Generally speaking, if the converted school bus meets certain criteria, you might not need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) to drive it. Here are a few guidelines that may apply:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): If the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your converted school bus is below a certain threshold (which varies from state to state), you may be allowed to drive it without a CDL. GVWR is the maximum permissible weight of the bus, including its passengers and cargo.
Seating Capacity: Some states exempt certain vehicles from CDL requirements based on their seating capacity. If the converted school bus is modified and has a reduced number of seats, it may fall under this exemption. The exact seating capacity limits that determine CDL requirements can vary by state.
Personal Use: If the converted school bus is used solely for personal use and non-commercial purposes (e.g., camping, recreational travel, etc.), you might be exempted from CDL regulations in some states.
However, it's essential to note that these are general guidelines, and specific regulations can vary significantly from one state to another. To ensure compliance, it's strongly recommended that you consult the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the relevant transportation authority in your state to obtain the most accurate information regarding the requirements for driving a converted school bus.