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What is a Commercial Motor Vehicle?

A commercial motor vehicle can be defined as:

  • A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more
  • A combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more if the vehicle(s) being towed has a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds
  • A vehicle that carries 16 or more passengers, including the driver
  • Any size vehicle that transports hazardous materials and that requires federal placarding

School Bus Driver's License

If you wish to operate a school bus designed to carry fewer than 16 occupants (including the driver), you do not need to obtain a commercial driver's license. However, you will need to take the commercial driver and school bus tests to obtain the school bus endorsement on your driver's license, and you will be restricted to driving a bus designed to carry fewer than 16 passengers. This restriction will be printed on your license.