You have the restriction because you didn't take the written or road test for air brakes AND you have a CDL. A vehicle 26k lbs or under does not require a CDL so there are no restrictions or endorsements.
That's exactly right. There is no Air Brake Endorsement, there is only a restriction from operating a vehicle with air brakes. The "L" restriction becomes applicable if you fail the written knowledge test section of air brakes, or if you take the road test in a vehicle without air brakes. If you take the road test in a vehicle with air over hydraulic brake system, you'll get a "Z" restriction that won't allow you to operate a vehicle with full air brakes.
If you have a 25,000 pound vehicle that has air brakes, and you pass the written test for air brakes, and you take the road test in that vehicle, you don't need a CDL to drive it, and there are no air brakes restrictions involved.
As far as,
"States don't place ENDORSEMENTS or RESTRICTIONS on NON-CDL Licenses........Unless it's like a Learners Permit...Motorcycle....Etc." goes, there is a
long laundry list of restrictions that get placed onto Plain Ole' everyday 4 wheeler Class C Drivers Licenses. Corrective lenses, daytime driving, no highway driving, outside mirrors, hearing aid, automatic transmission only, there are lots of them.
But everywhere, even in Texas, the "L" Air Brake Restriction is ONLY for vehicles requiring a CDL. It doesn't apply to non-CLD vehicles or licenses at all.
"In Texas......You CAN NOT "Rent" a Penske / Budget type of Truck that is Equipped with Airbrakes Unless you have a CDL......."
Of course you can, as long as the vehicle is under 26,001 pounds. My brother's wife's sister, living in San Antonio, rented an International 4300 with a Maxon lift-gate from Penske, and it had air brakes. But it was less-than 26,001 pounds. She doesn't have a CDL. I helped her move to a new apartment. Typical Penske trucks which have air brakes are also trucks that weight more than 26,000 pounds, and thus a CDL is required. But none of Penske's personal moving trucks, including the ones they have with air brakes, require any special license to drive. More and more Penske trucks, mostly from International and Freightliner, that are under 26,001 pounds are coming with air brakes.
