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Old 11-10-2014, 12:59 AM   #1
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South Carolina Dilemma

The wife and I recently purchased a Tiffin Class A in Florida. We got a Florida temp tag and drove it home towing our Jeep. We rented a storage space, and even went camping with it locally in Myrtle Beach. We went to register it and were shocked to find out I need different class license. Further, we were told I need to take a written and driving test and need a driver's permit. Here's the dilemna: I need to have a class F licensed driver with me when driving with my permit. Wow! Since we're new to RVing, we don't have any motorhome friends yet nor know anyone with a class F locally. Now I know I should have checked the printed rules but before going to buy it, but I did call the local DMV to inquire and was told I would not need a special license unless it would be for commercial use which required a CDL. We actually planned As trip around Florida and gave a few deposits for sites. What a way to start out what we thought would be a fun RVing chapter in our life.

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Old 11-10-2014, 03:58 AM   #2
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Have any friends who are Over The Road Semi-Truck Drivers... Good chance they will qualify as a "Training Co-Pilot".

Option 2: move to FL.
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Old 11-10-2014, 04:07 AM   #3
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Besides I95, another thing not to like about South Carolina.
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Old 11-10-2014, 11:12 AM   #4
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Besides I95, another thing not to like about South Carolina.
You're right about that!
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Old 11-10-2014, 11:33 AM   #5
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A little late but this might help. In most states it's about weight.

RV Driver's License Requirements
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Old 11-10-2014, 11:44 AM   #6
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In California it's the RV length. I got my permit before we even bought our RV . I recently took and passed the non commercial class B license to drive a RV over 40 feet and not to exceed 45 feet. The written part is so easy if you read the DMV booklets for that test. You can get ahold of someone from a local RV dealership and speak to someone in there transportation department and ask if you could pay them to go the day of your test. That's what I did. Good luck
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Old 11-10-2014, 12:16 PM   #7
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You are caught in the catch 22 that many of us RV'ers have found ourselves at one time. We tend to not think about the need of a different class of license when purchasing. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse for us when caught. I think the real ignorance comes from the Dealers, Manufactures and Insurance Companies who never say a word and let us drive off the lot illegally, exposing us to no vehicle insurance coverage, ticket and potential lawsuits. Everyone in the food chain wants and takes our money without saying a word to warn you. I firmly believe they have a moral obligation to advise us, but, they have no morals.

Good luck with your tests and be careful until license received so not to get caught up in potential expensive problems. I have not done so but I've read of people posting on Craigslist for a CDL driver to give driving lesson and drive coach to DMV for driving test. Not saying that is the best approach but one I've read about several times.
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Old 11-10-2014, 07:27 PM   #8
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I95! Sc.

Quote:
Originally Posted by cenfl View Post
Besides I95, another thing not to like about South Carolina.
Can I get a AMEN!
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Old 11-10-2014, 07:43 PM   #9
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I am having the same problem if your coach weights over 26,000 lbs you need a class E license if you tow a car you need a class F.The written test was easy I missed 1 out of 30.The problem with the driving test is he told me to back my motorhome up to a dock and it had to be within 1 foot of the dock I told him I would never do that and he told me I had to or I could not get my license I don't want to get my Rv 1 foot from anything much less back up to a dock
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Old 11-10-2014, 07:59 PM   #10
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My coach weight from the factory and is on my registration says 24,450 lbs The highway department guy told me I could drive it to my test if it weighed under 26,000 lbs so I will not need to get someone to ride with me with a CDL
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Old 11-10-2014, 08:00 PM   #11
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Here's what may be an easy suggestion. I'm sure your town, or one close by, has a local bus or school bus company. As suggested earlier, go ahead and take (and pass) the written test. Then inquire with a local bus company about A) taking a paid training course ~ which is an excellent investment, or, if your confident, B) making an arrangement to pay for the services of a trainer to co-pilot you to the DMV test for the driving portion.

I highly recommend taking a behind-the-wheel course, even if it's a school bus (that's longer than 40' or matches the segment your coach falls into). You'll be amazed at how much you learn...and you can learn on their equipment first!

Good luck!

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Old 11-11-2014, 04:53 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by osok View Post
You are caught in the catch 22 that many of us RV'ers have found ourselves at one time. We tend to not think about the need of a different class of license when purchasing. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse for us when caught. I think the real ignorance comes from the Dealers, Manufactures and Insurance Companies who never say a word and let us drive off the lot illegally, exposing us to no vehicle insurance coverage, ticket and potential lawsuits. Everyone in the food chain wants and takes our money without saying a word to warn you. I firmly believe they have a moral obligation to advise us, but, they have no morals.

Good luck with your tests and be careful until license received so not to get caught up in potential expensive problems. I have not done so but I've read of people posting on Craigslist for a CDL driver to give driving lesson and drive coach to DMV for driving test. Not saying that is the best approach but one I've read about several times.
Thanks, but I'll get through this. I believe the lady at the DMV misunderstood my question or I asked it incorrectly. I asked if I need a CDL to drive a motorhome, I should have asked what kind of license I need to drive a motorhome. Your point about the insurance company is well taken. I insured it with AAA in SC before I bought it and they never said anything. All said, even if I knew that I needed a special license beforehand, I would have still purchased a motorhome because the wife and I want to try the lifestyle. I just would have made different arrangements to get it home from Florida legally. It's parked now until I get my permit and I'm glad I didn't get into an accident on the way back from Florida....I bet my tight-lipped insurance company wouldn't have made good.
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Old 11-11-2014, 04:56 AM   #13
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Did the written test just cover truck/RV related questions or did it also include stuff from the original, class D test?

Thanks
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Old 11-11-2014, 04:58 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rodneykrantz View Post
I am having the same problem if your coach weights over 26,000 lbs you need a class E license if you tow a car you need a class F.The written test was easy I missed 1 out of 30.The problem with the driving test is he told me to back my motorhome up to a dock and it had to be within 1 foot of the dock I told him I would never do that and he told me I had to or I could not get my license I don't want to get my Rv 1 foot from anything much less back up to a dock
Sorry, I forgot to use the quote for my first response: Did the written test just cover Truck and RV related questions or did it include questions from the basic Class D test?
Thanks!
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