There are various questions surrounding the need for a CDL, most especially by citizens who drive a bus, either for personal use or otherwise. No one wants to go against the law of the state. So, do you need a CDL to drive a school bus for personal use?
You do not need a CDL (Commercial Driving License) to drive a school bus that is for personal use because CDL is a license to drive commercially, so if the school bus is just for personal use with no commercial trip, CDL Regulations do not apply.
What Is A CDL?
A CDL (Commercial Driving License), is a license needed to operate or drive vehicles that are heavy or hazardous such as 18-wheeler trucks, tour buses, school buses, etc, that are for commercial purposes.
A commercial vehicle isn’t for everyone to drive. Aside from using the gear and the brakes, driving commercial vehicles requires exceptional skills and a much more focused mind to operate.
Before a CDL is issued to any driver, they must have completed the CDL training which includes a skill and road test.
There are different types of CDL. It is more like there are some specific CDL you need to drive certain trucks around the streets. As a driver, it is important you know this.
The three types of CDL are:
Class A CDL
Someone with a Class A CDL license can operate any combination vehicle with a weight of up to 26,000 pounds and even more.
Owning a Class a CDL allows you to operate a livestock carrier, tractor-trailer combinations, and a tank vehicle with a proper endorsement. A class A CDL is also allowed you to tow vehicles with above 10,000 pounds.
Class B CDL
Unlike the Class A CDL which allows you to drive a combination vehicle, a class B CDL only allows a single vehicle with at least a gross weight of about 26,000 pounds and even more.
If you have obtained the class B CDL and you’ve been certified, you can tow vehicles that are less than 10,000 pounds.
Examples of vehicles you can drive are large passenger buses, dump trucks, school buses, box trucks, segmented buses, etc.
Class C CDL
A driver with a class C CDL license is allowed to drive a Class C vehicle, which is mostly a 16-sitter bus or a vehicle that is recommended to transport hazardous materials.
More specific vehicles a class C CDL driver can operate include; a small passenger van, other combination vehicles lesser than that of CDL A and B, and Small HazMat Vehicles.
Class D Driving License
There is also a Class D driving license which covers cars and light trucks. Anyone with a Class D license can drive any passenger vehicle up to around 15 seats and is covered for private driving
Do You Need CDL To Drive A School Bus For Personal Use?
No, a CDL is a license meant for those who want to drive for “commercial” purposes. Therefore, since the school bus is registered for personal use and not intended for commercial trips, you do not need a CDL to drive the school bus.
But aside from not using it for commercial use, the gross weight of the vehicle and the brake type is also important, which most times will come with a questioning of what you need it for. Initially, if you buy a school bus, it will be registered as a commercial vehicle.
You need a CDL to drive if the school bus is registered for commercial use, but you can re-register it as personal use or a recreational vehicle.
You want to be sure you’re on the good side of the law as there are price tags for ignorance. You should check your state laws to be sure if you need a CDL to drive a school bus for personal use or not to avoid being charged for violating the law.
What Do You Need To Drive A School Bus For Personal Use?
As a driver who wants to begin to tour the street with a school bus, you should first have it in mind that you’re driving a commercial vehicle and unlike a non-commercial vehicle, you need a little more skill, activeness, strength, and more focus to be able to operate a commercial bus.
This is because of its size, weight, and break type. You sure want to have the skill so you don’t cause more damage while driving.
Driving a school bus even for personal use will require you to have the skills necessary. Here are a few things you might need to have.
1. You Need Medical Reports
You will need to do a physical exam which is carried out by the department of transportation medical. In this test, you’ll be proved to be “healthy” to drive such vehicle weight, and it is expected you meet the requirement of the federal government.
If you don’t, you cannot be granted the license to drive. More emphasis if you will be having a commercial ride with your school bus, you need the medical report presented to be able to get one.
Some states will initially have the school bus registered as a commercial vehicle, which then requires you re-register to convert the purpose to personal use.
This process will likely need a medical report to prove you are safe to drive a lengthy vehicle that requires a little more skill and strength than the usual need for a casual car that you drive for fun.
2. You Need To Take A Knowledge Test
Getting a driver’s license will require a skill and knowledge test. To drive a school bus even for personal use will require you to take up this test and pass. This is only for the new entries.
The majority of those who are driving a school bus for personal use have one time done some commercial services for school buses and trucks. In this case, you want to move to the next requirement to drive a school bus for personal use.
3. You Need To Be Up To 18
You all know this. 18 is the starting point if you want to get a driver’s license, whether a bus or a casual SUV, you need to be 18 to obtain a driver’s license. If you got one, then you’re good to go.
In most cases, you simply need the same documents to drive, either for personal or commercial use. A CDL license may be required.
But for clarity, you should find out more from the DMV of your state on the requirements to drive a school bus for personal use.
How to Get a School Bus License for Personal Use
Here is how to get a school bus license for personal use:
- Do a Physical Exam: This is a process that checks if you meet up with the standards that are set by the state transportation bodies. The physical exam involves checking your health status, disability status, sight status, drugs and alcohol status, etc. If all of these things are confirmed, then you will be allowed to go further.
- Apply for The License Via DMV: You can go ahead and apply for the license at your DMV close to you with the required documents. You can either do this online or at the office. Be rest assured that there are fees attached to obtaining the license.
- Pass the Knowledge Test: As stated earlier, a knowledge test is important to drive something as sensitive as the school bus, be it for commercial or personal purposes. Each knowledge test will test your competence. You will be tested on driving measures, safety control measures, a brake usage test, and as well some written tests asking some basic driving-related questions.
Conclusion
Depending on the state you’re in, you may not need a CDL to drive a school bus that has been re-registered for personal use. To stay in the good books of the federal bodies, reach out to the local license office to confirm the needed requirement for your state.