If you’re about to move but don’t want to hire movers, U-Haul offers plenty of trucks to help you get your stuff to your new place. However, you may want to consider if you’re legally allowed to drive a U-Haul.
Consider if you need a special license to operate a U-Haul or if you should move your stuff another way.
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Can You Drive a U-Haul Without a CDL?
You can drive a U-Haul even if you don’t have a CDL (commercial driver’s license). U-Haul trucks aren’t commercial vehicles, so anyone with a license can drive one. However, you can’t use a digital license to rent and operate a U-Haul.
If you live in Quebec and want to rent the 26-foot U-Haul, you’ll need a Class 3 Driver’s License. Otherwise, all you need is a current license to rent a truck.
CDL = Commercial Driver’s License
A CDL refers to a commercial driver’s license. The license allows you to operate trucks for work, and many semi-truck drivers have this type of license.
Fortunately, you don’t need to go through CDL training to drive a U-Haul. However, if you have a CDL, it may make driving a U-Haul easier.
Requirements to Drive a U-Haul
Just because you don’t need a CDL to drive a U-Haul doesn’t mean that just anyone can rent and drive a truck. You have to fulfill some other requirements before you can rent and operate a U-Haul for your next move.
Here are a couple of requirements for driving a U-Haul.
Minimum Age
Before you can drive a moving truck from U-Haul, you must be at least 18 years old. You’ll need to provide proof of your age with your license or another form of ID.
If you aren’t quite 18, you will have to have a friend or relative rent the truck and drive it. You can still ride in the truck as a passenger though.
Another option for 16- and 17-year olds is to rent a U-Haul trailer. The company sets a minimum age of 16 for trailer rentals. If you don’t have an adult to rent a truck for you, this is a nice option.
Current License
Of course, you’ll also need to have a current active license. It doesn’t matter if you have a CDL or non-CDL license.
You’ll also need to meet any restrictions or requirements on your license. For example, if you have to wear glasses or contacts to drive, you’ll need to do that during your move.
If your license will expire between now and when you need to rent a U-Haul, be sure to renew the license as soon as you can. That way, you’ll have an active license to use to rent and drive the truck.
Acceptable Licenses
U-Haul accepts a variety of licenses, which is good since classes differ between states and provinces. Some US driver’s licenses classes that U-Haul accepts include Class 3, Class C, Class D, Class E, and Class F.
Other states use Class O or Class R licenses, while others simply call the ID a Driver’s License. A few states even use the term Operator’s License.
If you live in Canada, you’ll need a Class 5, Class 5F, or Class G license. The specific class varies between provinces and territories. Quebec residents looking to rent the 26-foot truck will need a Class 3 license.
Regardless of the class, U-Haul accepts a few different types of licenses. The company accepts US, Canada, and military licenses. Other options include District of Columbia, foreign country, and international licenses.
Sadly, you can’t drive a U-Haul with a learner’s permit. You have to have a license that allows you to operate a vehicle without supervision.
You can determine the type of license you have by looking for the word “class” or something similar. Consider what the class letters mean in your state. Then, you’ll know if you have an acceptable license.
Is Driving a U-Haul Hard?
Driving a U-Haul can be difficult, especially the first time. It may also be hard if you haven’t driven any sort of truck or large vehicle before.
When you first drive a moving truck, take things slowly. Give yourself extra time for stops and turns, and don’t force yourself to go as fast as you would when driving your own car.
If you aren’t comfortable driving a U-Haul, even if you can, ask someone else to drive it. As long as they meet the requirements, they can be the one to rent the truck. Then, you can still move everything to your new place.
Can You Drive a U-Haul With an Expired License?
As you might expect, you can’t drive a U-Haul with an expired license. However, there may be a small exception.
If you just turned 21 and you haven’t been able to renew your license, you might be able to use your expired one. This may happen if your birthday falls on a weekend and your local driver’s license office is closed.
Some states won’t let you renew your license early when you’re turning 21, such as if the state changes the design at that age. However, you’ll need to renew your license as soon as possible to keep driving.
Does U-Haul Require a CDL to Drive Their Trucks?
U-Haul doesn’t require renters to have a CDL to drive a moving truck. But you will need a current license from an acceptable license class. You’ll also need to meet age requirements. Be sure to consider your age and the classes in your state to determine if you can rent a U-Haul.