Escort to DMV needed for a "Non Commercial License" (Class A)

[DesertThumper]

Hey Al, thanks for the info. My little GreyStone only comes in at 9300 lbs dry, so I guess I need not worry about it for now anyhow. Again thanks for the info, can never learn to much or so I'm told. As long as I learn something new once in a while, that will do for me.

Ray, no prob. What is your Gvwr on your trailer? Look on the front side of your fifth wheel and double check? The dry weight does not count.

 

[Ladiver]

This!

I asked Heartland to sticker mine at 15,000 to avoid class A, but that was not possible. I am still practicing the backing into a spot. I am not sure how tight he spot will be on the test. I can park in the RV parking on the side of my house. That is 11-12 feet wide and takes me 10 minutes to maneuver just right. Probably not a passing grade, but not bad for a newbie. At least I have my permit. It is like I am 15 all over again.

the class A requirement is based on gvwr, not on actual weight. Oh we'll.

 

[DesertThumper]

This!

I asked Heartland to sticker mine at 15,000 to avoid class A, but that was not possible. I am still practicing the backing into a spot. I am not sure how tight he spot will be on the test. I can park in the RV parking on the side of my house. That is 11-12 feet wide and takes me 10 minutes to maneuver just right. Probably not a passing grade, but not bad for a newbie. At least I have my permit. It is like I am 15 all over again.

the class A requirement is based on gvwr, not on actual weight. Oh we'll.

Jeff,

I'm scheduled next week. I'll fill you in. I hope....

 

[mattpopp]

Seems like there is a sudden push to get a Class A to tow a RV. Am I missing something but I thought this was never needed for a RV of any sort. Or is this a regional thing?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk 3 HD

 

[Eddhuy]

They are speaking of a CA law. Other states are different and you need to look at the laws for the state you live in.

 

[danemayer]

California seems the strictest and if you read their towing guide, is crystal clear. As ScottyB has noted, Texas also requires a Class A license for some vehicles, but the language in published docs is less clear. Here's a link to the state-by-state table from Changing Gears. The 3rd column is where the non-commercial Class A license comes into play.

 

[mattpopp]

California seems the strictest and if you read their towing guide, is crystal clear. As ScottyB has noted, Texas also requires a Class A license for some vehicles, but the language in published docs is less clear. Here's a link to the state-by-state table from Changing Gears. The 3rd column is where the non-commercial Class A license comes into play.

Well heck, according to that pretty much everybody towing a 5th will need a Class A in Texas. Fortunately Texas turns a blind eye to it. M


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk 3 HD

 

[frumbawa]

I am still practicing the backing into a spot. I am not sure how tight he spot will be on the test. I can park in the RV parking on the side of my house. That is 11-12 feet wide and takes me 10 minutes to maneuver just right. Probably not a passing grade, but not bad for a newbie. At least I have my permit. It is like I am 15 all over again.

the class A requirement is based on gvwr, not on actual weight. Oh we'll.

They give you a fair amount of room for the alley dock. If I remember right, it was about 15 feet wide, maybe a little more. Also, you do not have to do it in one shot. You are allowed to pull forward to re-align if necessary. You can do this up to five times assuming you are not docked for anything else.

Yes, the class A requirement is based on GVWR.

Frank

 

[TravelTiger]

Here is what I found in the Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Handbook (page 15 in the PDF), which explains it better to me, for those of us with trailers over 10K... My trailer's GVWR is 14,450, but my GCWR is not more than 26,000.


You must have a CDL to operate:


A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating GVWR
of more than 26,000 pounds.


A trailer with a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds if the
gross combination weight rating is more than 26,000
pounds.


http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/internetforms/Forms/DL-7C.pdf

 

[pegmikef]

A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating GVWR
of more than 26,000 pounds.

Traveltiger, When I bought my new rig and TV the first thing I checked was the GVWR of each by checking the stickers and sure enough, the BH is 14,000 and the truck was 14,400 so I needed the class A, correct? Wrong. I went to my local DMV to pick up the book to study for it and schedule the driving test (my son has a class A CDL so no problem getting the rig there). She wanted to see the registration forms of each and on it the truck has a GVWR of 10,000 pounds and she said that happened a lot and this is what they go by. Not only do I not need the class A, they won't test me for it unless I get a heavier setup (per the registrations, not the stickers) to be tested on.

 

[mattpopp]

Here is what I found in the Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Handbook (page 15 in the PDF), which explains it better to me, for those of us with trailers over 10K... My trailer's GVWR is 14,450, but my GCWR is not more than 26,000.


You must have a CDL to operate:


A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating GVWR
of more than 26,000 pounds.


A trailer with a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds if the
gross combination weight rating is more than 26,000
pounds.


http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/internetforms/Forms/DL-7C.pdf

Are you using your RV for commercial use? If so then you need a CDL and the correct class for your operating weight. In which case is a Class A. If you are not using your RV for commercial use then you do not need a CDL.

CDL has nothing to do with the weight rating. The Class is your license that pertains to your weight that you will be towing.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk 3 HD

 

[mattpopp]

Traveltiger, When I bought my new rig and TV the first thing I checked was the GVWR of each by checking the stickers and sure enough, the BH is 14,000 and the truck was 14,400 so I needed the class A, correct? Wrong. I went to my local DMV to pick up the book to study for it and schedule the driving test (my son has a class A CDL so no problem getting the rig there). She wanted to see the registration forms of each and on it the truck has a GVWR of 10,000 pounds and she said that happened a lot and this is what they go by. Not only do I not need the class A, they won't test me for it unless I get a heavier setup (per the registrations, not the stickers) to be tested on.

For Texas

You are correct. Your GVWR can be whatever you register your pickup or trailer for. It can even be higher then what the manufacturer has stamped on the sticker. I know alot of Hot Shoters that adjust their registered weight ratings to save money or to keep them self from needing a Class A.

I had a gooseneck that had a GVWR of 25,999lbs. I had it registered for 32,000lbs when I had Farm tags on it.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk 3 HD

 

[scottyb]

In Texas and several other states, RV's are clearly exempt from CDL requirements. The "gotcha" is under the list of qualifications that a class A,B, or C operators license allows you to drive.

 

[jmgratz]

I know this thread is about driver licensing but have you gotten your State Inspection for your RV? Betcha most that are required to have them do not. On the new RV we just bought Ron Hoover RV in Houston did put a state inspection on our as required by Texas Law. Sorry about the thread hijack.

 

[fawsty]

DesertThumper; I'm open on Thursday, the 3rd. I'm in Bakersfield, and can meet you in Valencia or Lancaster. I only ask for some help with the fuel bill. Steven

 

[mattpopp]

In Texas and several other states, RV's are clearly exempt from CDL requirements. The "gotcha" is under the list of qualifications that a class A,B, or C operators license allows you to drive.

There is nothing to be exempt from a CDL. If you tow your RV for commercial use then a CDL is required, no questions. If you are towing it for private use then no CDL is required. What the exemption would be is if you need a Class A. I am not sure if Texas has an exemption for the Class A while towing a RV or if they turn a blind eye to it.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk 3 HD

 

[currituck0209]

Well lets see cdl, campers drivers license, you be good to go.

 

[scottyb]

There is nothing to be exempt from a CDL. If you tow your RV for commercial use then a CDL is required, no questions. If you are towing it for private use then no CDL is required. What the exemption would be is if you need a Class A. I am not sure if Texas has an exemption for the Class A while towing a RV or if they turn a blind eye to it.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk 3 HD

You probably would never have a problem unless you were involved in an accident.

 

[mattpopp]

You probably would never have a problem unless you were involved in an accident.

Doubtful, a lot of people say that but have you ever heard of somebody getting into major trouble from not having a Class A license from a wreck while towing a RV? If its required the worst you may get is a citation from not having the correct class of license.

I'm just asking as I have never heard of this. But I am going to ask around.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk 3 HD

 

[mattpopp]

****, I guess I need a Class A to tow my 5th Wheel. So it appears Texas turns a blind eye to RV's needing a Class A or Class B.

http://changingears.com/rv-sec-state-rv-license.shtml


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk 3 HD