Does a mechanic need a CDL to road test fire trucks?

He needs a CDL to drive a fire truck on the highway. Most heavy duty truck mechanics have that license.

In my state (CT) you can drive a fire truck with a Class B (straight truck CDL) or what we call a Q endorsement which is a fire apparatus only endorsement of your normal license. You take the Class B test and they'll give you just the Q. I don't think its as "governed" as the CDL is. On another note the Q endorsement lets you drive any FD truck from the little ones to the 80,000 lb ladder truck if you get checked out on it. I understand the intent of the law or allowance I should say, but there are considerations,hazards, and skill about handling that kind of weight which was covered in my Class A CDL class that weren't really mentioned on my Q. If that ladder was a commercial vehicle you would need an A license for that weight.