Just Took The NYS R-Endorsement Road Test

[Mnichols4]

Happy to say the r-endorsement road test was a breeze. The hardest part was the test area was within very narrow city streets but other then that it was no problem. Some left and right turns, and a parallel park. It a relief to have this behind me knowing that if something did happen I could have been ticketed for not having the endorsement on my license.

[Martino78]

Originally Posted by Mnichols4

Happy to say the r-endorsement road test was a breeze. The hardest part was the test area was within very narrow city streets but other then that it was no problem. Some left and right turns, and a parallel park. It a relief to have this behind me knowing that if something did happen I could have been ticketed for not having the endorsement on my license.

What is the r-endorsement?

[Mnichols4]

Here is how the law reads for r-endorsement.

A driver with a Class D license can now operate a personal use vehicle (for example a rental vehicle or a recreational vehicle or RV) with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 lbs. or less that tows another vehicle that has a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or more, but the gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of the two vehicles together must be 26,000 lbs. or less.
Note: The requirement for an "R" endorsement (Class D or Class E license) to operate a recreational vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or more remains in effect

NYS DMV - The Elimination of the Non-CDL Class C License

[Martino78]

Originally Posted by Mnichols4

Here is how the law reads for r-endorsement.

A driver with a Class D license can now operate a personal use vehicle (for example a rental vehicle or a recreational vehicle or RV) with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 lbs. or less that tows another vehicle that has a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or more, but the gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of the two vehicles together must be 26,000 lbs. or less.
Note: The requirement for an "R" endorsement (Class D or Class E license) to operate a recreational vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or more remains in effect

NYS DMV - The Elimination of the Non-CDL Class C License

Oh, on so you need the endorsement to drive anything over 26,001 pounds? Thanks for the answer.

[Libero]

Iam aware that many juridictions require a different license for vehicles with a weight greater than 26000 lbs or so, and some have a special endorsement for air brakes. I know of many people driving big rigs without the appropriate certification. All is well until one is caught or, as a worst case being in an accident without the appropriate license. The real problems begins after an accident because insurance could be invalid. Big time liabilities could be assessed to the driver without proper credentials.

I suspect if you are licensed to operate the vehicle one is driving in thier home jurisdiction then they should be safe. I am a lay person on this subject. I hope someone with more knowlege on this subject post comments.

[leewhiz]

Various states have different laws reguarding the requirements on what weight class vehicles you can drive or whether you need a special license to drive RV's for that matter. For instance South Dakota has no RV type endorsement, but NYS does. But if you are driving through NYS with a valid SD license NYS will not give you a ticket.

On the other side of the coin, some states allow you to tow 2 trailers behind your primary vehicle, but if you try that in NYS plan on getting a ticket.

[Mr_D]

Luckily, some states, like WA, have an exemption for private MH drivers so nothing more than a standard drivers license is required for us.
Don't try towing two trailers here though. It might be possible if the first one is a 5th wheel though.

[Craig1965]

I am now "legal" to drive my Motorhome, which is greater than 26,000 lbs. Took the R-endorsement skills test today for New York State. My wallet is also $27.50 lighter. Thanks for the help in this thread in knowing what to expect. Luckily my CDL licensed escort told me the height of all bridges in New York State (13 ft 6 inches), unless posted with a sign that say "height is EXACTLY xx ft xx inches". This 13 ft 6 inches applies even if some other height is posted without the word "exactly". The Examiner did ask me if I knew my bridge heights. Good save! As stated before had to do some turns, backup, and semi parallel park. They wanted to see if I knew how to use my mirrors. Also made sure I stopped before the stop sign or white stop line. Also when I went to the test, I noticed a sign that said "no engine brakes" in the village, so I made sure it was off. I also pointed this out to the examiner.

[RickO]

Congratulations! It does feel good to be legal.

Rick

[slickest1]

Good for you! I think it is great when people get the proper training and licence.