Do you have to have a CDL to drive a f-750 with air brakes in the state of Texas?

Answer 1

The F-750 is sold as a Class 6 truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 26,000 lbs. - which puts it under CDL requirements. However, it is actually a Class 7 truck (and the newer ones are Class 8) with axle weight ratings of up to 35,000 lbs. So whether the one in question needs a CDL or not depends on a couple factors.

If it's registered as a vehicle with a 26,000 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, and remains within that limit, a CDL is not required unless the vehicle is either a bus designed to transport more than 15 persons (including the driver) or else is transporting a quantity of hazardous materials which requires hazmat placards to be displayed.

If it's registered as a vehicle with a GVWR of more than 26,000 lbs., then a Class B CDL is required.

If a trailer is towed behind it, it will require a CDL, regardless of what weight rating the power unit is registered as, since you will be creating a combination which has a Gross Combination Weight Rating in excess of 26,000 lbs. If the trailer has a weight rating of 10,000 lbs. or less, it can be driven on a Class B CDL. If the trailer has a weight rating in excess of 10,000 lbs., a Class A CDL is required.

These CDL requirements are only for commercial vehicles. Registered farm vehicles and registered recreational vehicles are not jurisdiction of the FMCSA. However, the state may have additional licencing requirements for non-CDL vehicles with a weight rating in excess of 26,000 lbs.

Whether the truck has air brakes, air-over-hydraulic brakes, or hydraulic brakes does not affect whether or not it needs a CDL. However, if the vehicle does require a CDL, then the air brakes test must be taken, and the road test must be taken in an air brake equipped vehicle. Otherwise, a restriction is placed on the CDL which prohibits the operator from driving a commercial vehicle equipped with air brakes.