Truck Driving Laws?

Question

If I want to go OTR, Interstate, what are the laws that I need to check into? Are all the States the same?

Answer 1

In United States you cannot drive a truck without having Commercial Driver's License (CDL). You need to get commercial driving license for operating a CMV with a gross vehicle weight rating in excess of 26,000 pounds.

For Acquiring a CDL, you will have to go through a skills test (pre-trip inspection and driving test), and knowledge test (written) judging the unique handling qualities of driving a large, heavily loaded 18-wheeler. It requires the mechanical systems to operate such a vehicle (air brakes, suspension, cargo securement, et al.). You must be declared fit by medical examination no less than every two years.

A person must be at least 18 years of age to get a CDL. Drivers under age 21 are restricted to operating within their state of licensing (intrastate operation). Many major trucking companies has set a pattern for driver applicants to be at least 23 years of age, with a year of experience, while others will hire and train new drivers as long as they have a clean driving history.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT) stipulates the various classes of CDLs and associated licensing and operational requirements and limitations.

• Class A - Any combination of vehicles with a GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) of 26,001 or more pounds provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.

• Class B - Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR.

• Class C - Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is placarded for hazardous materials.

A CDL can also contain separate endorsements required to operate certain trailers or to haul certain cargo.These endorsements are noted on the CDL and often appear in advertisements outlining the requirements for employment.

• T - Double/Triple Trailers (Knowledge test only)

• P - Passenger (Knowledge and Skills Tests. Required for Bus drivers.)

• N - Tank Vehicle (Knowledge Test only)

• H - Hazardous Materials (Knowledge Test only, also requires fingerprint and background check since the 9/11 terror attacks)

• X - Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials