Who needs a CDL. Under the federal rule, a commercial driver’s licence is required to drive any vehicle designed to carry 16 or more people, including the driver. Some states set the bar lower; where we know of one, it is noted on the state’s card. Confirm with your state before you spec a vehicle for 10 to 15 passengers.
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
California requires a commercial licence with a passenger endorsement to drive a vehicle carrying more than 9 passengers.
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania requires a CDL to drive a vehicle carrying more than 9 passengers.
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Disclaimer. These documents are provided as a courtesy and are not legal advice. State regulations may have changed since we gathered them, or there may be rules of which we aren’t aware. Please contact your state’s bureau of motor vehicles or appropriate regulatory agency for the most current information.