gross vehicle weight rating
The maximum loaded weight of a single vehicle, set by its manufacturer.
It is a rating printed on a label, not what the truck weighs today. A single vehicle rated 26,001 pounds or more needs a CDL. The CDL class you need depends on this rating, and on the trailer's rating when you tow.
Also called: GVWR
Why it matters on the CDL test
Questions ask what GVWR means and at what GVWR a single vehicle requires a CDL.
Appears in 3 test questions
See 2 questions on the General Knowledge testDiffers by state
Most states set the CDL class by the manufacturer's rating alone; North Carolina says so outright and bars actual weight. North Dakota, Rhode Island and Wisconsin use the greater of the rating and the actual or registered weight. California writes 'GVWR or GVW' throughout, and New York law uses the greatest of GVWR/GCWR, registration weight and actual weight.
Does not mean: GVWR is not the actual weight on the scale; that is gross vehicle weight (GVW).
Example: You read the door-jamb label of a straight truck to see its GVWR before deciding which license class covers it.
In other languages
- Español
- GVWR (peso bruto vehicular)
- Русский
- GVWR (полная масса транспортного средства)
- Українська
- GVWR (повна маса транспортного засобу)
Related terms
Where it comes from
- Texas CDL manual, 3.2.1 Definitions You Should Know
- New York CDL manual, 3.2.1 Definitions
- California CDL manual, GVWR definition
- Texas CDL manual, you must have a CDL to operate: GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more
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