Do You Need a CDL to Own a Dump Truck? Let’s Find Out!

Do you want to buy a dump truck? Do you know if you need a special driver’s license? It can be a little hard to know. This easy guide will help you. We will talk about the Commercial Driver’s License, or CDL . We will look at when you need one and when you don’t.

Owning vs. Driving: It’s a Big Deal!

First, know this: owning a dump truck is not the same as driving one. You can own a dump truck and not have a CDL . But if you want to drive it, you might need a CDL. It depends on how big the dump truck is…

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When Do You Need a CDL to Drive a Dump Truck?

Let’s talk about the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, or GVWR . This is how much the truck can weigh when it is full.

If the GVWR is 26,001 pounds or more, you need a CDL to drive it .
If the GVWR is 26,000 pounds or less, you do not need a CDL .

It’s like this: Big trucks need a CDL. Small trucks do not.

Different CDL Classes for Dump Trucks

There are different kinds of CDLs.

Class B CDL: You need this for a dump truck that does not pull a trailer . Most dump trucks need a Class B CDL .
Class A CDL: if your pulling a trailer.

Non-CDL Dump Trucks

It might be helpful to check out a High-Capacity Carbon Steel Refueling Truck
Some dump trucks are small. You do not need a CDL to drive these. One good one is the Ford F-450.

Getting a CDL

If you need a CDL, you must learn how to drive a big truck.

You must have a basic drivers license.
You will take a test.
The test has two big parts:
- A written test.
- A driving test.

Legal Stuff You Should know

Big trucks like dump trucks must follow rules.

Always display DOT numbers on the company dump trucks .
Make sure all trucks can pass check-ups.

Helpful Table: CDL Requirements for Owning vs. Driving a Dump Truck

Key Thing to Think About	What You Need to Know
Owning vs. Driving	You do not need a CDL to own a dump truck. But, you may need a CDL to drive it, if it is big.
GVWR	If the GVWR is 26,001 pounds or more, you need a CDL (Class B). If the GVWR is 26,000 pounds or less, you do not (like a Ford F-450).
Non-CDL Trucks	Ford F-450. Also, mini dump trucks .
CDL Exceptions	Farm trucks, if they meet some rules . Army,and rescue vehicle. If you drive on your land, you might not need a CDL.
Class B CDL	You must be 18 or older. You must pass a written test. You must pass a driving test. You need a doctor to say you are fit to drive.
Not Following the Rules	If you drive a big dump truck and you do not have a CDL, you can get a big fine.
Extra Permits	Trucks 30 feet long, 8.5 feet wide, or 13.5 feet tall might need extra passes.
State Rules	Each state has there own rules, so look them up, they might be different

Summing It All Up

You can see these rules help keep use safe.

Owning a dump truck does NOT mean you need a CDL .
Driving one might need a CDL, if it is big .
Some trucks, like farm trucks, do not need a CDL .
you can consider looking at a vehicle such as an Edible Oil Transport Truck.
you may want to checkout a smaller Fuel Truck – 12.6m³ Diesel Engine.