Do you need a CDL to drive a school bus that has been converted into an RV?

Answer 1

yes you do because the school bus even though it is not a school bus anymore still is over weight and has air brake system.

*****

In British Columbia, the answer is no you won't need it. However if the bus has Air Brakes you will need that endorsement attributed to your licence. If the vehicle is under a certain weight you may also need the bus to pass an emissions test after it is no longer a commercial vehicle. Without your CDL, you will be limited to the number of passengers you may carry in the bus, here it's ten, including the driver. This past summer, my band used a short bus as a touring vehicle and these were the concerns we had to address before doing so. However, keep in mind that some police officers, if not more then just some, may not be completely versed in the subtleties of the law surrounding an ex commerical vehicle that is repurposed. We had one issue where an officer swore up and down that we were breaking the law, and it took alot of explaining to get away from having the vehicle unlawfully towed and impounded. Get a copy of the law in the State/Province you will be operating the bus and have it on you with the registration & and insurance. Speak to someone at the DMV regarding the hurdles and possiblities where you are see if those guidelines and rules extend to where you will be taking the vehicle.

Good luck

a.

Answer 2

In the US, if it is plated as an RV, it is exempt from requiring a CDL while being used for personal use. Air brakes have absolutely nothing to do with determining if a vehicle requires a CDL, by the way.