5 Ton CDL?? (Indiana)

So here in Indiana.. I was reading in a law book about CDL's. So here's my question for you guys in Indiana or elsewhere. Do you really need a CDL to drive a 5 ton if you are not using it for commercial use, to make money with? That's how I under stand it. ill post the book and info in a few so you can google it and read it.

Google this....49 CFR 383.5 Definitions....whats ur take? CDL or not. im not using my truck for transport of good or trade. Nor am I making any money using it.

For some states, there is a non comm version of the license sometimes referred to as a farm license. I'll be seeking that as I plan to haul a little gravel for the house.

In Georgia you have to have either a CDL or a Class E license to drive any vehicle with air brakes. Air over hydraulic brakes doesn't require this. I have a Class E license in Georgia. Basically, this is a CDL for non-commercial use for truck and trailer for greater than or equal to 10,000 lbs total. To get the license in Georgia you have to take the CDL written test but do not have to take the CDL drivers test. I am also authorized to drive a tractor trailer under the license. To legally drive a tractor trailer, an additional written test is required. A separate written test authorizing pulling a tank trailer is also required. The Class E written test is not very difficult if you study ahead of time. If you don't study, it is almost a guaranteed failure. This same license is required for firefighters driving large fire trucks, for large RVs, and articulated vehicles, etc.

Ummmm…. Just wanted to get an opinion on this

Opinion, do you really need one? In most states, likely. Can you get away for quite some time without one? Likely. In my opinion, I'd get one to be safe.

alreay have CDL, but having a CDL shy's people away from the 5 tons. More people = more after market parts, im hoping? Wish there was more stuff for the 5's, like ''AIR LOCKERS""!! and hubs. Did find 5 ton lockout hubs on here for sale. But I wonder what company made them?

Well, my 10c went like this...

Not hauling commercially ~ no CDL - check
Registered as historic ~ no CDL - check
Own a farm (in NY) ~ no CDL - check..

..... BUT, if I was going to a show and got pulled over by a LEO fresh out of the academy, with a career starting and the drive to show a stellar beginning, there'd be an argument. I'd insist, NO CDL reqd (x3), he'd (she'd) insist "needed" - Do I really want to wait 'till the DoT certified supervisor showed up x hrs later - or do the whole court appearance Judge thing... That could really spoil several afternoons..

Why not embrace the challenge, rise to the task and better your driving abilities. Be responsible for umpteen thousand pounds of death on wheels and learn about airbrakes etc., etc. I took the necessary steps to acquire a full class 8 license. Besides, having committed to investing in the vehicle, the increased costs of tyres, fuel, bigger tools, bigger shop, and so on - why skimp on your personal investment.... Down the road you probably will be able to generate some income - even if it's trucking someone else to a show!!

Have the argument on the side of the road if you want to make the point and if what you're doing is not requiring a CDL, but finish it quickly with the production of one just to move on...

Personally, I think there should be a large vehicle license - not necessarily commercial, think large diesel pusher camper driven by retirees.... Well we know that won't happen as the AARP has too big a lobby with congress, but if there was ever an incident, where you were in the spot light, why not be ahead of the game.

AND GO...

I think that is well laid out Howard. There was a time when I was in FL that I looked forward to getting pulled over for no tag just so I could share my superior knowledge and produce the statute. Anymore I'd rather run a tag and not be bothered. Now that I'm the new owner of a 5 ton dump, I'm going to get my ducks right before it causes me grief.

I've already been down these roads.

Take a copy of the no tag displayed statute with you. Show it to the LEO that stops you. They will be polite (in my experience) and let you go.

As for the CDL, I got mine. My reasoning was if something happens and there's an accident (I have a military tractor-trailer registered as historic), I may be charged with operating a vehicle without the proper license and it would be my fault. Yes, you might get off after a court (expensive) battle. But the lawyer will charge more than it costs to get the CDL. Just one less thing to worry about. And, if you take a class with on the road training, you will learn how to safely operate a large, heavy vehicle.

I'm in South Dakota - I read the regs, visited two ports of entry, and talked to the head of State Patrol in Pierre. I have a 5 ton with a trailer (35,000+) and also have a semi/trailer combination rated at 92,000. I do not use either for anything commercial, the semi is labelled "Not For Hire". Here's what I learned:

1) As unbelievable as this sounds, I do not need a CDL to drive non-commercial vehicle/trailer combinations over 25,000 lbs. (or something close to this) in South Dakota. Amazing, isn't it? Of course there are exceptions, for example if I want to drive a bus full of people as a volunteer, I need a CDL.

2) The farm license mentioned above, at least in South Dakota, is a farm exception if you are within a 150 mile radius of your farm operation and stick to South Dakota - this is for a commercial carrier. You must carry a form that says you're using the exemption legally - all this applies with air brakes and trailers. And the local law enforcement does check. So if I help the neighbor farmer driving during harvest to make a few extra bucks, I just use the farm exemption. However, I'm 20 miles from the Minnesota border so if I want to cross, I must have a CDL with proper endorsements.

3) I agree with zebedee. I've been driving truck since high school delivering hay -n- such using the farm exemption. So when I went to take my CDL exams (one general exam, one for air brakes and one for trailers), I thought no problem! I know all that stuff. Wrong. I passed the first two, but the last one threw me. PLUS, it reinforced the necessity for a pre-trip check and everything else that is needed to roll all that tonnage down the pavement. I'm glad I did it. It IS a driving credential that says you meet a minimum standard. A M939 series is nothing to mess around with.

4) NOW let's talk registration and IFTA. Registration is straight forward - register for what you scale and bend over (I say that affectionately as I understand the need). IFTA I'm still trying to figure out if it's a requirement if I cross state lines. I have a trip planned from SD to IN to WA this coming summer and will figure that out.

Good luck!

Al Jones
South Dakota
M923, M105A2, M38A1, M416, CE106AC, M116A2

I am contemplating the options to get my CDL. Right now I have to decide between buying the several thousand dollars worth of parts to get my truck back to current status on all maintenance and safety systems or pay the several thousand dollars to get a CDL.


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Indiana does not require a CDL for personal operation

I picked up a class B CDL in IL for the same reasons as Zebedee. It wasn’t needed (licensed as historic military vehicle, air over hydraulic), but for my personal comfort, driving loads of gravel for personal use (46,000 Gross weight) as a non-professional.....wanted the learning experience and knowledge. As a side note, I got pulled over by a LEO while driving my car, he asked what I had the CDL for.....turned into a fun conversation (he was former military, knew what an M817 was).....ended up with a warning vs. ticket.

Note: when you earn a CDL, a ticket is permanent in IL (vs. having it removed by going to a driving class with a class D license)

The tipping point is what kind of registration and license plate do you have regardless of "use" at the time a LEO stops you. Commercial plate = CDL plus USDOT #, ICC#, health screen, drug screen, and a host of other pesky compliances and fees. IFTA, IRP the list goes on. Farm and historic or antique plates should get you out from under these problems unless you encounter some unenlightened motor vehicle clerk who insists anything over 26000# is automatically a commercial vehicle.

yea, I've came across people who shy away from the CDL because they think they cant back up a trailer hooked to a semi. So its to much for them. A Class B, you don't need to do that, and you can still operate a 5 ton! Just buy a 5 ton and take the test in it, and good to go! hope this post helps anyone wishing to get a 5 ton, but worry about the CDL part.

290smallcam said:

yea, I've came across people who shy away from the CDL because they think they cant back up a trailer hooked to a semi. So its to much for them. A Class B, you don't need to do that, and you can still operate a 5 ton! Just buy a 5 ton and take the test in it, and good to go! hope this post helps anyone wishing to get a 5 ton, but worry about the CDL part.

Click to expand...

You can not take the test in a 5 ton. unless you upgrade the brake valves and other things.

Plus you will have the automatic restriction on your license.

A 915a1 would be the best candidate if you had to use a military truck or borrow one but you still have the restriction. Don't even think about obtaining one using the Cat 7155 unless you are very familiar with it.

question, are you the one on youtube with the cat 7155 and Oshkosh t case in your truck?

Check with your state to see if they will allow you to take the test in anything not registered commercial. I know NJ will not allow it. No historic or non commercial plates. If appropriately registered I suppose they will allow a M939 series or a M915 as the examiner will have access to the emergency brake. M 809 series likely not. Also in NJ, show up with a vehicle with an automatic transmission and you will be restricted "automatic only." I am guessing other states have similar rules.

As you see, the question is not exactly new, and always get lots of reactions.

As disclaimer:

serious ahead

Here is my older thread, nine pages long, on this topic.

In short.

Do you NEED a CDL when driving a 5 ton: in my opinion YES

Are you legally obliged to have a CDL when driving a 5 ton: it depends.

I never understood the "commercial use" clause thing. I would think that professional drivers doing their job daily know what they are doing. Non-commercial hobby drivers often lack experience and could do with some lessons before getting in these beasts (no offense intended).

Let's formulate it differently.
Your or anybody's family is driving their daily route in a small private car or even big pick-up like a RAM or RANGER or whatever names they have on your side of the pond.

Who would you prefer to come anywhere close to them in a 30-60 year old, 20,000 lbs empty weight and single break circuit mass of steel. A trained driver or somebody who never drove anything bigger than a 5,000 lbs modern vehicle, just bought the 5 ton and likes to take this old mother .... for a quick spin.

Personally, if the hobby driver is out, I would seriously advice my family to stay home.


In the European Union (27 countries), there are some common rules:
- Everything up to 7,700 lbs max vehicle weight (or 15 400 lbs train weight): you need a B license.
- Everything above: you need a C licenses, so also RVs or small trucks up to 15,400 lbs total vehicle weight.
- Buses carrying more than 9 people (driver included) need a D license (passenger transport).

The license requirements are rather strict theoretical and practical exams AFTER you completed the practical scholing.

- If you drive 7,700++ lbs commercially, you ALSO need a CDL. This is a complete different type of training than the normal C License, and a more difficult exam, theory and practical, than even the standard USA CDL.

- in addition, any trailer over 1,650 lbs and you also need an E licence for driving with trailers, again including practical exam including driving backwards etc. So a private driver in a pick-up truck up to 7,700 lbs pulling a trailer up to 7,700 lbs (total train weight less than 15,401 lbs) needs a BE license.