CDL-What is definition of "commercial"?

Air brakes have nothing to do with whether a CDL is required . There are some vehicles under 26,000 lbs. GVWR with air brakes and no CDL is required unless hooked to a trailer .

 

26,000 LB gross or over you need a CDL

 

To clarify a little more:

Class A CDL = Any combination vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 LBS or more, provided the vehicle being towed weighs more than 10,000 LBS.

Class B CDL = Any vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 LBS or more.

Class C vehicle = Any vehicle that does not fit the description of class A or B, but is used to transport placarded hazmat or more than 16 passengers.

In other words, if that trailer weighs under 10,000 LBS gross, you can drive it with a class B regardless of the GVWR, if the truck and trailer together weigh over 26,000 LBS. If the truck and trailer is under 26,000 LBS, you can drive it on a regular license.

Air brakes are a CDL endorcement. They are not required. If the vehicle you road test in does not have air brakes, you will have a airbrake restriction on your CDL. Check with your state DOT to find out if they put transmission restrictions on their CDL's also. Some states do, others don't.

 

I think the second quote best answers his question.

So I guess you need to carry your tax return with you and have no sponsorship stickers on your car!