As of February 7, 2022, the commercial driver's license (CDL) is required to operate any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, including any vehicle towed by a motor vehicle with a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds. This includes most SUVs and RVs.
There are some exceptions to this rule, such as for vehicles used for personal use or for agricultural purposes. However, if you are planning to use an SUV or RV for commercial purposes, such as transporting passengers or goods, you will need to obtain a CDL.
To obtain a CDL, you will need to pass a written test, a vision test, and a skills test. The written test covers topics such as traffic laws, vehicle operation, and hazardous materials. The vision test checks your eyesight, color perception, and depth perception. The skills test evaluates your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle.
Once you have obtained your CDL, you will need to renew it every two years. To renew your CDL, you will need to pass a vision test and a written test.
If you are caught driving an SUV or RV without a CDL, you could be fined, jailed, or both. You could also be held liable for any damages or injuries that occur as a result of your driving.
Therefore, it is important to obtain a CDL if you are planning to drive an SUV or RV for commercial purposes.