Texas Class B driving license driving test

[Wayne M]

Redbaron73,

Thanks for the update. Many of those questions I remember, and one in particular on the 4ft red flags is a change for sure for when I got my Class A CDL. Back then it was anything that extended 2ft past the rear. I guess if you had a pickup at that time and put the tail gate down, then 2 ft would equal about 4 ft.

I definitely knew about the mud flaps and I have always wondered why many MH's don't have them, and some 1 ton's. They are just going to have an excuse to be stopped some day.

I don't know what to tell you about the TOAD and backing. If they want you to parallel park it is almost a given that you will have to back up. I would arm myself with all the information and vendor of your brand tow bar paper work that gives a definitive "don't back up." I know my Demco paper work has such.

I also know that it is really at the whim of the inspecting officer as to what he requires you to do and that different sub-stations of the Texas DMV operate with different sets of guidelines

I would have most likely missed the 14ft also on height. The biggest percentage. maybe 99.9%, of the big rigs are 13'6" to the top of the box.

Thanks for the update to the thread and I'm looking forward to you after action report.

Happy trails.

[Wayne M]

Thanks for the information. Looking forward to the final "after action report."

[redbaron73]

I got a phone call today from DPS and told me to be sure to bring a trailer that weighed more than 10k to the driving test next week.

I told them I did not own one that heavy, and my coach is only rated for 10k.

They explained that it would not be weighed but that I would have to backup with the trailer.

This eliminates a toad for the test, but a empty flatbed may do the trick. I am also told that I have to parallel park with the trailer.

I will post more once I take the test.

[Wayne M]

That is so ridiculous to have them request that.

Well, if that is what you have to do I would suggest getting the longest TT flat bed you can. The longer it is the easier it is to back it up. Maybe if it is 25 feet long the parking space will not be big enough for it. Oh! They use cones.

A short trailer will turn with the slightest turn of the steering wheel. There is a much slower response time with a long bed trailer. Plus, they may not let you use your rear view camera so with the short trailer by the time you see a rear end side of the trailer it is to late you have just about jackknifed it. The long trailer rear end comes visible much sooner in the side mirrors.

Happy trails.

[Barbaraok]

Originally Posted by redbaron73

I got a phone call today from DPS and told me to be sure to bring a trailer that weighed more than 10k to the driving test next week.

I told them I did not own one that heavy, and my coach is only rated for 10k.

They explained that it would not be weighed but that I would have to backup with the trailer.

This eliminates a toad for the test, but a empty flatbed may do the trick. I am also told that I have to parallel park with the trailer.

I will post more once I take the test.

Why in the world are you getting a Class A when you only have a 10K hitch for your motorhome. Class B is the usual for a motorhome. Are you planning on having your frame reinforced and a new hitch added so that you can pull a huge trailer? If not, then why go to all of the trouble of getting a Class A?

Barb

[LDP243]

Originally Posted by Barbaraok

Why in the world are you getting a Class A when you only have a 10K hitch for your motorhome. Class B is the usual for a motorhome. Are you planning on having your frame reinforced and a new hitch added so that you can pull a huge trailer? If not, then why go to all of the trouble of getting a Class A?

Barb

and for a class B you don't have to have a trailer or a toad , just your coach,and if your coach weighs less than 26001 pounds you can use your class C license

[redbaron73]

My new coach is 15k hitch when it arrives next month. The Winnie I am using for the test is only 10k.

[Wayne M]

Redbaron73,
Are you planning on towing anything that weighs over 10k? Even the bigger passenger trucks are under 10K.

Did the DPS state the size/weight of a trailer? I'd wager that they do not understand motorhomes and backing. We just don't do it with a TOAD. A trailer, yes, but how many times do you see that.

I think I would be talking to the supervisor there in a nice way to see if I could explain to him that I will not be towing a trailer. Also the physics of backing a TOAD where the front wheels are pivotal. The other thing I'd do is start calling Austin for some guidance.

[BobGed]

Originally Posted by redbaron73

My new coach is 15k hitch when it arrives next month. The Winnie I am using for the test is only 10k.

I'm sure I must be missing something here. If your new coach is going to be 42' plus long and trailer large enough to get to the 10K weight level would probably be in the 20' plus range, which would put you over the maximum combined length of 65', why are you going for a non-commercial class A?

I can understand the need for a non-commercial class A, and complete testing requirements including backing and parallel parking, for some one towing a 10K plus fiver, but the tow vehicle certainly wouldn't be a motor home.

[redbaron73]

A stacker trailer with 2 cars and gear would be in the 13k-15k range, and require an exempt class a.

[BobGed]

Originally Posted by redbaron73

A stacker trailer with 2 cars and gear would be in the 13k-15k range, and require an exempt class a.

Understood, but what would your overall combined length be?

[redbaron73]

65 is max legal in Texas. Some states allow 70, which is the federal max length.

[Wayne M]

Please explain "Exempt" Class A.

Thanks.

[TXiceman]

I believe he is refering to a non-CDl as the exempt.

When we were getting our Texas class A licenses, it was refereed to as an Exempt. class A.

Ken