Do I Need a CDL to Drive My Semi?

Over a decade ago, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation were studying whether farmers should be required to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) when operating larger trucks. Fortunately, due to input from a number of state legislators and farm organizations, no new rules were implemented.

That doesn’t mean, however, that there aren’t benefits to having a CDL or to getting it sooner rather than later. As a general rule, most states currently allow a farmer, farm family member, or an employee of the farm to transport their own agricultural products, farm machinery, and farm supplies to and from their farm within the state lines or within 150 air miles of the farm when crossing a state line.

The exemption from a CDL does not apply, though, if the vehicle is used in a for-hire operation or if the load must be placarded for hazardous materials.

“Technically, if you haul grain for a neighbor and you don’t charge him but he gives you money for fuel, it’s considered a for-hire operation,” said Krystina Dowler, senior transportation enforcement investigator for the Missouri MoDot Motor Carrier Services. “There are also differences between states. In Kansas, for example, a regular driver’s license is sufficient for a vehicle up to 26,000 pounds. Yet, in Missouri, a Class E license is required for most farm trucks, even if they’re under that limit and a CDL is not required.”

The problem is, it’s not unusual today for farmers to haul grain to a distant market (such as a river port, for a better price) or to travel to another state to pick up a piece of equipment purchased over the internet, which readily surpasses the 150-mile limit.

According to Dave Pfiffner, retired director of the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) Transportation Institute, located in central Iowa, a CDL simply provides farmers with a higher level of flexibility. In addition to a full six-week commercial vehicle operator training course, the college offers CDL refresher training, defensive driving, and CDL test preparation for those who already have experience with tractor/trailer units and just want to obtain a CDL.

“Granted, most of our graduates get jobs as over-the-road truckers,” Pfiffner said. “But we also see farmers who want to haul commodities for others during the winter or even get a seasonal job with a trucking company. We also offer a classroom-based hazmat endorsement program for those who might want to haul chemicals or fertilizer for themselves or the local cooperative.”

An entry-level course is required prior to the full program, for $140. Tuition for the full six-week, 240-hour program currently at DMACC runs $4,760 and includes about 60 hours behind the wheel.

Other courses, such as the CDL test prep, are priced accordingly. In the meantime, expect to pay around $75 to $100 for CDL tests and fees. Again, it depends on the state, which endorsements you need, and whether the license office provides credit for the remaining time on your current license.

What Is Involved in a CDL Driving Test?

• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection. You need to know your vehicle is safe to drive. Sections 11, 12, and 13 of the CDL manual cover how you need to explain what you are inspecting and for what reason.
• Basic Vehicle Control. You will be evaluated on your control of your vehicle. This includes moving a vehicle forward, backward, and within a defined area.
• On-Road Driving Exam. You have to demonstrate you can safely drive a commercial vehicle on the road in various traffic situations.

There is a military waiver for service members and veterans who recently drove a CMV (the military equivalent of a commercial motor vehicle). You may be able to waive the skills test portion of the CDL test. The CDL knowledge written tests, however, are not waived for service members.

But military drivers must apply for a CDL within one year of separation from active duty.

Who Is Exempt From Having a CDL?

The following vehicle operators are not required to operate with a CDL.

• Farm Equipment Operators. This exemption covers legitimate farm-to-market or farm-to-farm operations by farmers, not commercial grain haulers.
• Operators driving vehicles controlled and operated by a farmer, a member of the farmer’s family, or an employee.
• Trucks used to transport farm products, equipment, or supplies to or from a farm (including nurseries and aquacultures).
• Vehicles operating within 150 air miles of the farm.
• Vehicles not used in the operations of a common or contract carrier and employed in nursery or agricultural operations.

CDL-exempt drivers include the farmer, spouse, and their children; parents on both sides of the family; brothers and sisters on both sides of the family and their spouses operating a truck-tractor semitrailer. These drivers must be at least age 21, and the vehicle must have farm plates.