Community Forums

1skier · 06-11-2013, 06:55 PM

In Texas, RV drivers need a non-CDL class A or B license if their RV is >26,000# and you are towing anything (trailer, towed, etc) - over 10K#, a class A or under 10K#, a class B. There are still some questions in my mind as to what one has to do to secure either the non-CDL class A or B (some folks report taking a basic test in a parking lot, some a real road test, and some just filled out a form), and there is much confusion in TX about the subject. The way the rules read, if you are not hauling anything behind that 45K# tag axled monster, you are in the clear. But if you put a single axle trailer to haul your motorcycle, you got to get at least the class B.

RickO · 06-11-2013, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1skier

In Texas, RV drivers need a non-CDL class A or B license if their RV is >26,000# and you are towing anything (trailer, towed, etc) - over 10K#, a class A or under 10K#, a class B. There are still some questions in my mind as to what one has to do to secure either the non-CDL class A or B (some folks report taking a basic test in a parking lot, some a real road test, and some just filled out a form), and there is much confusion in TX about the subject. The way the rules read, if you are not hauling anything behind that 45K# tag axled monster, you are in the clear. But if you put a single axle trailer to haul your motorcycle, you got to get at least the class B.

I don't recall ever seeing anyone report here that they got their Texas non commercial CDL A/B by only filling out a form or taking a driving test in a parking lot.

Both a written and road test are required for the Texas endorsement.

I think you're misreading the rules if you interpret them to mean that one only needs an A/B endorsement if they are towing something. 26000# dictates the need for an endorsement. Towing anything >10000# dictates whether it's an A or B endorsement.

Rick

buck454 · 06-12-2013, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickO

I don't recall ever seeing anyone report here that they got their Texas non commercial CDL A/B by only filling out a form or taking a driving test in a parking lot.

Both a written and road test are required for the Texas endorsement.

I think you're misreading the rules if you interpret them to mean that one only needs an A/B endorsement if they are towing something. 26000# dictates the need for an endorsement. Towing anything >10000# dictates whether it's an A or B endorsement.

Rick

Agree. Although from reading a number of posts here over the last year or so, it does seem that some instructors required more detail in driving test....such as parrelel parking. My driving test was more than parking lot, but relatively simple with some road driving and a little backing up on large parking lot. With a little study, written was easy also.
bill

Wayne M · 06-12-2013, 08:18 AM

It all depends on the Inspector and how their day is going. They can make it as easy, or as tough, as they wish.

If you pull your TOAD behind you to take the test (DON'T), have fun telling an inspector that you cannot back up with it. You will spend a few minutes explaining, and then, on a bad day, you will have to unhook to demonstrate your backing skills.

**NLOVNIT** · 06-12-2013, 10:08 AM

If you want to discuss TX requirements, please start a new thread. This one is about requirements for Sam in PA.

Thank you.

Lori-

MSHappyCampers · 06-12-2013, 10:36 AM

Not in MS!

frankdamp · 06-12-2013, 12:10 PM

More important than the license issue is actually driving the MH. I would strongly recommend getting a few hours instruction from someone who drives a transit coach, or better still, a transit agency driving instructor.

Handling a 35' or bigger DP, where you sit ahead of the steer wheels, is substantially different than a smaller motor-home with a front engine. Learning by trial and error could be very expensive.

I was fortunate to work for a 2+ year stint as a transit driver after I got tired of being retired. We'd only had a 26' Class C before that. The agency I worked for trained me well and I became relatively comfortable horsing a 40' bus through downtown streets during rush hour traffic. When we moved up to our 32' Class A, even though it's front-engined, the knowledge from my transit driving time paid big dividends.

The biggest "gotcha" is street corner turns. Compared to driving a car, you have to go much deeper into the street you're turning into to avoid running the back wheels over the sidewalk (right turns) or over the hood of the car waiting in the cross street to turn (left turns).

buynow43 · 07-20-2013, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HHg

If in Texas, you only need the Class B license if your unit weighs 26,001 or more. If less, then your regular DL is fine.

Hhg

The same goes for Maryland.

Ray,IN · 07-20-2013, 10:18 PM

Skyboss gave the correct information to your question. To reenforce his answer, here is the link for FMCSA, CDL standards and requirements. In a nutshell it says; if you profit in any form for using your MH, it requires a CDL, no other reason.

Ramets · 07-21-2013, 06:56 AM

My take on this subject is that someone who has no experience driving a 40' rig pulling a trailer, SHOULD have some kind of training before he heads out on the road. Not just for their safety, but mine.

illusionist · 07-21-2013, 11:36 PM

thanks for all the post. just so you know i have found out that NO i dont need any kind of CDL to drive an RV.

and while some share a concern of driving something this big i would kindly point out that i have driven many vehicles of many different sizes many more miles then most every one here combined. so dont worry i am not gong to just jump in my DP and hang on for dear life LOL

i have been driving the DP now for a month and its a piece of cake at this point. yes i still have to be careful and yes i dont take anything for advantage. i make sure i pay attention to signs etc.

now all that being said once i hook up the trailer i will be a bit nervous for the first 5 or so times out with it there but will get the hang of it easily as i am learning here in familiar roads and areas.
by the time i head out on my tour end of august i should be pretty comfortable with the rig.

so far my biggest concerns have been how to fill the water and dump the water LOL.

thanks so much for every ones input and advice i truly appreciate you taking the time to respond and offer insights.

see you on the road!

sam
40'DP with 14' enclosed trailer.

Don and Barb · 07-25-2013, 04:42 PM

In California, you don't need a class B for any straight vehicle under 26,000 lbs. I would look online at your state DMV.

jerichorick · 07-26-2013, 06:08 PM

Hi illusionist. I did much research last year. The correct answer is dependant on what state you live in. Your local DMV should have the correct answer. Pleasure vehicles often fall into a non-class and your regular drivers licence is all that is needed. Your insurance company may be of some help with this question also.

Chow5656 · 07-26-2013, 06:39 PM

For what it's worth PA MH plates are priced by weight. And they have started weighing MH'S at times in PA to check to see it you have paid for the right weight on your registration. Hence if the DOT officer is weighing your MH be sure he's going to ask to see your drivers license.