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LDP243 · 01-15-2013, 05:11 PM

In the process of buying a 35" Class A Motor home. and have another question
Is there any State that requires a CDL for opperating a class A that any of you have found?

RustyJC · 01-15-2013, 05:19 PM

The only state you have to be concerned with is your state of residency. A number of states (Texas included) require a higher classification of NON-COMMERCIAL driver licenses for motorhomes 26,001 lbs GVWR and higher. In general a CDL (commercial driver license) is only required if one is engaged in commercial activity.

Rusty

BFlinn181 · 01-15-2013, 05:20 PM

Here's a link to a summary of requirements. I believe you're O.K. with a 35 footer.

http://changingears.com/rv-sec-state-rv-license.shtml

If it has air brakes, you might wish to educate yourself or attend a class on the difference in air brakes from hydraulic brakes in smaller vehicles.

wa8yxm · 01-15-2013, 06:28 PM

For vehicles under 26,000 pounds NO state requires a CDL, over 26,000 varies.. HOWEVER that said SOME states a basic operator's license is not enough, You need an upgrade (Texas was the example given) The Advanced (as I recall it's a "B" endorsement) license is not a Commercial license.

Michigan, you are good with a standard Operator's.

California MAY have additional requirements (I am not sure but I read about someone who got dinged after an accident because he did not have the needed endorsement)

Other states I have no clue,, Check with your state, You should be able to download a copy of the state's vehicle code (NOTE no state has a "MOTOR VEHICLE CODE" no motor is needed for the code to cover your vehicle, Michigan's Vehicle code covers Vehicles WITH motors, Vehicles WITHOUT motors (Example bicycles) and even the venerable "Addias Foot-Mobile" (A pair of shoes, that is pediterinas) I know, I have a copy on the hard drive. Read it too. Years of nothing better to do so I'd read, anything, even the vehicle code.. However when I need something my recall is "Computer enhanced" by the aforementioned PDF.

wyorancher · 01-15-2013, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LDP243

In the process of buying a 35" Class A Motor home. and have another question
Is there any State that requires a CDL for opperating a class A that any of you have found?

Several states are requiring a special licence like the CDL class B for motor homes over 26,000 pounds. Take written, and driving test but no physical. If you buy a MH on the 22,000 pound chassis it is under that limit. They go by the GCWR. 26,001 requires the special license.

Caveman CBB · 01-15-2013, 06:48 PM

If your above the 26000 pound limit why not get it anyway even if your state doesn't require it. Then there will be no questions in any state. Not a bad idea to learn some new things anyway if your rig is that big.

FlyingDiver · 01-15-2013, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wyorancher

Several states are requiring a special licence like the CDL class B for motor homes over 26,000 pounds. Take written, and driving test but no physical. If you buy a MH on the 22,000 pound chassis it is under that limit. They go by the GCWR. 26,001 requires the special license.

No, not a CDL. It's a (non-CDL) Class B license.

Charlie111 · 01-15-2013, 10:36 PM

I have held a Class A CDL with all endorsements for a number of years and drove my 40 MH w/ toad all over the country. I decided to drop the CDL since I haven't driven commercially for a while. In dropping the CDL, I had to take a skills range test in the MH and drive a test route with the Toad attached, along with an examiner from the DMV. Kinda funny since I was a third party CDL examiner for the state. The SC DMV requires a class E with a MH over 26000 gvw and a class F with a MH over 26000 gvw and towing ANYTHING. My insurance company informed me that I could have a legal problem if I had an accident and did not have the required license. Check with your state DMV and make sure you a "Legal" no matter what you drive.