing this test demonstrates your ability to safely operate a dump truck in various driving conditions.
- Get your actual CDL: Pay fees and obtain your Commercial Driver’s License.
Now that you have your CDL in hand, it is time to ace your dump truck driving career!
FAQs
1. What is the biggest dump truck without CDL?
The biggest dump truck you can drive without a CDL typically has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) under 26,000 pounds. Trucks over this limit usually require a Commercial Driver’s License as they are classified as commercial vehicles.
2. What CDL do you need to drive a dump truck?
Most dump trucks require a Class B CDL, which covers single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or more. This is the standard license for most larger dump trucks. If the dump truck is pulling a trailer and the combined weight exceeds 26,001 pounds, a Class A CDL is needed. In addition, it is worth noting that if your dump truck’s GVWR is under 26,000 pounds you do not need a CDL to drive it.
Final thoughts
When considering “Do you need a CDL to drive a dump truck?”, it typically depends on the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). A CDL is generally required if the dump truck’s GVWR is 26,001 pounds or higher. For dump trucks under 26,000 pounds, a CDL is not needed. It is recommended that you should check state requirements to ensure compliance and safe operation on the road. Should anything be confusing, leave your questions below for further discussion.
