Community Forums

Retiredblade · 08-21-2014, 05:13 AM

First of all, thanks to the forums here I found out that to drive my motor home I have to have a class B drivers license. When I first started driving a class A motor home I researched to see if I had to, well, back then I didn't, I even downloaded the page with the information.
Well, the state of Pa. changed things. So I made a appointment way back in the middle of June I go up to my nearest Penndot drivers license center and pay my $5. get a permit to drive for a year and to take a test to get a class B. At the time the fellow ask me "do you have air brakes?" I said yes, he said "they would ask a few questions on air brakes".
Fine, so I schedule a appointment for Aug 20, I download Penndot's commercial air brake study guide, no problem, for us who know air brakes, it is common knowledge, I have over 40 years operating vehicles with them.
I got up yesterday, 9:15 was my time, brought in what they required, sat there until 10:20. I asked what's the problem was, they had to call Harrisburg to find out how to run a test on a non-comm. class B!!! What a bunch of idiots! Finally, walk out to the parking lot with the tester, he asked me questions on what I do before a trip, checks the lights and away we go for a drive and back. I passed with 100% but point is, they just play it by ear and don't have a established test to go by! I was asked no questions on air brakes, PennDot has always been screwed up, how about your state?

paz · 08-21-2014, 05:50 AM

That tells you how many people with big Class A motorhomes and large 5th wheels are NOT taking the Class B drivers test. From other accounts I read, yours is a common story. So few people take the test, hardly anyone at the DMV knows what it is.

Retiredblade · 08-22-2014, 03:46 AM

Thanks to this website IRV2 and some forums on the subject, I found out about it. About 30 years ago I had a class A license needed for work, but the laws changed on moving heavy equipment on the highways and I figured I didn't need it. When I bought my first motor home, which under the present law I wouldn't need a class B, I printed out the page from the website stating such just in case I needed proof in other states. But Pa changed the law about 12 years ago, I didn't know and I guess there are others now that still don't know.
I am relieved that I found out and got a Class B, one could get into serious problems if in a accident.
I hope rvers from Pa find out about class B and get one and I hope Penndot gets their act together and gets a uniform test made up. In fact, I might write Penndot to see if they could come up with some kind of notification to let folks know.

EricGT · 08-22-2014, 05:07 AM

When does one need a class b license in PA? Weight requirements, air brakes, etc?

Tom N · 08-22-2014, 08:03 AM

Non-commercial Driver's Licenses

CLASS B (minimum age 18): Required to operate any single vehicle rated in excess of 26,000 pounds. Example: Motor homes rated at 26,001 pounds or more.

9dreizig · 08-22-2014, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom N

Non-commercial Driver's Licenses

CLASS B (minimum age 18): Required to operate any single vehicle rated in excess of 26,000 pounds. Example: Motor homes rated at 26,001 pounds or more.

Does that include a trailer being hauled ?