Do you need a cdl to drive a truck with out air brakes?

Whether the vehicle has air brakes or hydraulic brakes does not determine whether or not a CDL is required to operate that vehicle. There are three classes of CDLs - Class A, Class B, and Class C. Class A and B pertain to vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of over 26,000 lbs - whether it be an individual vehicle or a combination of vehicles (truck and trailer). Class C pertains to vehicles under 26,000 lbs., and is typically used for vehicles under the weight requirements for a Class A or B CDL, but which are carrying hazardous material, or are designed to carry more than 15 passengers (including the driver). If your vehicle falls into one of these categories, you need a CDL, whether or not it has air brakes. Now, there are some vehicles exempt from CDL requirements under federal law (although individual states may have their own special licencing requirements). These include recreational vehicles, registered farm vehicles, military vehicles (driver by military service members), and firefighting/first response apparatus. What type of licence you need to drive any of these is dependent upon your state's laws.