I'm wondering if some of this dialog is missing the point of the question.
When you license your TRUCK for some GVW that has to do with the taxes you are paying. The heavier the load you say you can carry, the higher the tax.
When you license the DRIVER you are certifying the driver is qualified to control a truck with that GVW rating.
I've been told that in Washington (where I live) you can drive a truck bigger than 26,000 without a CDL as long as you own the truck personally, and do not carry a load for anyone else. Otherwise you need a CDL to drive anything 26,000 and up. Airbrakes is an additional endorsement required to operate any truck with airbrakes.
I've not verified these details since my biggest truck has a GVW of only 16,000. I asked some questions when I was looking at a truck with a 26,000 pound rating. I didn't buy that truck, and based on what I learned don't think it will ever be an issue on anything I have.
