Drivers License

[Scarab0088]

Originally Posted by rollondown

Not stirring the pot of my thread here, But if you went by weight, then most all the Class A motor coach folks would need a class a license, but since its an RV it doesn't count.
So as long as the HDT is registered as a RV, which it will, no special license required.
Hope that makes sense somewhere

HDT- heavy duty truck- Semi tractor converted to tow 5th wheel campers

That is an interesting point of view...but actually, the tens of thousands of gas powered Class A's on the road are mostly all under 26,000lb GVWR.

And, the current max GVWR on the only new mfgt. Gas powered chassis available (Ford F53) is exactly 26,000lb.

Now if you what to count just Diesel powered Class A's, and RV's over 40', then many states require those owners to have an upgraded non-commercial license (including air-brake endorsements and such). But I bet many of these owners don't know this.

Safe travels

[Arch Hoagland]

Originally Posted by RickO

If you can read the DMV verbiage above, and then be given conflicting information from a DMV agent and not find ambiguity... you possess comprehension and confidence I can only dream of.

Rick

AMEN!!!

[Scottybdivin]

Originally Posted by Scarab0088

That is an interesting point of view...but actually, the tens of thousands of gas powered Class A's on the road are mostly all under 26,000lb GVWR.

And, the current max GVWR on the only new mfgt. Gas powered chassis available (Ford F53) is exactly 26,000lb.

Now if you what to count just Diesel powered Class A's, and RV's over 40', then many states require those owners to have an upgraded non-commercial license (including air-brake endorsements and such). But I bet many of these owners don't know this.

Safe travels

In Texas, and Texas seems to be inline with most states, a DP or any RV 26001+ requires a Class B, unless they are towing a trailer over 10K. There is no "air brake endorsement". There is a "air brake restriction" for CDL's only. No air brake test required for a RV in Texas.

[Scarab0088]

Originally Posted by Scottybdivin

In Texas, and Texas seems to be inline with most states, a DP or any RV 26001+ requires a Class B, unless they are towing a trailer over 10K. There is no "air brake endorsement". There is a "air brake restriction" for CDL's only. No air brake test required for a RV in Texas.

Well...there ya' go. The standard TX license (same for CA and SD) is the Class C:
TxDPS - Classes of Driver Licenses

Get a BIG ol' RV and the state wants you to upgrade your license along with the RV.
Obviously those in the group I was referencing who do not know this DOES NOT include Scottybdivin...and now anyone that has read this thread

Of course this doesn't help the OP ask the SD DMV for the license class that fits his set-up (Class 7 or 8 TV and BIG 5'er)...still a dilemma.

Safe travels

[Xanso]

The confusion over what is the correct drivers license I should have to drive my RV. is when people mention CDL which is for commerical only. Most reg license is for vehicles up to 26k. Most states refer you to the CDL manual and almost every state exempt RVs. However some states have a non-commerical option based on weight. SD, FL, KY DO NOT have or require a license based on weight of the vehicle. It's either reg or CDL and that's it. Some states don't allow HDT to be listed as an RV I know FL doesn't not sure about SD.

[Cigar]

NC also has a class a or class b, non Cdl license. Sky

[porchracer]

So the real question being, If you live in a state that doesn't require a special license to operate a large motor home and your traveling thru a state that has special requirements how are they going to expect compliance, There has to be something between states that allow for travel thru states. Other wise I'd have to stop and get a special permit or license in every state. Not buying all the hype.

[RickO]

Originally Posted by porchracer

So the real question being, If you live in a state that doesn't require a special license to operate a large motor home and your traveling thru a state that has special requirements how are they going to expect compliance, There has to be something between states that allow for travel thru states. Other wise I'd have to stop and get a special permit or license in every state. Not buying all the hype.

This isn't an issue. State all have agreements. So long as you comply with the laws of your home state, you're good to go in any state.

Rick

[davendeb]

Originally Posted by RickO

This isn't an issue. State all have agreements. So long as you comply with the laws of your home state, you're good to go in any state.

Rick

Correcto!

[spinn]

Originally Posted by RickO

This isn't an issue. State all have agreements. So long as you comply with the laws of your home state, you're good to go in any state.

Rick

This is absolutely correct but does not extend to loads and permits, (ie) if your state allows triple towing and you enter a state that doesn't allow it if you are caught you will probably be cited and forced to comply. Length limits and special permit loads I believe are under state control and are not generally following any reciprocity agreements.
Sorry for muddying the water and I know this probably doesn't apply to 99.1% of us.

Steve

[RickO]

Originally Posted by spinn

This is absolutely correct but does not extend to loads and permits, (ie) if your state allows triple towing and you enter a state that doesn't allow it if you are caught you will probably be cited and forced to comply. Length limits and special permit loads I believe are under state control and are not generally following any reciprocity agreements.
Sorry for muddying the water and I know this probably doesn't apply to 99.1% of us.

Steve

Excellent point. You're right about it not applying to most... but if you're one of the 1% it makes a big difference to you.

[Pikehunter]

Originally Posted by Gemstone

"If I were a betting man"...no bets required Rick....a standard DL is all that SD requires to operate a non-commercial HDT. I've been doing it legally since '07.

Regards
Gemstone

Exactly correct! I had a SD license transferred to GA which issued me an identical license - allowing me to drive just about anything as long as I wasn't doing it for pay. I had a toterhome that I drove all over - never was stopped or made to weigh.

[Bigg-limo]

Just came across this post, and don't really know if the OP got his question answered,....but in Texas and Arizona, you can buy an HDT, and declare the GVWR for 26k or less. That way, if you don't want to "add" all of the conversion stuff, you don't have to worry about titling as a MH. I'm only speaking from my own personal experience, and not anyone's opinion.

[Big B]

To me, the language is very clear in SD. Read below. This is taken directly off their DMV website.

Who must have a South Dakota Commercial Driver License?
You must have a South Dakota Commercial Driver License to operate any of the following Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV’S):
• A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 or more pounds.
• A trailer with a GVWR of 10 ,001 or more pounds if the gross combination weight rating is 26,001 or more
pounds.
• A vehicle designed to transport 16 or more persons (including the driver).
• Any size vehicle which requires hazardous materials placards or is carrying material listed as a select agent or
toxin in 42 CFR Part 172, Subpart F.
Who Does Not Need A South Dakota Commercial Driver License to Drive a Commercial Vehicle?
• Operators serving in the United States military, operating commercial vehicles in pursuit of military purposes. • Operators of emergency firefighting equipment necessary to the preservation of life, property, or the execution
of emergency governmental functions performed under emergency conditions when operated by members of
a fire fighting agency.
• Operators of rental transporting equipment used as personal family use vehicles.

• Operators of recreation vehicles used as personal family recreational use vehicles.

• Operators involved in farm to market transportation movements, at least 16 years of age holding a valid
operator’s license, limited to those operators of a farm vehicle:
(a) Controlled and operated by a farmer,
(b) Used to transport either agricultural products, farm machinery, or farm supplies to or from a farm, and (c) Not used in the operations of a common or contract motor carrier,
(d) Used within 150 miles of a person’s farm.