Community Forums

RV Lifer · 11-20-2020, 02:18 PM

I know there are many on here either from Texas or using it as a home base. How many have went ahead and got the special drivers license, and if there are two of you did you both get it.

DieselDisco · 11-20-2020, 02:33 PM

Good luck getting an appointment. I called a dozen times the last few months and gave up. I'll try again post covid.

HarryStone · 11-20-2020, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieselDisco

Good luck getting an appointment. I called a dozen times the last few months and gave up. I'll try again post covid.

You have to go online to the Texas DMV website and schedule an appointment that way. Same in NM, the local offices won't answer the phone.

wolfe10 · 11-20-2020, 03:04 PM

In Texas you need a Class B Exempt (not CDL) for motorhomes over 26,000 GVWR. There is also a trailer requirement for heavier trailers, but don't know the numbers.

Process is:

Take written test (basically the CDL) and the handbook is on-line.

Get a learner's permit after passing the written test.

Do the driving test.

No idea of what is happening right now in terms of timing or procedure with COVID .

RV Lifer · 11-20-2020, 03:44 PM

I am not as worried about issues here in TX but was told that as long as you have this license, you are legal even in states that require a full CDL. I am new to this whole thing so was wondering if they really pushed the license thing or not

wolfe10 · 11-20-2020, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV Lifer

I am not as worried about issues here in TX but was told that as long as you have this license, you are legal even in states that require a full CDL. I am new to this whole thing so was wondering if they really pushed the license thing or not

YES. If you have the proper driver's license in your home state, it is recognized in all states.

Said another way, there is reciprocity among the states as far as driver's licenses.

B52Rnav · 11-20-2020, 04:51 PM

Both of us got the TX class B non CDL license in Feb 2020 before COVID hit. Process is very simple. Take written test. The test is NOT specific for RVs. IIRC pay attention to section 14 of CDL handbook. We recommend you read all of the handbook and look at review questions on sections 2 & 7 (IIRC). After you pass written test go online to schedule driving test - make sure that you do Not schedule class A or CDL. When you take driving test, inspector will do external inspection of your rig and have you test lights, turn signals and horn. Then we drove through a set of cones for about 150 ft. Then back up through same set of cones. The next part of test lasted roughly 20 min to demonstrate that you could safely operate your vehicle. No tricks. We took driving test at southeast Houston mega center - no problems. We did not have to parallel park or do airbrake test. We took written test one week and driving test following week.

Disclaimer : We have no idea if process has changed since Feb.

kenwyatt · 11-20-2020, 05:14 PM

Deal is in Tx if you tow a trailer of 10,000 or more you need the class A non-Commercial

txcpl · 11-21-2020, 05:44 AM

My wife and I both took the written test and then the driving test about 3 years ago. Our experience was very similar to the post by B52Rnav.

RichKimball · 11-21-2020, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV Lifer

I am not as worried about issues here in TX but was told that as long as you have this license, you are legal even in states that require a full CDL. I am new to this whole thing so was wondering if they really pushed the license thing or not

Apparently it isn't pushed much. Recently was speaking with a gentlemen @Tres Rios RV park in Glen Rose, TX. He retired from Texas and still considers it his home base with Texas plates and license. He laughed at me when I asked how his full time lifestyle met with the renewal requirements of his DL and the Class B non-commercial. So...for the last 9 years or so he claims he has a standard operating DL and has no intention of upgrading.

I guess the requirement isn't pushed much as I said as he drives annually from Colorado to Texas and all parts in between.

TXiceman · 11-21-2020, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mevman

So...for the last 9 years or so he claims he has a standard operating DL and has no intention of upgrading.

I guess the requirement isn't pushed much as I said as he drives annually from Colorado to Texas and all parts in between.

But the clown can get a ticket for NO DRIVERS License. Hopefull he never has and accident.

Ken

L.C.Gray · 11-23-2020, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenwyatt

Deal is in Tx if you tow a trailer of 10,000 or more you need the class A non-Commercial

Not exactly.... you have to break 3 thresholds to need an A

1 Has to be a combination vehicle. By definition no single vehicle would need an A no matter size or weight.

2 Must exceed a gross combination weight (rating or actual) of 26,000 lbs.

3 Towed portion is (rated or actual) 10,000 lbs or more.

If you don't meet all three you don't need an A

wolfe10 · 11-23-2020, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mevman

So...for the last 9 years or so he claims he has a standard operating DL and has no intention of upgrading.

I guess the requirement isn't pushed much as I said as he drives annually from Colorado to Texas and all parts in between.

You do NOT want to go the "what I got away with" route on licensing.

If you are ever involved in an accident and you are not properly licensed to drive that vehicle, I would not want to be your attorney!