What operation requires a CDL according to the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986?

The requirement for a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) under the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 includes specific criteria for various types of vehicles and operations. The correct option regarding operations that necessitate a CDL is associated with a single vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 26,001 pounds or more.

This provision ensures that drivers of heavier vehicles undergo appropriate training and testing to operate safely. The rationale behind this requirement is based on the increased complexity and risk of operating larger vehicles. Such vehicles can often handle more weight and pose greater dangers in terms of braking distance and maneuverability compared to lighter vehicles. By requiring a CDL for these operations, the law aims to promote road safety and reduce the incidence of accidents involving large commercial vehicles.

In relation to the other options, while they might present criteria for requiring certain endorsements or additional training, they do not encapsulate the definitive threshold for CDL requirements set forth by the Act as clearly as the specified single vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds does. Hence, option B accurately reflects the legal framework under which a CDL is necessitated for specific vehicle operations.