"Snuze: Needs another Swede" (markg) 12/30/2014 at 09:22 • Filed to: None

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Does anyone know what's involved in the licensing to drive a vehicle with air brakes? I'm starting to seriously consider getting a military truck later this year, but the one I'm interested in, the M1078/79 comes with air brakes. I found the DMV site (Virginia) isn't very clear at all. I know it's generally a CDL thing, but it appears because this truck is only a 2.5 ton and I'm going to have it for personal use, I don't technically need a CDL. But I would still need an air brake endorsement, right?

With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username > Snuze: Needs another Swede 12/30/2014 at 09:32

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Inb4 someone says "why?"

You let your hissing, squeaking, air brake freak flag fly, bro. Let us know how it goes.

Dukie - Jalopnik Emergency Management Asshole > Snuze: Needs another Swede 12/30/2014 at 09:38

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Depends on your state I think. Think of it this way; all the old snowbirds running around in their Class A 34ft Motorhomes do not require special training or air brake endorsement to drive them.

Full Disclosure: I have a CDL, Class A w/Air Brakes. Soon to get Hazmat & Tanker as well.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Dukie - Jalopnik Emergency Management Asshole 12/30/2014 at 09:50

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Hmm, interesting point. I hadn't considered that, but I also never realized those big Class A motorhomes had air brakes. Thanks!

Snuze: Needs another Swede > With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username 12/30/2014 at 10:00

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Thanks, I absolutely will. Dukie reminded me a lot of the Class A motorhomes have air brakes, so I don't think I'd need a CDL/Air Brake endorsement. This is exciting.

jariten1781 > Snuze: Needs another Swede 12/30/2014 at 10:36

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AFAIK you don't need a CDL or any sort of endorsement for a non-commercial vehicle in most states (I think Hawaii and DC were the exceptions, but it's been a few years since I looked into it). There are some states that have special licensing requirements for non-commercial vehicles exceeding certain lengths or weights but they're not CDLs, they're specific recreational classes. RV forums should be all over this.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > jariten1781 12/30/2014 at 10:41

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Thanks! I've been reading a bit more, and I believe you are right. My best friend's in-laws have a full on Class A tour bus, and he said they didn't need any special endorsements or a CDL or anything for it.

It actually bugs me a bit because I do know that air brakes are substantially different from regular brakes, to the point that if you get in a sticky situation and don't know what you're doing, things can go to hell pretty fast.

Pixel > Snuze: Needs another Swede 12/30/2014 at 10:46

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The following situations exempt operators of certain vehicles from the CDL requirements.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

1. Operation of a vehicle for personal use only, such as a recreational vehicle or truck to move your personal belongings.

From the Virgina's Size, Weight and Equipment Requirements for Trucks, Trailers, and Towed Vehicles( pdf here ).

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Pixel 12/30/2014 at 10:48

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Thanks! I had seen that, but there's a separate section on air brakes as an endorsement on a CDL. I wasn't sure if you had a vehicle with air brakes, even for personal use, if you still needed the endorsement. But it appears you don't.

HammerheadFistpunch > Snuze: Needs another Swede 12/30/2014 at 11:40

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depends on local laws, my wife had to take the CDL and get an air brake endorsement when she was a teacher because she was required to drive the team bus from time to time.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > HammerheadFistpunch 12/30/2014 at 11:55

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I think part of the CDL is also occupancy, something like over 10k GVW and >16 passengers, you need a CDL. Not sure if that's a federal standard or state level, but that's what I found here in VA. The truck I'm looking at only seats 3, so I should be ok.

HammerheadFistpunch > Snuze: Needs another Swede 12/30/2014 at 12:02

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Like I said, it depends, I live in Utah so anything over a certain GVWR or passenger count requires it.

Coachrotte33 > Snuze: Needs another Swede 12/30/2014 at 12:44

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As a former school bus driver, it never hurts to have the endorsement, even it if isn't needed.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > HammerheadFistpunch 12/30/2014 at 12:47

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Good to know. Thanks for the info!

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Coachrotte33 12/30/2014 at 12:52

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Absolutely, certifications are always good to have, and can come in handy. If/when I get the truck, I'll probably end up taking a class or something to get familiar with the air brakes. I found the US Army manual for it, and it has a lot of information on the inspection procedures and things, but there's nothing like some real hands on instruction from a pro.

Though last night I was pretty much convinced I was going to need a CDL and the endorsement, so I started researching how and where to get the training. I also took some practice exams for the air brake endorsement and despite never having driven a vehicle with them, found out I either remember a lot from my vehicle dynamics course in college or am just really good at multiple choice tests.

Coachrotte33 > Snuze: Needs another Swede 12/30/2014 at 12:58

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They are not too bad if you understand basic mechanicals. Make sure you post pictures of the beast.