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Old 11-02-2016, 11:15 PM   #1
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Florida Drivers License Question

I am trying to figure out whether or not I will need to get a CDL to drive a bus around. I was looking at the Florida DMV website and I found this:

"CLASS E: Any non-commercial motor vehicles with Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) less than 26,001 pounds, including passenger cars, 15 passenger vans including the driver, trucks or recreational vehicles and two or three wheel motor vehicles 50 cc or less, such as mopeds or small scooters. (see below). Farmers and drivers of authorized emergency vehicles who are exempt from obtaining a commercial driver license must obtain a Class E license."

Does that mean that any vehicle over the 26,001 GVWR will require a CDL? Most of the buses that I have been looking at are around 30,000.

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Old 11-03-2016, 06:25 AM   #2
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Poke around some more: you'll find that driving a skoolie - however heavy - is OK on your regular license SO LONG AS it is done for personal reasons such as recreation. If you conduct business in it or using it, you'll need the CDL.

http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/dlclass.html (under Exemptions)
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Old 11-03-2016, 06:50 AM   #3
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You can have the title converted to "RV". But then its hard to find insurance.
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Old 11-03-2016, 07:14 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by EastCoastCB View Post
You can have the title converted to "RV". But then its hard to find insurance.
I would paint it all psychedelic colors and then any cop would say to himself, "No way anyone would do business with HIM!"

Though he might also inspect the bus for drugs. Hm. Might need to rethink this.

You might call my insurance contact Marie Ruiz and discuss how to play your cards for insurance. She was fine with a bus straight off the school district lot, but had some trouble with another member here who had it RV-titled but not complete yet.
Marie Ruiz
mruiz@aisinsurance.com
voice 866 570-7335 x 78802
fax 800 498-3293
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Old 11-03-2016, 07:49 AM   #5
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Great, thank you for that advice. I really hope that I don't have to get a CDL! That would be an extra step when there are already so many ahead of us.
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Old 11-03-2016, 09:47 AM   #6
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MOST states require anything over 26k and Not an RV to be CDL...

I have both my husses insured as commercial for personal use... one is Titled RV.. and the other is thus far Titled as a Car.. (its under 15 pass and under 26k GVWR).. maybe insurance in Ohio is different than florida.
-Christopher
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Old 11-03-2016, 10:52 AM   #7
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MOST states require anything over 26k and Not an RV to be CDL...
Per Florida's DMV website, their requirement appears to be based on intent rather than title, though I can see how an RV title would support one's claim. I would paint, "Not for hire - recreational use only" or some such below the driver's window, and ask a couple of State Troopers about it if it were me.
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Old 11-03-2016, 12:47 PM   #8
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I drove 2100 miles in a Yellow school bus with all its flashers, stop signs, etc..Never even painted over the words "School Bus"... first from Texas to Florida, then from FLorida to ohio... passed numerous DOT cars, weigh stations, and got passed by State troopers.. had a Texas TEMP tag on the back.. no one said a word.. I just drove.. even got in a couple real-school-bus convoys with other busses full of kids and got waves n smiles from the bus drivers..

Just drive it home..
-Christopher
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