Community Forums

Talkjk · 05-27-2020, 07:06 PM

We just put our deposit down on a New Aire 3543 and will be picking it up the end of June in Florida. What is the requirement for a drivers license for someone that plans on traveling to just about every state right off the bat. We currently live in CA and have California drivers licenses, I did find a list by state what is required by weight and length, but could not find what one should do if traveling through so many different states with many different requirements. If I up my drivers license from an A to a class B non CDL per the CA requirements will that be suffice for other states that I am just passing through? Also the list I have found mention a length requirement in some states, but the way I read it is they talk about the motrohome. Or is that the developed length with trailer or toad? Additionally does anyone have any info on what it takes to change drive licences class in CA and time line for doing so?

NHRA225 · 05-27-2020, 07:10 PM

Is this your 1st MH ?

Chargerman · 05-27-2020, 07:12 PM

Regarding your license you just need to be compliant with the state that you are licensed. Nothing different needed to travel through any state. Regarding length it is referring to your overall length. Lastly, I don’t know what is required to change your license in Ca. But I would image that there will be testing requirements. You should be able to find some detail in the Ca. State DOT website.

MikeyG · 05-27-2020, 07:46 PM

Are you going to license your new coach in CA? If so, and as others have mentioned, your California license will be fine in other states. Your are under 40', so your Class C license is acceptable in CA too.
No need to upgrade.....yet. When you purchase you next "last" coach and it measures over 40', you will need a non-commercial Class B license. Our 4018 measures 40'-9", so it was off to the DMV for me. Not a big deal, but the DMV does not do many non-commercial Class B licenses, so it did take longer to get it done. Three trips and about 10 total hours in the DMV and got 'er done. There are a few posts on IRV2 about the process.
Enjoy your new coach and stay safe.
Mike

Talkjk · 05-27-2020, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NHRA225

Is this your 1st MH ?

No, we had a Winnebago but traveled mostly local so I never thought about license requirements

Talkjk · 05-27-2020, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Talkjk

We just put our deposit down on a New Aire 3543 and will be picking it up the end of June in Florida. What is the requirement for a drivers license for someone that plans on traveling to just about every state right off the bat. We currently live in CA and have California drivers licenses, I did find a list by state what is required by weight and length, but could not find what one should do if traveling through so many different states with many different requirements. If I up my drivers license from an A to a class B non CDL per the CA requirements will that be suffice for other states that I am just passing through? Also the list I have found mention a length requirement in some states, but the way I read it is they talk about the motrohome. Or is that the developed length with trailer or toad? Additionally does anyone have any info on what it takes to change drive licences class in CA and time line for doing so?

Thank you for the help

CaptainGizmo · 05-28-2020, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Talkjk

We currently live in CA and have California drivers licenses, I did find a list by state what is required by weight and length, but could not find what one should do if traveling through so many different states with many different requirements.

If I up my drivers license from an A to a class B non CDL per the CA requirements will that be suffice for other states that I am just passing through?

Also the list I have found mention a length requirement in some states, but the way I read it is they talk about the motrohome.

Additionally does anyone have any info on what it takes to change drive licences class in CA and time line for doing so?

You’ve got most of your answers, but how about the bottom line, first:
With your 35’...NO you do not need a different license than your Class C.

Now let me address the other questions...

- I’m in SoCal and went through this with our 4369 (which is actually 43’10”). I went to Hell and back, a dozen times and actually became more of an expert than anyone at the DMV...in fact, educating THEM on the requirements and process. It didn’t help that even THEIR OWN website had 2 different versions with conflicting requirements (for example, the Doctor’s report vs. a simple Afadavit). So do yourself a favor and use US as your resource!!!

- Your license is based on your home state.

- The CA DMV law is: For Motorhomes OVER 40 feet, you must have a “NonCommercial Class B Housecar” license.

- Using the above terminology, all the info you need in on the CA DMV site. The Handbook, by the way, is the DL648. Here is the DMV link for you:

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?1...648/dl648pt4_1

- I think you’ve incorrectly stated “upping your Class A to a Class B Non-commercial”. That would be a downgrade...Class A is a full commercial/truck license and I doubt you have that or else all this would be moot. Perhaps you’re confusing your normal Class C license.

- The process of changing your classification would be to follow all of the steps required for whatever class you’re changing to. Other than a sense of achievement, there’s no need for you to do it. You’d be just as well off to study the handbook and take an RV driving course.

This should help you make a decision.

Talkjk · 05-28-2020, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainGizmo

You’ve got most of your answers, but how about the bottom line, first:
With your 35’...NO you do not need a different license than your Class C.

- I think you’ve incorrectly stated “upping your Class A to a Class B Non-commercial”. That would be a downgrade...Class A is a full commercial/truck license and I doubt you have that or else all this would be moot. Perhaps you’re confusing your normal Class C license.

This should help you make a decision.

Good catch, you are correct we both have a class C. So if we get pilled over on our trip outside of CA our class C is good. With our 35' New Aire. If we move into a 40'+ that would change.

Thank you so much for the help

CaptainGizmo · 05-28-2020, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Talkjk

Good catch, you are correct we both have a class C. So if we get pilled over on our trip outside of CA our class C is good. With our 35' New Aire. If we move into a 40'+ that would change.

Thank you so much for the help

You got it right...other than I hope you don’t get pilled OR pulled over! [emoji23]

HDGoose · 05-28-2020, 09:23 PM

Informational threads like this are what makes this board useful.

Ljwt330 · 05-29-2020, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HDGoose

Informational threads like this are what makes this board useful.

+1

Especially when the information comes from those with first-hand experience!

sgwyble · 05-29-2020, 10:06 AM

Similar experiences in NY. If you are over 26,000 lbs you need an "R" certification added to your license. All it takes is a road test. If you go to the DMV most will not know what you are asking for until they get a supervisor.

SteveNSue · 05-29-2020, 10:16 AM

Can we have a show of hands? How many have been pulled over "and" had a LEO check for the driver's license class?

MikeyG · 05-29-2020, 01:46 PM

Never has happened to me and may never happen.
I upgraded to avoid the liability IF I was ever in an accident of any kind. The first thing they will check is your license. If they find that you do not have the proper license, you are deemed to be driving without a license. That will create all kinds of problems. Just a CYA at this point. Not worth taking the risk for me.
Good luck with whatever you choose.
Mike