Community Forums

daVilla208 · 04-09-2021, 07:01 AM

Do most of you driving large Class A, over 26K lbs, have CDL licenses?
New to this large Class A arena. And, have just found out that there are lots of states which require CDL licenses for +26K# units.
Is it possible to just drive thru these states? - Without stopping?

Or, do you go around these states?

emiddleb · 04-09-2021, 07:06 AM

Your individual drivers license depends upon the rules of your state. You need to follow their rules. Then you are good to go to any other state regardless of their rules due to driver license reciprocity between states. You can drive, shop, stop, spend weeks at a campground, get pulled over by LEO, you are good as long as you meet your state's requirements.

**Lt Dan** · 04-09-2021, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daVilla208

Do most of you driving large Class A, over 26K lbs, have CDL licenses?
New to this large Class A arena. And, have just found out that there are lots of states which require CDL licenses for +26K# units.
Is it possible to just drive thru these states? - Without stopping?

Or, do you go around these states?

Many states do require an upgraded operator's license for anything over 26,000 lbs or over a specified length. You didn't specify your state so research your DMV for your state's requirements. Once you are legal in your own state, you are legal anywhere in the US or Canada by the Driver's License agreements between entities.

TexasPSDX · 04-09-2021, 08:53 AM

You would never need a CDL (Commercial Driver License) as you are not for hire or working for income. In Texas over 26000# you need an Exempt Class B for motorhome or Exempt Class A for truck/trailer combo. Check your state.

twojayhawks · 04-09-2021, 08:56 AM

MY state requires a class B endorsement so that is what I have. https://www.campanda.com/magazine/rv...-requirements/

768Q · 04-09-2021, 10:12 AM

I just re-read the California DMV site as was thinking I was OK (just moved up from a previous 26k class A to a 31k GVW Beaver 2 weeks ago) originally thought all was good since I was at 40' but looks like I need to get a physical and get my Class B non-commercial. Don't want to be pulled over towing our new Featherlite open trailer with race car and not be able to drive home.

Keith

BillJinOR · 04-09-2021, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 768Q

I just re-read the California DMV site as was thinking I was OK (just moved up from a previous 26k class A to a 31k GVW Beaver 2 weeks ago) originally thought all was good since I was at 40' but looks like I need to get a physical and get my Class B non-commercial. Don't want to be pulled over towing our new Featherlite open trailer with race car and not be able to drive home.

Keith

There is no Physical needed for anything but a commercial (CDL) NO state requires a CDL for a private RV. You may need an upgraded class license with additional testing or driving test depending on you residence state but NO Physical!
Thats only a Drive for Pay Commercial
Now here's the rub..... You say Race car... Do you make money with the race car ...prize money? Sponsor stickers all over the place? California may interpret you as a business not "recreation" ... if that's the case you aren't camping for recreation your competing. Then its a commercial enterprise .. Don't confuse that for the average Joe with recreation

Twomed · 04-09-2021, 10:20 AM

Kali is tough on that, if stopped it could get expensive.

Mr_D · 04-09-2021, 10:21 AM

Some states require different licenses for larger privately owned vehicles, some do not. WA state specifically exempts privately owned RV's from needing anything but a standard license. So that's what I have, 45' and 52,000#'s.

Gavenger · 04-09-2021, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillJinOR

There is no Physical needed for anything but a commercial (CDL) NO state requires a CDL for a private RV. You may need an upgraded class license with additional testing or driving test depending on you residence state but NO Physical!
Thats only a Drive for Pay Commercial
Now here's the rub..... You say Race car... Do you make money with the race car ...prize money? California may interpret you as a business not "recreation" ... if that's the case you aren't camping for recreation your competing. Then its a commercial enterprise .. Don't confuse that with recreation

In CA, for a Non-Commercial license, you do have to fill out the Physical form, but you sign it yourself and no requirement for a DR signature. Although you do have to redo the stupid form every 2 years.

BillJinOR · 04-09-2021, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gavenger

In CA, for a Non-Commercial license, you do have to fill out the Physical form, but you sign it yourself and no requirement for a DR signature. Although you do have to redo the stupid form every 2 years.

Thats not a physical without a DR. Its just a statement. A physical isn't a "form" 768Q said Get a physical..
(which he may have to if he's considered a Racing Business)

768Q · 04-09-2021, 10:43 AM

From CA DMV Site:

To obtain an original noncommercial Class B license – Adults must:

Complete an application for a driver license (DL 44).
Pay the application fee.
Submit a Physician’s Health Report (DL 546A) (PDF) signed by your physician dated not more than two years prior to the date of your application.
Pass the basic Class C law test, unless you renewed your Class C license within the past 12 months.
Pass the Driver’s Examination for 45′ Housecars law test.
Pass a vision test.
Perform a vehicle safety check.
Pass a skills test.
Pass a driving test.

768Q · 04-09-2021, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillJinOR

There is no Physical needed for anything but a commercial (CDL) NO state requires a CDL for a private RV. You may need an upgraded class license with additional testing or driving test depending on you residence state but NO Physical!
Thats only a Drive for Pay Commercial
Now here's the rub..... You say Race car... Do you make money with the race car ...prize money? Sponsor stickers all over the place? California may interpret you as a business not "recreation" ... if that's the case you aren't camping for recreation your competing. Then its a commercial enterprise .. Don't confuse that for the average Joe with recreation

Uh, Just going to a car show....... lol

BillJinOR · 04-09-2021, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 768Q

Uh, Just going to a car show....... lol

Thats what'd say.. just showing the car (my Hobby) officer!

What a confusing mess Calf has on their web site. under 45 ,requires a class C but wait if its over 26001 ! (virtually all diesel pushers )a Class B and the Dr signed form must be new... Glad I'm not anywhere near wanting to live in Calif.