Truck Drivers License Type

[TommySnake]

We are picking up our new 5th wheel soon and I have a questiong. We live in Texas. My Ford F350 weights 8K and the 5th wheel weights 17K, do I need a special licence to pull this. There seems to be some confusion about this issue at the Public Drivers site.

[SmokeyWren]

Originally Posted by TommySnake

We are picking up our new 5th wheel soon and I have a questiong. We live in Texas. My Ford F350 weights 8K and the 5th wheel weights 17K, do I need a special licence to pull this. There seems to be some confusion about this issue at the Public Drivers site.

Different states have different rules. In Texas you don't need anything but a normal driver's license if your trailer is used as a personal RV and you are not hauling a commercial load. At least that's true with gross combined weight up to 26,000 pounds. Since your gross is less than 26,000 pounds, I wouldn't worry about it. If your gross is more than 26,000, then there may be some more rules to worry about, but I don't think so unless you are a commercial hauler. Commercial haulers need a CDL (commercial driver's license), but if all you haul belongs to you, then you don't need a CDL.

[Roam America]

I believe in TX (an a lot of other states) 26,001 # and over requires a Class A Non-Commercial CDL. Different states call this type license by other names.

[golfmedik]

Originally Posted by K-Star

I believe in TX (an a lot of other states) 26,001 # and over requires a Class A Non-Commercial CDL. Different states call this type license by other names.

Same here in Georgia. However, new letters are coming down from the DOT regarding licenses. The class A Non-commercial will be getting the class E designation if I remember correctly. A year or so out, but our Troopers have already been warned about the change.

[Bill Davey]

Originally Posted by TommySnake

We are picking up our new 5th wheel soon and I have a questiong. We live in Texas. My Ford F350 weights 8K and the 5th wheel weights 17K, do I need a special licence to pull this. There seems to be some confusion about this issue at the Public Drivers site.

New York goes by weight RATINGS, not actual weight. So your F350 probably has a GVW of 11,000 pounds and the trailer maybe 19,000? So your total weight rating is well above 26,000. In NY you need an "R" endorsement for anything over 26,000.

[TommySnake]

So I hate to ask, how do I get the (R) endorsement? Is there a test? Do I get it here in Texas?

[docj]

Originally Posted by Bill Davey

New York goes by weight RATINGS, not actual weight. So your F350 probably has a GVW of 11,000 pounds and the trailer maybe 19,000? So your total weight rating is well above 26,000.

I'm pretty sure all the states use "weight ratings" not actual weights. If you think about it, it would be ridiculous to say "oh, I used to be legal to drive this but you've loaded it too much and now I'm not legal."

To the OP, you will need to go to a DPS office and apply for a non-commercial Class A license which is what you need to drive a rig with a combined weight rating in excess of 26,000#. Getting the license involves both written and driving tests. There are numerous threads on this forum about getting such a license in TX.

[Skyhawk9SP]

Bill Davey is exactly right. As he stated, in Texas the total weight of your rig puts you over the 26001 lbs and you need a Class A endorsement.

The written is a breeze as well as as the driving test however, be prepared to parallel park. There is a YouTube video on how to do it. I practiced but my examiner did not make me do it. I did not volunteer.

Even many Offices of the Texas DPS don't agree on the requirement but in Texas you do need to have the endorsement.


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[dsbear]

Since your 5er is in excess of 10k you are required to have a class A license if you live in Texas.

[texnet]

Originally Posted by TommySnake

So I hate to ask, how do I get the (R) endorsement? Is there a test? Do I get it here in Texas?

You do not need anything from NY. You only need to comply with the laws in Texas, then the other states provide you reciprocity.

[wingnut60]

I don't think he needs any other type than a C in TX when under 26001lbs. Don't sweat it--the 10000lb limit doesn't apply to recreational trailers. His gross ratings are under 26001, nothing else is needed besides common sense. In a conversation with a TX DOT officer, he told me I needed the A non-commercial since I gross at 27400, but it isn't something I am worried about.
Ok--has anyone in TX towing a fiver been stopped and had the GVWR on the truck and trailer checked? Or anywhere?
Joe

[docj]

Originally Posted by wingnut60

I don't think he needs any other type than a C in TX when under 26001lbs. Don't sweat it--the 10000lb limit doesn't apply to recreational trailers. His gross ratings are under 26001, nothing else is needed besides common sense. In a conversation with a TX DOT officer, he told me I needed the A non-commercial since I gross at 27400, but it isn't something I am worried about.
Ok--has anyone in TX towing a fiver been stopped and had the GVWR on the truck and trailer checked? Or anywhere?
Joe

The real risk is that if you were in an accident the other party's attorney would argue that you were at fault because you weren't properly licensed to drive your vehicle. Furthermore, your insurance company could refuse t pay the claim and could cancel your insurance. If you don't think either of these are real risks, ask an attorney and get his opinion. You might find that your risk is a lot higher than you think.

[L.C.Gray]

Simplest explaination....

Class C= Under 26k gross
Class B= Over 26k gross
Class A= Over 26k gross with 10k or more of the gross being towed in combination

All 3 are available in CDL or Non CDL versions

Pick what fits your application.

Mine's a Class AM CDL with a T&X for past 20 years

[Cumminsfan]

Isn't the 26,000lb limit a federal limit that applies to all states? Every state uses 26,000 lbs as the cutoff point.
Is it just for commercial trucks only?