do you need a CDL A for a tour bus?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by giantmonkey, Sep 15, 2010.

  1. giantmonkey

    giantmonkey Bobtail Member

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    Sep 9, 2010
    Sacramento, CA
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    Since a standard tour bus is only about 30' long, I wonder if you need a CDL A to drive a tour bus. Anyone knows? Is it paid better than freight OTR?
     
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  3. Big Don

    Big Don "Old Fart"

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    It is determined by weight, rather than length. If it has a GVWR of over 26000 lbs, you would need a class A. But you also need to have a "Passenger Endorsement" on whatever license you have.

    I am not certain, but I believe most of those buses can be run with a class B with the passenger endorsement.
     
  4. mac263

    mac263 Bobtail Member

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    Sep 15, 2010
    Westminster,S C
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    I drove tour buses for 7 yrs Yes you need a CDL with passenger and air brakes endorsment
     
  5. statikuz

    statikuz Medium Load Member

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    Jun 22, 2009
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    Technically it is determined by weight, but a CDL A is only required for combination vehicles with a trailer over 10k.

    So you would be fine with a CDL B.
     
  6. 25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    the road less travelled
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    It's not a combination vehicle, you do need passenger and air brakes, but it could be a class B, unless it's pulling a trailer or is articulated consisting of 2 or 3 segments.

    The company may require a Class A but the combination vehicle is what requires it by law.
     
  7. sheepboy

    sheepboy Bobtail Member

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    Sep 15, 2010
    Cedar Rapids, IA
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    Did you hear about the double decker bus that killed 4 people in a crash in New York after hitting a rail bridge?
     
  8. oldedge

    oldedge Light Load Member

    You need a cdl.either an A or B with passenger and air brakes. this is determined by the number of passengers ,not weight.The big coaches are 40 or 45 ft long and haul upwards of 50 or more people. Also the HOS are different for them.
     
  9. Flying Dutchman

    Flying Dutchman Road Train Member

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    commercial class B, with passenger endorsement.
     
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