Special Licenses

Who Needs a Commercial License ?

You'll need to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) if you intend to drive any of the following:

• A vehicle whose actual, registered, or gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is over 26,000 pounds and is towing a vehicle with an actual, registered, or GVWR of over 10,000 pounds (class A license)

• A vehicle whose actual, registered, or GVWR is over 26,000 pounds and is not towing another vehicle with a GVWR over 10,000 pounds (class B license)

• A vehicle weighing under 26,000 pounds and designed to either transport at least 16 people (including the driver) or carry hazardous materials (class C license)

If you need to apply for a CDL, be sure to check our informative articles on commercial driving.

Certain driving professions require having endorsements in addition to a CDL, while others don't require a CDL. We'll sort out some common scenarios below.

School Bus Drivers

To transport children in a school bus, you need to have a CDL plus a passenger ("P") and a school bus ("S") endorsement.

Shuttle Bus Drivers

Shuttle buses come in a variety of styles and sizes and are used in many different ways. Drivers may need to obtain a CDL, along with a passenger or other endorsements. Check with the potential employer to find out what is needed for the particular situation.

Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs

While there aren't any special statewide requirements for operating a taxi or limousine, local jurisdictions may impose additional stipulations. So, check with your local government to be sure.

Sport Vehicle Drivers

You don't need to have a special license to operate an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or off-road vehicle (ORV).

While you don't need a license, you do need to buy a permit to operate these vehicles on the state's public lands.