Which driver’s license class is necessary to operate vehicles with a towed vehicle weight greater than 10,000 lbs?

To operate vehicles that tow a trailer with a weight exceeding 10,000 pounds, a Class A driver's license is required. This classification allows the driver to handle both the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle, provided the combined gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of both vehicles exceeds 26,000 pounds, with the towed vehicle itself weighing more than 10,000 pounds.

A Class A license is specifically designed for larger combinations of vehicles, thereby providing the necessary training and regulations to ensure safety while towing heavy loads. It includes advanced knowledge of both vehicle dynamics and handling requirements when towing such significant weights.

Other license classes, such as Class B and Class C, are intended for different vehicle configurations and weight distributions, which is why they do not meet the requirements for towing vehicles exceeding that specified weight threshold. A Class D license generally covers standard passenger vehicles without specific allowances for large trailers or combinations thereof. Thus, to legally and safely operate a vehicle with a towed weight greater than 10,000 pounds, obtaining a Class A license is essential.