What is the minimum gross vehicle weight that requires a CDL?

What is the minimum gross vehicle weight that requires a CDL?

• A. 26,001 lbs
• B. 10,000 lbs
• C. 20,000 lbs
• D. 35,000 lbs

Answer: (A)

The key idea is the weight threshold that triggers a CDL. A commercial driver's license is required for any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or for certain vehicle combinations or passenger transports that meet other criteria. Because 26,001 pounds is the smallest weight that meets that rule, it is the minimum amount that requires a CDL. We can see why the other numbers don’t fit: 10,000 and 20,000 pounds are under the threshold, so they don’t require a CDL based on weight alone; 35,000 pounds would also require a CDL, but it’s not the minimum—26,001 pounds is.