Community Forums

MarkofSJC · 05-23-2012, 05:25 PM

Maybe it's because I was born "bass-ackwards" but I always seem to be the one going "the other way."

The same holds true with our RV purchase. We've never owned an RV, but really want to purchase or "last RV" first. So we're looking at a 45' DP. But in California, any coach between 40 ~ 45' requires a non-commercial Class B license. No big deal (I've driven 45' Ryder trucks for years), BUT they not only require a written test (passed!), but also a driving test.

Herein lies the quandary. I essentially have a "learner's permit" for a 40 ~ 45' coach...but don't currently own one. All RV rental locations for that size coach require you already have the license. All RV driving school require you provide your own coach. And the coach we're considering is 1,000 miles away (and I'm sure I'll have insurance issues if I don't have the correct license when picking it up).

Does anyone have a suggestion? I'm in Southern CA, and this one has me stumped!

Mark

Mac99 · 05-23-2012, 07:56 PM

Try your local school bus contractor, they might be able to put you thru
the program, if you agree to drive for them occassionally.

chuckinthebus · 05-23-2012, 08:07 PM

Do you have a local moho dealer? Even though you are planning to purchase one from 1000 miles away, a local dealer may loan you something to get your license as you will still need service. Or a charter bus company?

FlyingDiver · 05-23-2012, 09:22 PM

When I was in your situation (four years ago), I went to a commercial truck driving school and got a CDL Class B. I was going to get the non-CDL, but the Texas license examiner wouldn't let me test for a non-CDL since I was taking the test in a commercial registered truck. Oops.

Next time my license comes up for renewal, I'll get it downgraded to a non-CDL Class B.

joe

FlyingDiver · 05-23-2012, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macadnphyl

Try your local school bus contractor, they might be able to put you thru
the program, if you agree to drive for them occassionally.

That would be a CDL B, but it would work.

joe

deandec · 05-24-2012, 10:35 AM

I know two folks in Ca who purchased longer than 40' MH and later on got their Class B licenses.

So, enforcement at point of insurance and registration is probably not an issue. The tricky part was getting the vehicle used in the driving test to the test site without a Class B licensed driver. But, they just drove it to a test site in the vicinity of Indio and no questions were asked.

If you have current insurance coverage, it should cover a replacement vehicle for 30 days. Worst case would be having to hire a licensed driver to accompany you back to Ca for registration.

Are you going to attempt to do an out of state delivery for avoidance of Ca Sales Tax/Use Tax even though the rig will be registered in Ca?

MarkofSJC · 05-24-2012, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deandec

Are you going to attempt to do an out of state delivery for avoidance of Ca Sales Tax/Use Tax even though the rig will be registered in Ca?

Considered it...but, nahhhh!

While CA may certainly have it's challenges, it's a very special place to live. I consider the licensing costs to be part of the cost to live in paradise. I'm certainly going to be driving on CA roads, probably towing a car with CA plates. I want to relax...not worry about being "caught" and going through some headache I don't want or need.

The cost will be significant, but IMHO it's just the right thing to do.

Mark

deandec · 05-25-2012, 10:01 AM

Well that is fine if a matter of the right thing to do.

I, however, enjoyed receiving my successful compliance letter from the BOE and therefore legally avoiding paying those dollars.

WarBurd13 · 07-07-2012, 10:31 AM

I'm in your boat as we speak. But here in Texas I'm being told anything over 26000lbs requires a Class B license. Funny how tight lipped people can be when it comes to whether they have their Class B license or not. I even had a dealership salesman tell me, Naw, you don't really need one of those. So, really. Is the vast majority of people out there driving rigs that require a Class B license actually have a Class B license? Obviously no one wants to come right out and tell you to break the law. Chicken/Egg: what a mess. Not to mention in Texas you have to parrallel park that big 40' monster. So I've been shying away from rigs that require the Class B license, but that sure limits your options depending on what you're looking for. The Thor Palasso comes the closet to meeting our needs, but they are just not as nice as rigs a little bigger. Comments welcomed.

UsualSuspect · 07-07-2012, 05:45 PM

I was fortunate, employer trained for cdl, and I maintained it for over 20 years as a fall back in case I ever needed a job that requires one. I bought a new rig and it is 41 feet, so no worries on the cdl.