Community Forums

illusionist · 06-10-2013, 11:41 AM

hi there

i am a newbie looking to get a class a diesel pusher soon. some one asked me if i had my CDL. as far as i know from the research i have done i dont need one.

can any one provide some info.

i will be on the road for 10-11 months in 40+ states. my home base is PA.

thanks for the help.
sam

Mr_D · 06-10-2013, 11:42 AM

CDL (Commercial Drivers License) is not required for an RV. Some states do require a higher class license though. Here in WA nothing more than your standard license is required.

Sky_Boss · 06-10-2013, 11:57 AM

From the PennDOT site

PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services - Classes of Licenses

Yes, you will need either a Class B or Class A (based on weight) non-CDL.

illusionist · 06-10-2013, 12:02 PM

thanks Mr D that is what i thought.

maybe you will know the answer to this as well. i am planning to get a diesel pusher (approx 40' long) with a 12 foot trailer. do i need to stop in at weigh stations.

again i dont think so from what i read but just checking to make sure i got all my facts in order.

thanks again

sam

Sky_Boss · 06-10-2013, 12:10 PM

Nope, no scales required HOWEVER...

There are some situations where you MIGHT require a CDL. I'm not all that versed on the whole ins and outs of this but if you are using your MH for commercial purposes, you might require a CDL.

I'm not sure how that plays with using weight scales but they could be inter-related.

RickO · 06-10-2013, 12:12 PM

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Mr D nailed it but check out the link Skyboss listed. Just as I had to do in Texas, it looks like your state requires a special endorsement to drive larger RVs... but it's not a CDL. A few minutes studying the book and some practice behind the wheel and you'll be fine.

You can do a search of the forum on this topic and find a lot of reading material on it. IMHO, the bottom line is that... I can't recall anyone ever reporting that the lack of the "proper" license caused them a real problem... but, many of us do it to avoid any possible problem in case of an accident. It would be bad to have an at fault accident and have it learned that you were not actually qualified to drive the coach.

Best of luck.

Rick

**NLOVNIT** · 06-10-2013, 12:18 PM

Sam,

Since you live in PA, you will need to follow the PennDOT requirements that Don linked you to. But you don't have to stop at weigh stations. Those are for commercial vehicles.

Lori-

HHg · 06-10-2013, 12:30 PM

If in Texas, you only need the Class B license if your unit weighs 26,001 or more. If less, then your regular DL is fine.

Hhg

User1011 · 06-10-2013, 12:39 PM

Look at the back of your drivers license and you'll see the 26,001 notation. From what you say you want to buy, you'll need to get the Class B license in PA.

TXiceman · 06-10-2013, 05:47 PM

If you are using your motorhome for commercial purposes, like hauling goods from show to show and working with a product, you MIGHT be required to have a CDL. Most states note the RV is to be used for "Personal" use.

Ken

amanda_h · 06-10-2013, 06:12 PM

Just because a Washington State resident doesn't need a special license to drive a diesel pusher, you have to comply with whatever the state requires in which you are a resident. You can then operate your motorhome in any state regardless of what they require of their residents.

So, yes, in PA, you have to acquire a Class B NON-commercial drivers' license as most (not all, but most diesel pushers have a GVWR of more than 26,000 lbs. ...not what the vehicle weighs as you have it loaded but what it is RATED for or its GVWR). The manufacturer will designate the motorhome's GVWR.

I'm not sure what kind of testing is done in PA but we have drivers' licenses out of Nevada and we also need a non-commercial Class B and the Nevada gives the exact same test (both written and road tests) to non-commercial applicants as they do to CDL applicants. The only difference is that a CDL holder must hold a valid DOT medical card and non-commercial drivers do not.

-harry

Wayne M · 06-10-2013, 09:58 PM

It really doesn't matter what any state requirements are other than PA for Sam. Everything else is ambiguous to say the least, and does not answer his question. All states have reciprocal agreements regarding driver's licenses.

Sam, check the link given above.

Happy trails.

Mr_D · 06-10-2013, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amanda_h

Just because a Washington State resident doesn't need a special license to drive a diesel pusher, you have to comply with whatever the state requires in which you are a resident. You can then operate your motorhome in any state regardless of what they require of their residents.

Which is what I said:

Quote:

Some states do require a higher class license though.

amanda_h · 06-10-2013, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Which is what I said:

I didn't mean that you stated anything in error. It sounded to me that the OP may have misinterpreted what you said and thought that perhaps he didn't think he needed any upgraded license.

My apologies for posting in this thread. I believe it was myself who misinterpreted how the OP responded. It was too late to delete my post, however.

-harry