Community Forums

MKOwen · 04-22-2018, 04:49 PM

My husband insists that we need a class A non-commercial drivers license to drive our fifth wheel. Other sources say we don't. I don't care one way or another. I'm okay with us getting class A non-commercial licenses. It can't hurt BUT, the problem we're having is, we can only find driving lessons to get a CDL which we don't want. We will be in South Dakota for our domocile. Does anyone with a SD domocile have a non-commercial class A license and, if so, what did you d to get it? Thanks!

MisterT · 04-22-2018, 04:55 PM

does SD require one?

I'm not sure you're 'driving' your fifth-wheel, but if you mean that you are driving your tow vehicle with your fifth-wheel attached, then you 'may' meet the requirements of 'some' states which look at weights and/or lengths, but doubtful that SD does.
If you're not required to have any special license in the state you have the vehicle(s) registered and tagged, then you are perfectly fine everywhere else.

RSchleder · 04-22-2018, 05:04 PM

Place a call to your local DMV and simply ask them this question. Have the length and weight of your RV just in case they have a question. Best to get it from the "horses mouth" instead of asking on this, or any other forum.

SuzanneH · 04-22-2018, 06:52 PM

Don't need it in SD.

chboone · 04-22-2018, 10:58 PM

I know you said your domicile will be SD, however your profile says your in CA. In CA you only need 5th Wheel endorsement if 5th wheel is under 15,000 lbs GVWR. Over 15,000 lbs a Class A non commercial is needed.

bddadles · 04-23-2018, 07:45 AM

Our domicile is Texas and you need a class A non commercial license if your truck and trailer combined weight is over 26,001 pounds. I think the trailer has to be over 10,000 pounds but I'm not sure right now. As you can see by my picture I'm well over.
Brad

Tdave · 04-23-2018, 08:09 AM

SD does not require one:

RV Driver's License Requirements

Even if it did, you don't need to take a class to prep, you can typically study the CDL manual for that state (and skip the airbrakes and hazmat sections).

glennwest · 04-23-2018, 08:50 AM

I'm in Texas but as I understand, SD doesn't require nothing but a Class C DL. But one should study the cdl manual. Chapter 14 is your requirements and rights on the highway towing. Do you know that when you come to an intersection making a right turn, you are suppose to drive the truck into the left lane leaving the trailer in the right lane effectively blocking that traffic. Lots of info in there

Airmech · 04-23-2018, 10:01 AM

Definitely talk to dmv in SD. If you have a chance, talk to a state trooper. They will know too.

Bill98116 · 11-26-2018, 11:27 AM

I'm going to use Escapees to get a South Dakota address for driver's license purposes. They are in Box Elder SD. Does anyone know if I have to go to that town to get the license or can I go to another city to get it using Box Elder as my address?
Bill

1960C182 · 11-26-2018, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tdave

SD does not require one:

RV Driver's License Requirements

Even if it did, you don't need to take a class to prep, you can typically study the CDL manual for that state (and skip the airbrakes and hazmat sections).

Read the rules closely and as an example of why, here in Texas our CDL handbook early on says private rv's exempt BUT, you turn the page and read the exceptions to the exemptions and it hits you with the 26001 lb combined weight rule .
The good news is whatever your home state requires in the way of a license your good everywhere.

fvstringpicker · 11-27-2018, 05:17 AM

Bear in mind the 26,001 lbs is the combined weight "ratings" and not the actual combined weight.

mobilemike · 11-27-2018, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fvstringpicker

Bear in mind the 26,001 lbs is the combined weight "ratings" and not the actual combined weight.

This is exactly why they build hoopie dry box trucks with a 25,000lb rating. To avoid the Class A requirement. Which happens to be the exact same truck as the 32klb truck with a different sticker.

fvstringpicker · 11-29-2018, 06:41 AM

When you go to a 1.5 ton dually (even a 1 ton in some cases) and a trailer you've already crossed over into class A territory.
(GVWR of truck + GVWR of trailer) => 26,001 you qualify for a class A license.
Although there may be some states that don't require class A or equivalent, you may not want to get into a wreck in a state that does. It may make a wreck while towing overloaded, that everybody talks about look like a gnat on a horses behind. Towing over the manfg. sticker recommendations is one thing. Towing over rules promulgated by federal transportation law is another.