Do you need a CDL to drive a semi truck and trailer?

Answer 1

With few exceptions, yes. The only times you would not would be:

• If it was a registered farm vehicle, not being used on a for-hire basis, you as the driver were either the farmer, immediate family of the farmer, or a direct employee of the farmer, the vehicle was used only for farm activities, and it remained within a 150 mile radius of the farm
• It was a registered recreational vehicle
• It was a firefighting or first response vehicle, and you as the driver are a firefighter or first responder operating the vehicle in the course of your duties. However, while federal law exempts these from requiring a CDL, many states still require the drivers to have one.
• It was a military vehicle, and you, as the operator, were a service member operating the vehicle in the course of your duties.