Hydrovac Operator Requirements: CDL, Training & Certifications

Quick Answer: Hydrovac truck operators need a Class B CDL (minimum) because most trucks exceed 26,000 lbs GVWR. You'll also need a tanker endorsement (N) for liquid transport over 1,000 gallons, and possibly a hazmat endorsement (H) if hauling contaminated materials. Most employers require excavation safety training, OSHA 10/30, and drug testing. No hydrovac-specific license exists federally.

"What do I need to drive a hydrovac truck?"

I get this question from guys looking to break into the industry and from contractors wondering what licenses their new hires need. The answer isn't as straightforward as you'd hope — it depends on the truck size, what you're hauling, and where you're operating.

After 25 years working with hydrovac operators, I've seen the full range: properly licensed professionals who know their equipment, and guys running on a wing and a prayer hoping they don't get pulled over. Guess which ones I end up doing emergency repairs for?

This guide covers what you actually need to legally and safely operate a hydrovac truck.

Do You Need a CDL to Operate a Hydrovac Truck?

Short answer: Almost always, yes.

Long answer: You need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) if the vehicle exceeds certain weight thresholds. Most hydrovac trucks blow past these thresholds easily.

Federal CDL Requirements

Under federal law (FMCSA regulations), you need a CDL if you're operating:

Class A CDL required:

• Combination vehicles with a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) over 26,000 lbs, AND the towed unit exceeds 10,000 lbs GVWR

Class B CDL required:

• Single vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) over 26,000 lbs
• Combination where the towed unit is under 10,000 lbs GVWR

How This Applies to Hydrovac Trucks

Let me break it down with real numbers (for more on truck specs, see our sizing guide):

Bottom line: If you're operating a hydrovac truck, you need at least a Class B CDL. Period.

Some smaller vacuum trailer units can be operated with a Class A CDL if towed behind a truck. But if we're talking about a self-contained hydrovac truck, Class B is the minimum.

Class A vs. Class B: Which Do You Need?

Class B is sufficient for most hydrovac trucks because they're single vehicles (the hydrovac equipment is mounted on the chassis, not towed).

Class A is required if:

• You're towing a trailer over 10,000 lbs GVWR
• Your company runs combination vehicles
• You want flexibility to operate any truck in the fleet

My advice: Get a Class A even if you only need Class B right now. It opens more doors and doesn't cost much more. A Class A CDL holder can drive Class B vehicles, but not vice versa.

CDL Endorsements for Hydrovac Operators

Beyond the base CDL, you may need endorsements depending on what you're doing.

Tank Vehicle Endorsement (N)

When it's required: When operating a vehicle designed to transport liquid or gaseous materials in bulk containers (tanks) with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.

Does this apply to hydrovac trucks? This is where it gets murky.

The water tank on a hydrovac typically holds 500-1,500 gallons. The debris tank holds excavated material, not "bulk liquid" in the traditional sense.

My recommendation: Get the tanker endorsement anyway. Here's why:

1. Some jurisdictions interpret the rules to require it
2. If you ever haul a water trailer or different equipment, you'll need it
3. It's just a written test — no additional road test
4. Better to have it and not need it than explain to a DOT officer why you don't

The tanker endorsement requires passing a written knowledge test covering tank vehicle handling, including how liquid cargo affects vehicle handling and braking.

Hazmat Endorsement (H)

When it's required: When transporting hazardous materials in quantities requiring placarding.

For hydrovac work: Most routine hydrovac excavation doesn't involve hazmat. But some jobs do:

• Contaminated soil removal
• Industrial site cleanups
• Work around chemical facilities
• Transporting debris that's classified as hazardous

If you're doing environmental or industrial work, talk to your employer about whether hazmat endorsement is needed for your specific operations.

Getting the hazmat endorsement:

• Written knowledge test
• TSA background check (takes several weeks)
• Fingerprinting
• Additional fees

It's more involved than other endorsements, but valuable if you're doing specialized work.

Air Brake Restriction

All heavy hydrovac trucks use air brakes. When you get your CDL, make sure you:

1. Take the air brake knowledge test
2. Take your road test in a vehicle with air brakes

If you test in a vehicle with hydraulic brakes only, your CDL will have an "L" restriction — no air brakes. That would disqualify you from operating most hydrovac trucks.

State-Specific Requirements

CDL requirements are federally mandated, but states can add requirements. Some variations I've seen:

Medical card requirements: All CDL holders need a valid DOT medical card. Some states have additional requirements for renewal frequency.

State endorsement variations: A few states have additional endorsements or certifications for specific operations.

Intrastate vs. interstate: If you only operate within one state and meet certain criteria, some requirements may differ. But most hydrovac operations cross state lines at some point, so plan for interstate rules.

Check your specific state's DMV for current requirements. Rules change, and what applied last year might not apply now.

Training and Certifications

Having a CDL means you can legally drive the truck. It doesn't mean you know how to operate the hydrovac equipment.

Manufacturer Training

Most hydrovac manufacturers offer operator training:

What manufacturer training covers:

• Equipment operation and controls
• Safety systems and emergency procedures
• Basic maintenance and daily checks
• Troubleshooting common issues
• Optimal operating techniques

This isn't optional — it's essential. Running a hydrovac truck without training is how you turn a $500,000 truck into scrap metal in six months.

OSHA Training Requirements

For excavation work, OSHA requires specific training:

Excavation Competent Person Training: If you're designated as the competent person on an excavation site, you need training that covers:

• Soil classification
• Protective systems
• Hazard recognition
• OSHA excavation standards (29 CFR 1926 Subpart P)

This isn't a CDL requirement — it's a job site safety requirement. But if you're running the hydrovac, you might also be the competent person.

General Safety Training:

• Hazard communication
• Personal protective equipment
• Emergency procedures

For detailed safety requirements, see our hydrovac safety guide.

High-Pressure Water Safety Training

This is specific to hydrovac work and often overlooked:

• Recognizing injection injury risks
• Proper wand handling techniques
• Emergency response for water injection injuries
• Equipment inspection and maintenance

Many employers include this in their onboarding, but quality varies. Make sure you actually understand the risks — high-pressure water can kill you.

Industry Certifications

Several voluntary certifications can boost your credentials:

NUCA (National Utility Contractors Association):

• Excavation safety certification
• Various skill certifications

NASSCO (National Association of Sewer Service Companies):

• Focused on sewer and pipeline work
• Relevant for vacuum truck operators

Equipment-specific certifications:

• Some manufacturers offer certification programs
• Documented proof of training completion

These aren't legally required, but they can:

• Help you get hired
• Qualify you for higher-paying jobs
• Satisfy customer requirements (many large contractors require certified operators)
• Reduce your company's insurance costs

Physical Requirements

Operating a hydrovac truck is physical work. DOT and employer requirements reflect this.

DOT Medical Requirements

To hold a CDL, you need a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC). The DOT physical examines:

Vision:

• At least 20/40 in each eye (with or without correction)
• At least 70° peripheral vision in each eye
• Ability to distinguish traffic signal colors

Hearing:

• Ability to perceive a "forced whisper" at 5 feet (with or without hearing aid)

Blood pressure and cardiovascular:

• Must meet specific BP thresholds
• No disqualifying heart conditions

Diabetes:

• Controlled diabetes may be allowed with certain conditions
• Insulin users need exemption (complex process)

Other conditions evaluated:

• Neurological issues
• Respiratory function
• Mental/emotional fitness
• Drug and alcohol use

DOT physicals must be done by certified medical examiners and are typically valid for up to 24 months (some conditions require more frequent recertification).

Physical Demands of the Job

Beyond DOT requirements, the job itself demands:

• Lifting 50-75 lbs regularly (hoses, equipment, tools)
• Standing for extended periods
• Working in all weather conditions
• Climbing in and out of the cab repeatedly
• Manual dexterity for equipment controls
• Ability to work in confined spaces (some jobs)

Be honest with yourself about physical capability. This isn't a desk job.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

CDL holders are subject to federal drug and alcohol testing requirements.

Required Testing

Pre-employment: Before you can drive a CMV for a new employer.

Random testing: FMCSA requires at least 50% of drivers be randomly tested for drugs annually, 10% for alcohol.

Post-accident: After certain types of accidents.

Reasonable suspicion: If a trained supervisor has reason to believe impairment.

Return-to-duty and follow-up: If you've previously tested positive.

Clearinghouse

The FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is a database that tracks violations. Employers must:

• Query the Clearinghouse before hiring
• Report violations
• Conduct annual queries for current drivers

A positive test or refusal goes on your Clearinghouse record. This can follow you for years and seriously impact your career.

My straight talk: I've seen good operators lose their careers over this. If you have a substance problem, get help before it shows up on a drug test. If you don't have a problem, don't create one — even "occasional" use isn't worth the risk to your livelihood.

How to Become a Hydrovac Operator

If you're starting from scratch, here's the path:

Step 1: Get Your CDL

1. Study for the written tests

   • General knowledge test
   • Air brakes knowledge test
   • Combination vehicles (for Class A) or straight truck (for Class B)
   • Tank vehicles endorsement (recommended)

2. Get your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)

   • Pass the written tests
   • Hold for at least 14 days before road test

3. Practice driving

   • CDL training schools (recommended)
   • Some employers provide training
   • Practice with a licensed CDL holder

4. Pass the road test

   • Pre-trip inspection
   • Basic controls
   • On-road driving

5. Obtain your CDL

   • Apply at DMV with passed tests
   • Complete DOT physical
   • Pay applicable fees

Timeline: 3-8 weeks for most people, depending on training approach.

Step 2: Get Hired or Get Training

Option A: Entry-level position Many companies hire CDL holders and train them on hydrovac equipment. You might start as a helper/laborer before becoming a primary operator.

Option B: CDL school with vacuum truck specialization Some CDL schools offer specialized training for vacuum truck operations.

Option C: Manufacturer training If you're buying equipment, negotiate training as part of the purchase.

Step 3: Build Experience

Your first 6-12 months are learning time. Focus on:

• Understanding the equipment thoroughly
• Learning to read job conditions
• Developing efficient operating techniques
• Building relationships with mechanics (like me) who can help when things go wrong

Step 4: Get Certified

As you gain experience, pursue relevant certifications:

• OSHA competent person training
• Manufacturer-specific certifications
• Industry certifications (NUCA, etc.)

What Employers Look For

After working with hydrovac operators for 25 years, here's what the good employers value:

Clean driving record: MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) matters. Major violations, multiple incidents, or a DUI will disqualify you from most positions.

Equipment knowledge: Understanding different brands, truck sizing, and operating costs makes you more valuable to employers.

Verifiable experience: They'll check. Don't exaggerate your background.

Mechanical aptitude: Operators who understand their equipment have fewer breakdowns and do better work.

Professionalism: Show up on time, communicate clearly, work safely. This industry is smaller than you think — reputation matters.

Willingness to learn: Equipment evolves. Techniques improve. The best operators keep learning throughout their careers.

Physical fitness: The job is demanding. Being in shape reduces injury risk and improves job performance.

Career Progression

Hydrovac operator isn't necessarily a dead-end job:

Operator → Lead Operator → Crew Supervisor: More responsibility, better pay.

Operator → Trainer: Teaching new hires, developing procedures.

Operator → Owner/Operator: Buy your own truck, run your own business. High risk, high reward.

Operator → Mechanic/Technician: Some operators transition to maintenance and repair work. (That's sort of my world — call me if you're interested in that path.)

Operator → Sales/Territory Manager: Equipment dealers hire people who actually know how to operate the equipment.

Cost of Getting Licensed

Budget for:

Some employers will pay for your CDL training in exchange for a work commitment. Shop around.

Maintaining Your Credentials

Once you have everything, you need to keep it:

CDL renewal: Every 4-8 years depending on state.

Medical card renewal: Every 24 months (or more frequently for some conditions).

Endorsement maintenance: Some endorsements require periodic retesting.

Training refreshers: Most employers require annual safety training.

Clearinghouse compliance: Stay clean on drug and alcohol tests.

The Bottom Line

Becoming a qualified hydrovac operator isn't complicated, but it does require:

• At minimum, a Class B CDL (I recommend Class A)
• Tank endorsement (highly recommended)
• Possibly hazmat endorsement (job-dependent)
• Equipment-specific training
• Safety training
• Physical fitness for the demands of the work

The investment pays off. Good hydrovac operators are in demand, and the pay reflects the skill and licensing required.

Questions About Operator Requirements?

If you're an operator looking to understand your equipment better, check out:

• How hydrovac trucks work
• Hydrovac parts and components
• Maintenance guide

If you need service, training support, or help troubleshooting equipment issues, I work with operators throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and the DC/Maryland area.

Call me at 272-296-9637 or request service here.