California Non Comm. Class A License - Catch 22

frumbawa · Oct 6, 2011

Hi All,

I am in the process of getting a Non Commercial Class A license since the new Cyclone exceeds the 15K gross weight limitation for the RV endorsement. Passed the written test no problem so now I have a permit to drive/tow as long as another non comm. class A licensed driver is with me. I feel like my 16 old daughter who is also has her permit.

Anyway the catch 22. I don't know anyone who has a non commercial, or even commercial license. Supposedly I cannot just show up for the drive test without a licensed person with me so now I'm stuck. For those of you in the San Diego/Riverside County areas of know of any service, schools or people that could point me in the right direction on this? Normally, I probably wouldn't put this high on my priority list but my neighbor's son is a CHP officer and he was telling me that if I get stopped, they may not let me move on. I'm worried now.

Any advice from the pros is greatly appreciated.

Frank

tmcran · Oct 6, 2011

Don't really understand the California law ,but glad I don't have to deal with it. Good luck.

Bob&Patty · Oct 6, 2011

Frank, I feel your pain (PITA). Ya just got to find someone that has a CDL.

Bighurt · Oct 6, 2011

It's not just a CA thing pretty sure all states ask about who drove the truck to the test, in some fashion or another. I have loop hole unfortunately I had to miss the exam. I'm licensed by the GOV to drive tractor trailer but only GOV trucks. However I was loaned a GOV to take the test, so I was the licensed driver driving myself to the exam. Like I said I had to cancel the test, and am still waiting another opportunity.

The best thing to do is if you can't find an aid, drive the truck there before they open and then show up in another vehicle. When they ask or inquire explain to them you had it dropped off for the test, when you complete pass/fail you still have the other mode home. And they won't question you any further.

wdk450 · Oct 6, 2011

Frank:
Your posting looks like a photocopy of something I have posted here before. Its really sad that trying to comply with the LAW (GVW > 15000 lbs in CA REQUIRES non commercial class A) is SUCH A HASSLE!!!
I asked this question of DMV and CHP representatives in a tent at a Sacramento RV show about 5 years ago, and was told I had to come up with my own LEGAL transport to the testing station (or risk rig impoundment). I asked about this at an Escapees local meeting, and found that the NCA license requirement is universally ignored by 5th wheel owners. I have contacted nearby RV driving schools, and RV haulers, with negative and non replies.
Maybe you can put out a WANTED posting on Craigslist for a regular Commercial class A driver (they are licensed to drive most anything, including RV doubles - truck, 5th wheel, boat) to drive your rig to the test. Contact your dealer and see if they could provide properly licensed drivers (I wonder about this one). I wonder if this would be worth a visit to the Pomona RV show to see if DMV/CHP is represented there.
Good luck, and if you get this done, let me know. I go down to Riverside to visit with family and maybe you could drive ME to the test when you are properly licensed. Then maybe we can start a network of 5th wheel drivers helping California 5th wheel owners to become legal.

TandT · Oct 6, 2011

I have been told by several state agencies that unless you are grossly overweight, or in the case of a few states like California, towing doubles, Highway patrol agencies as a rule do not scrutinize RV'ers.
To validate my point look at this; //heartlandowners.org/poll.php?pollid=55&do=showresults.

I will get one eventually, in case I want to tow doubles.
With regard to getting to the test location,
I agree with the above post. A DMV employee is not going to verify how you are getting to or from the test IMHO. They don't enforce laws, they administer tests.

TXBobcat · Oct 6, 2011

We just drove through California again. We just drove down SR-195 and US-395 which are mainly 2 lane roads. The speed limit is 65 mph for everyone except for Trucks with 3 or more axles and any vehicle pulling a trailer then it is 55mph. If a Semi, a cargo truck, and an RV were all going down the highway then everyone behind them must go 55. It would be cool to see about a dozen Semi's would get in line every day where there was about enough room to safely follow each other and just drive 55 for a hundred miles. Bet some people would really get Pi$$ed off after a while.

Oregon was 55 for everyone. I don't like that either but at least it is even for everyone, but my TV shifts into 5th gear at 58mph.

BC

TandT · Oct 7, 2011

TXBobcat said:
We just drove through California again. We just drove down SR-195 and US-395 which are mainly 2 lane roads. The speed limit is 65 mph for everyone except for Trucks with 3 or more axles and any vehicle pulling a trailer then it is 55mph. If a Semi, a cargo truck, and an RV were all going down the highway then everyone behind them must go 55. It would be cool to see about a dozen Semi's would get in line every day where there was about enough room to safely follow each other and just drive 55 for a hundred miles. Bet some people would really get Pi$$ed off after a while.

Oregon was 55 for everyone. I don't like that either but at least it is even for everyone, but my TV shifts into 5th gear at 58mph.

I agree with you 55 in California is outdated. I can see it in large metro areas such as LA county etc. When I come back into California I have to start looking over my shoulder, because like you, with my gearing my truck likes to go around 62mph. If I have to go 55, I have to downshift to 3rd and creep along at a higher rpm using more fuel.

frumbawa · Oct 7, 2011

Thanks for all the feedback. Yes, this is truly a hassle and I realize there are a lot of improperly licensed drivers out there but with my luck, I will be the one that gets stopped. Anyway, a few good ideas have come up - "drop the rig off before the test center opens," Craiglist, and contact my dealer for help. I will start looking into these options.

WDK450 - I will certainly help you out if you still need it and yes, I already thought about ways to help out others. There's got to be a way to make this process easier.

Again, thanks to all.

Frank

mikeandconnie · Oct 7, 2011

Frank, I know someone in Ventura that may go with you.. I was in a bind this summer and he move my Landmark for me.You may be able to work this out with him.. He is a retired CHP officer and very nice person. I can PM his number to you if you would like.

frumbawa · Oct 10, 2011

mikeandconnie said:
Frank, I know someone in Ventura that may go with you.. I was in a bind this summer and he move my Landmark for me.You may be able to work this out with him.. He is a retired CHP officer and very nice person. I can PM his number to you if you would like.

Thanks mikeandconnie. I think I may have found someone here in San Diego via CraigsList. A commercial guy with his own rig wanting to hire out for local work. I talked to him over the weekend, explained my situation, and he seemed game to helping me out. I will be talking to him again in the next week or so but if this falls through, I will get back to you.

Thanks gain.

fawsty · Jan 17, 2012

To all;

I did go thru this same issue. When I took the written test and passed, I was given a permit to operate. I was told by the DMV that that meant that I could drive to go camping, practice, etc for the practical exam portion. When I questioned as to whether or not I could go to the office myself with the trailer, I was told yes. The asst manager of this office called Sac, who said they did not know, as it had never come up before. The next call was to the office where I had to perform the practical driving portion. They said I could, and it would not get cited or impounded. I went and got it done. Anybody needs help, I'm licensed, and retired. I'll help anyone that needs it, if I can. BTW, the sales men should be required to tell people of the licensing requirements before they make such a purchase. I only knew of the law since I was in law enforcement for 25 years. Steven

danemayer · Jan 17, 2012

The Texas Class A road test starts with a hands-on demonstration of the air-braking system. I assume similar procedures would be in place across the U.S. since a Class A lets you drive a tractor trailer (with air-brakes) anywhere in the U.S.

If you show up with your RV, I would suggest you be prepared to walk the examiner through a detailed description of the procedures to test and use air-brakes. They might skip this for RVers, but you'd probably be pretty upset if they asked and you weren't prepared.

By the way, long time ago in Maryland, my buddy and I took my new motorcycle to the DMV to get our motorcycle endorsements. The first thing the examiner did was to ask how we got the bike to the DMV. We had brought it in the back of my buddy's van. The examiner felt the engine and told us that if it had been warm, we would have been ticketed and he would have flunked us on the test. Never assume they're going to give you a wink and a nod.

fawsty · Jan 17, 2012

In Ca they don't do air brakes, unless you are going for the full class A driver's license. If you go for the non-commercial, they only do the other stuff, but it's intense.

drzr · Jan 18, 2012

Am I understanding that if I am licensed in Texas and drive to or through California I need another kind of license?

jayc · Jan 18, 2012

No your Texas license will work in Kalifornia. If you're legal in Texas, you're legal there.

danemayer · Jan 18, 2012

If you're legal in Texas, you're legal there.

A Class C Texas license will satisfy comparable requirements in California and other states. It will not satisfy Class A requirements in California or anywhere else. The issue is that the law is more restrictive in California and requires a Class A license for heavier RVs.

That said, as has been pointed out many, many times on this forum and on others, most RV'ers ignore the California law and it would seem that the police in California also do so.

Of course that doesn't mean they can't choose to start enforcing the law tomorrow.

caokgafamily · Jan 18, 2012

I loved growing up in Northern Ca but I have been gone so long I don't think I would recognize or understand her anymore.

Steve

fawsty · Jan 18, 2012

I also heard a story from a guy who pulled onto Oceano Dunes, and paid his fees. As soon as he did, they directed him over to a side pullout and used portable scales on his rig. Cost him $1500.00 for being overweight (toyhauler and lots of toys), and he was also cited for driving out of class, or unlicensed. OUCH. BTW, if you are not properly licensed, you have no insurance coverage for your rig, or your truck pulling it. These are the reasons I bit the bullet and got my proper license. For a while last summer, the Cant Handle Policework (sometimes known as the CHP) were looking for reasons to stop large trailers heading west on the 166 to the coast. They were checking license status and impounding rigs out in the middle of nowhere....

frumbawa · Jan 18, 2012

danemayer said:
...... most RV'ers ignore the California law and it would seem that the police in California also do so.

Normally, I probably would have fallen into this catagory but my neighbor's son is CHP. The day I backed the new rig into the driveway, he came over and asked if I had the right license. I said no. His neighborly advice was be forwarned. As cash strapped as California is these days, they are looking for any reason they can find to write a ticket and the large, tripple axle toy haulers are easy targets.

As someone else mentioned, the drive test was pretty intense since I had no clue what to expect. It was three parts - pre-trip inpsection, skills test, then road test. For the pre-trip inspection, you take the examiner through the steps. You must touch on a minimum number of bullet points in his/her checklist to pass that part. The skills test is basically driving the cones - right turns, left turns, straight backing and angle backing. The road test is just that the only difference is it also included entering and exiting the freeway. I will fess up. I failed the first time but once I knew what to expect, I aced it the second time around. And in my case, my permit specifically stated right on it I had to have a properly licensed driver with me at all times and when I showed up at the DMV, they asked who my escort was. The only thing they did not do was ask to see his license.

Frank

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