A sprinter is very popular in transportation, including luxury van renting marketplaces. Do you need a CDL to drive a van, car, or special license?

Due to the van’s size and carrying capacity, we take time to guide you about the Sprinter van license – whether it’s legally considered commercial or other revealing facts.

Do You Need CDL Regulations to Drive a Sprinter?

Anyone of legal driving age who has completed their driving courses and obtained a valid driver’s license can drive a sprinter.

Sprinter vans fall into the category B type of vehicle and don’t need any special license, training, or documentation.

But, in some states, if you intend to use your Sprinter to transport passengers professionally, you might be required to obtain a chauffeur’s license.

If you’re seeking employment with some companies or businesses, they may also require you to undergo a drug test, as they do for every commercial truck pilot.

Are Sprinters Considered Commercial Vehicles?

Many territories don’t require you to obtain a commercial driver’s license before operating a lightweight vehicle.

You can operate one with your standard driver’s license as Sprinter is technically considered a non-CDL weight limit vehicle.

In some cities, you must obtain a commercial license before owning or operating commercial vehicles.

And to get a commercial vehicle license, you must be about 18-21 years, depending on your state. The states with these requirements are; New York, South Dakota, Washington, etc.

Do You Need a Special License to Drive Vans Like a Commercial Vehicle?

Before you get behind the wheel of any vehicle, you should have a learner’s permit and driver’s license.

Driving a commercial vehicle is no different. You need to obtain a license before you can get your van/vehicle on the road. However, you do not need a commercial license to drive.

The prerequisites for operating a sprinter are:

• A good driving record.
• A driver’s license.
• Driving skills.
• The physical ability to unload and offload cargo.

That said, if you intend to use your van to transport commuters professionally or public goods, some cities may require you to obtain a chauffeur’s license.

Ultimately, you don’t need to get any special license before operating one. It’s almost the same as owning a regular car.

What License Do I Need to Drive a Cargo Van for a Company?

To drive a cargo van privately or for a company in the United States, you typically need a valid and commercial driver’s license if the vehicle meets certain weight and size requirements. 

The specific type required will depend on the cargo van’s weight, size, and cargo.

• Will be classified as Class B: If the cargo van has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 26,001 pounds. It is typically required for commercial vans carrying more than 15 persons, including the driver or vehicles transporting hazardous materials.

• You will likely need a Class-A license if the cargo van has a GVWR of more than 26,001 pounds. It is typically required for vehicles transporting large cargo or multiple vehicles, such as tractor-trailers.

It’s important to note that the CDL-requirements may vary by state, so it’s best to check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) for specific regulations and licensing requirements.

Can I Drive a Sprinter Van On a Car Licence?

You can own and drive a Sprinter with a car or regular license. Like other lightweight or category B vehicles, you are not required to obtain a commercial vehicle license to operate the Mercedes Sprinter.

You can operate it with your standard or car license. But depending on your region and the purposes the automobile is deployed for, you might be required to get a special permit. Check with your state directory for more information.

What are Sprinter Van License Requirements?

You don’t need a Commercial Driver’s License or any particular driver’s license to drive a Benz Sprinter van. You can move if you are of the right driving age, have passed the driving test, and hold a valid license.

But if you are transporting commuters professionally, some US territories require a chauffeur’s license at least. 

How to Become a Van Owner Operator or Commercial Driver?

To become a sprinter-van owner-operator, here is what you need to have:

• An authentic driver’s license,
• Legal age for driving a Sprinter van
• Insurance
• Van driving skills
• A van

These are some of the legal requirements companies ask you to fulfil before you become an owner-operator when your van is used for commercial or business purposes.

But even before that, ensure you are ready for the job, have enough finances to buy a van, apply for related permits, register your business, insure it, and know how to drive it well.

Is a Sprinter Considered Commercial and Needs a DOT Number?

In some states, transporting people within the US may only need a DOT number. But when you plan to transport persons across the border, a DOT number becomes a legal requirement.

The Department of Transport (DOT) number is assigned to heavy vehicles during registration. It allows them to drive freely on state highways and across the border.

Moreover, you need to apply for the USDOT number if:

• You intend to drive it on interstate routes.
• For compensation, you want to transport more than 10 to 15 commuters in a single trip.
• For transporting more than 15-passenger without compensation.
• You wish to drive a vehicle that weighs more than 10,000 lbs.
• Want to transport hazardous materials within the cargo area?

Although there is no registration fee for the DOT number, the FMCSA website will ask you to submit your credit card number for identification and verification when applying for it.

FAQ about needing a CDL to drive a Sprinter motor vehicle

How old to drive a van?

The age at which you can drive different types of vehicles depends on where you reside. For example, in the UK, you can drive a category B vehicle, a light commercial vehicle, if you have a full UK driving license.

From age 18, you can operate a vehicle weighing up to 3.5 tonnes with up to 8 passenger seats.

It’s a similar case in the United States, only that some territories require you to have a commercial driving license and commercial plates on your automobile.

For more information, check the laws of your state to know the requirements for operating a lightweight commercial vehicle.

Can I drive the Sprinter on a G2 license?

In Canada, sprinter vans are subject to additional requirements, such as medical tests to deem the driver eligible to operate a large-capacity vehicle. In the United States, however, it varies depending on the state.

But since a G2 vehicle allows you to operate a car regardless of the time of the day or how many persons are in your vehicle, you can also drive a van with your G2 license.

Summary of commercial motor

Finally, I hope this detailed answer to your query about the commercial motor license is sufficient. In addition to Pro responses, we shared when vans are considered commercial vehicles and if or when a special permit is needed.