Do you need a cdl to operate your own semi?

Yes. FMCSR licencing requirements are determined by the vehicle

• not who owns it. A CMV requires a licenced operator, whether they

own the truck or not. The only instances where you don't need a CDL are when it's exempted from FMCSA regulation - for instance, registered farm vehicles, recreational vehicles and motorhomes, firefighting vehicles, and military vehicles. In these instances, states have jurisdiction over what their licencing requirements are for vehicles of this type.