Posted by Willy-N on Monday, September 29, 2003 at 4:17PM :
In Reply to: OT: Rules for School Bus operation? posted by Glenn Reid in CA on Sunday, September 28, 2003 at 2:44AM :
CDL Group Designations, Endorsements and Restrictions
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CDL Group Designations
A Michigan resident needs a CDL with the appropriate group designation as follows:
Group A to operate a combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR)* of 26,001 pounds or more including a towed trailer or vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)** of more than 10,000 pounds.
Group A allows you to operate Group B and Group C vehicles.
Group B to operate a single vehicle having a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more.
Group B allows you to operate Group C vehicles.
Group C to operate a single vehicle having a GVWR under 26,001 pounds or a vehicle having a GVWR under 26,001 pounds towing another vehicle or trailer and carrying hazardous materials on which a placard is required, or designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver.
*Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) means the value specified by the manufacturer as the maximum loaded weight of a combination vehicle. In the absence of a label, the GCWR can be calculated by adding the GVWR of the power unit to the GVWR of the vehicle(s) or trailer(s) being towed.
**Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the recommended maximum total weight of the vehicle and load as designated by the vehicle manufacturer. The GVWR label is usually found on the driver side door post of the power unit and on the front left side of the trailer. The GVWR should not be confused with the elected gross vehicle weight (GVW) which is declared by the vehicle owner for registration purposes.
Endorsements
In addition to the appropriate CDL group designation, endorsements are required for the following:
T - Double or Triple Trailers: (Triple trailer combinations are not permitted in Michigan.)
P - Passenger: For vehicles which are designed to carry 16 or more people (including the driver).
N - Tank Vehicles: For vehicles designed to haul liquids or liquified gases in bulk in permanently mounted tanks or portable tanks rated at 1,000 gallons or more.
H - Hazardous Materials: To carry hazardous materials in amounts requiring placards.
X - This X-endorsement code will appear on the license instead of the H and N codes when an applicant receives both the tank and hazardous materials endorsements.
Restrictions
You could receive restrictions on your CDL under the following conditions:
Code 28 Restriction —“CDL not valid for operating vehicles equipped with air brakes.” If you do not pass the air brake knowledge test, or if the vehicle you use for the CDL skills tests is not equipped with air brakes, you will be restricted from operating vehicles with air brakes.
Code 29 Restriction —“CDL-P endorsement valid in Group B or C vehicles only.”
If you are adding the P-Passenger endorsement to your current Group A designation, you must complete the CDL tests in a bus or school bus. If the bus you use for the P-Passenger endorsement skills tests is a Group B-Bus, your P-Passenger endorsement will be restricted to Group B and C vehicles.
Code 30 Restriction —“CDL-P endorsement valid in Group C vehicles only.”
If you are adding the P-Passenger endorsement to your current Group A or B designation, you must complete the CDL skills tests in a bus or school bus. If the bus you use for the P-Passenger endorsement skills test is a Group C-Bus, your P-Passenger endorsement will be restricted to Group C vehicles.
Seasonal Restricted CDL
A special seasonal restricted CDL is available for agri-business employees operating Group B and C vehicles on routes within 150 miles from the place of business. Buses and school buses cannot be operated with this restricted license. Although CDL knowledge and skills tests are not required, applicants must have a clean driving record for the prior three-year period.
This CDL must be applied for each calendar year. Within a one-year period, applicants can choose to have the restricted CDL valid for 180 days from date of issue or valid for the seasonal periods from April 2 through June 30 and September 2 through November 30. The restricted CDL permits the driver to transport the following limited amounts of hazardous materials without the H or X endorsements:
Diesel motor fuel in quantities of 1,000 gallons or less.
Liquid fertilizers in quantities of 3,000 gallons or less.
Solid fertilizers that are not transported with any organic substance.
Additional information for Law Enforcement Agencies
Mark H.