California Drivers Lic

[JEEPOHOLIC]

Ok I need some help here, I'm applying for a new drivers lic in California, my old lic is from Washington State, and in order to pull my fifth wheel in the state ( legally ) I was told I would need a non commercial class C Lic, and I must take a written and driving test with the fifth wheel hooked to the truck during the driving test, I have had 2 motor homes before on my Washington Lic and never had to do any of this, am I missing something or is this the normal for California? So some background on my equipment I drive a Freightliner FL-60 rated for 26,000 GVWR, and pull a 38 foot toy hauler rated at 14,400 pounds empty, the clerks and managers at this DMV office were just as confused as me because as they said, we have never had anyone come in here and apply for this lic in the 18 years that manager has worked there, that kind of tells me everyone is just pulling their trailers with a normal drivers lic, thoughts, advice ? Signed totally confused

[kjchristopher]

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/de..._htm/lic_chart

Sounds like you need the 5th wheel endorsement for the Class C.

[V3600]

Your 14,400 pound empty weight means nothing. Cali cares about the weight of your trailer. If your trailer weighs over 15,000 pounds then you need a non-commercial Class A endorsement. Same thing if you have a motorhome that is over 40 feet long. Just a word to the wise, Cali Highway Patrol have been known to target 5th wheels, especially triple axle toy haulers, known to be over 15,000 pounds in order to ticket drivers that didn't have the non-commercial Class A.

[Mr_D]

Yep, WA requires nothing more than your normal drivers license for a personally owned RV. You only need a CDL if driving for pay. Other states have different requirements as you found out.
Now, as to whether you comply or not? I guess that's up to you! Well! Do you feel lucky, punk?!! As the famous line goes!

[r___r]

JEEPOHOLIC,

The Non-Commercial Class C is nothing more than a Class C license given to the public(16yo to ...). This Class will not cover your set-up.

When you load your Toy Hauler with stuff, you'll probably be over 15,000 lbs. You'll need at least a Non-Commercial Class A. Look at the link that kjchristopher posted.

As long as the GVWR of the FL-60 is 26,000, then Non-Commecial Class A will apply.

Does your FL-60 have Air Brakes? If so, you'll need an Air Brake endorsement added to the CA License.

Although I took my Class A Written Test at a normal DMV office, I was sent(a different day) to the Commercial DMV for the Drive Test, in West Sacramento. I saw a few 5er owners there lined up for the Drive Test.

Contact a Commercial DMV. Since they do the Drive testing, I would think you could take the Written Test there, too. They will be better informed, than the normal DMV, for the info you need answered. I can only speak on the one in West Sac., but, they had a counter with clerks, a bunch of tables and seating(I'm thinking for Written Testing), and there was a very short waiting line. Maybe, the other Commercial DMVs have something similar. Go by the closest one to you and check it out.

Here's a link to the Commercial DMVs:https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/de...ffices/toc_cdl

Rich

[JEEPOHOLIC]

I want thank everyone that posted and helped clear this up, now what kind of test questions will there be for a class A lic and where can I find some testing material, looks like it's going to be another trip to the DMV to answer these questions

[r___r]

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/de.../cdl_htm/cover

Study the applicable sections.

Good luck,

Rich

[kjchristopher]

You can drive a two axle vehicle rated at of 26k or less on class c. An endorsement on class c is available for fifth wheels up to 15k rating. V3600 noticed your "rated empty" description, which I over looked the first time. I really have no idea what that means. But if your fifth wheel has two 7500# axles, for a total of 15k, then you could get the clack C endorsement. Three 5200# axles and you'll be in non-commercial class A territory.

[r___r]

The link in my last post is for Commercial Drivers.

This link is of the book info that you'll need to review:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/de...dl648/dl648toc

Rich

[ewacowboy]

Welcome to California

[MFortie]

Originally Posted by kjchristopher

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/de..._htm/lic_chart

Sounds like you need the 5th wheel endorsement for the Class C.

So, if I follow this correctly, I need a commercial class B to drive a 38' motorhome with a 37700 GVWR?

[exgman]

Originally Posted by MFortie

So, if I follow this correctly, I need a commercial class B to drive a 38' motorhome with a 37700 GVWR?

No, you are fine with a class C. A motorhome over 40' requires a non-commercial class B.

[MFortie]

Originally Posted by exgman

No, you are fine with a class C. A motorhome over 40' requires a non-commercial class B.

What about exceeding the 26K GVWR? (Still two axle...)

[srx-6]

Originally Posted by MFortie

What about exceeding the 26K GVWR? (Still two axle...)

Go here

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?1dmy&urile=wcmath:/dmv_content_en/dmv/dl/dl_info#CDL

Read how to apply for a non-commercial class B