Driving license

olley · 10-15-2005, 08:52 AM

Hi iam from england, on a web site that i go on we have been discussing licenses, to drive over a 71/2 ton RV we are supposed to have a HGV (heavy goods veheicle) license what do you guys need in the states?

Olley

olley · 10-15-2005, 08:52 AM

Hi iam from england, on a web site that i go on we have been discussing licenses, to drive over a 71/2 ton RV we are supposed to have a HGV (heavy goods veheicle) license what do you guys need in the states?

Olley

**"007"** · 10-15-2005, 10:45 AM

olley, welcome to irv2

We have a standard driver license, same one use for our car. Some states would like to change that, more taxes, for over 26,000# MH's, but so far its not changed.

"007"

olley · 10-15-2005, 01:27 PM

Thanks for that info 007

Olley

Joe-K · 10-15-2005, 06:12 PM

Pennsylvania where we live is one of those states that requires a special class of license if the motorhome is over 26,000lbs.

The license doesn't cost any extra in PA though, and you only have to take the test once for the advanced class. When you do take the driving test, they do quiz you on air brake operation also.

allendp · 10-15-2005, 08:05 PM

I would think that an International License issued to you in Great Britain for use outside of Great Britain would suffice in the USA for renting and driving a MH. I would check with your licensing agency there just to make sure.

olley · 10-16-2005, 02:11 AM

Hi thanks for all reply's, the issue in GB is that the DVLA who deal with all licencing in this country say that a motorhome over 71/2 tons is a PHG (private heavy goods)and you therefore have to have a HGV licence to drive it, they are unable to quote the laws to back this up, and no driver has ever been prosicuted.

This is a real can of worms and there are many anomalies: you cannot take your HGV test in a motorhome, its MOT (yearly test for roadworthyness)is the same as a car, its yearly road tax is as a car.

The problem is that sooner or later, faced with a big payout an insurance company is going use the licencing issue to refuse the payout.

This has been debated on various sites endlessly with no definate answer, and i was curious to see how it was across the pond.

Olley

Skip298 · 10-16-2005, 02:47 AM

Very many people from Europe come to Canada and tour the country in motorhomes...an ordinary drivers licence in Ontario is the "G" class licence, this entitles the person to drive any automobile or pick up truck up to 11000 kg....it starts to get a little complicated after that..After 11000 kg a person needs a "D" class Dr Lic..there are many MH over that weight but most are under...as far as using a MH on an international dr lic...im not sure, but I would assume that the renting agency would be bound to confirm the rentors qualifications prior to signing them up..........If you are properly licenced and legal in your own country then you are properly licenced and legal in North America(with an Intl lic) which can be reallly scary some times...