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Old 08-30-2024, 10:39 PM   #1
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Texas Non Commercial Class A testing question

Ive searched and read several posts but there was no reference to doing a pre trip inspection requirement. As i understand it, you take a written test and once passed you schedule for a driving test. Is a pre trip inspection required like a Commercial Class A test?
Is it simply passing the written test, then a basic driving test?
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Old 08-31-2024, 06:48 AM   #2
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I would imagine that the pre trip inspection which includes hooking and unhooking of a trailer is done as part of the driving test.
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Old 08-31-2024, 07:54 AM   #3
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usually they are like stated above. Also remember they want to hear what you are doing not just running through the motions in silence. They did not like me when i did my pretrip in silence they made me redo it and i got a little lippy with them and told them to put their phone down and bend their back and watch what i was doing then..
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Old 08-31-2024, 08:19 AM   #4
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Things may have changed since getting my Class B, non-commercial license. The written test gets you a "learner's permit". The road test gets you your Class B license. Only pre-test drive action might be demonstrating knowledge [eg, chock and bleed-down] for an air brake certification, if applicable.
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Old 08-31-2024, 08:28 AM   #5
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The examiner will tell you what to do, or just aske them if they want you to do a pre trip inspection. Each location and examiner have their own procedures. When I did my Class B license test the examiner did an equipment check and had me do and air brake test.
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Old 08-31-2024, 05:28 PM   #6
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Best to go to your local DMV and get the hand books.
You should know how the systems work and you may be tested on it.

While you are there you can find out the lience requirments.
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Old 09-01-2024, 12:48 PM   #7
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When I did it a couple of years ago, like Old Scout said, written test-> learner's permit, driving test-> license.
My driving test examiner only did a safety inspection of lights and horn(?), but no air brake test, like Lt Dan said. Driving had a back up straight then driving local roads.
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Old 09-01-2024, 12:54 PM   #8
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...but no air brake test....

Totally depends on the individual giving the driving portion of the test.


And, mine DID ask. Had to tell her, sorry, I can't show you. If you like I can talk you through it, but my 38' Alpine had 4wheel disk anti-lock hydraulic brakes. LOVED IT!
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Old 09-01-2024, 02:17 PM   #9
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Ok--here is another story, or two. I got the hand-book from DMV and was told for RVs to just study Chap 12 or 14. Two of the first 5 test questions asked how far a load can extend in front of or behind the vehicle. At least one more was on multi-passenger vehicle ops--I almost flunked. Like Brett, my Alpine had hydraulic disk brakes, but also had an air actuated parking brake. When I released the parking brake, the examiner freaked, thinking the coach had air service brakes after all. Finally, the examiner asked me to parallel park next to a curb during the driving test--I flunked that one badly--but he still passed me overall.
PS--obviously, no medical test is required but you can't renew a Class B license by mail. You must apply in person and an eye test is involved.
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Old 09-02-2024, 09:54 PM   #10
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When I took the class A non-CDL in 2012 you needed to do a walk around then get in and check mirrors.
If told to turn left and it's a street with the center turn lane, don't use the turn lane to merge. Had to back and move 5er to my right without running off pavement
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Old 09-02-2024, 10:03 PM   #11
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Research what your state test requirements are. That is what I did when I was planning to take my test in my state.
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Old 09-05-2024, 07:20 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bootstrap View Post
Ive searched and read several posts but there was no reference to doing a pre trip inspection requirement. As i understand it, you take a written test and once passed you schedule for a driving test. Is a pre trip inspection required like a Commercial Class A test?
Is it simply passing the written test, then a basic driving test?
That's how I got my Class A Non-CDL. Took the driving test in the Austin area at the mega center. When taking the driving test they just checked the external lights before heading out. Had to back up in a straight line 50 feet.

You will get computer test questions on air brakes even though your RV may not have them and test questions more related to semi's. The computer test is really taken from the manual sections involving semi's. Its not a test catered specifically to RVs class A or B Non-CDL.
A lot depends on the person you get for the driving test as to what they want.
As it turned out I knew more about the drivers testing than they did but I just did whatever they asked and kept quiet. Example they kept looking for the old trailer inspection sticker they used to issue. I could have told them they stopped issuing that several years ago but If I had tried to argue with them it would have made them mad. They finally got it figured out.

Renewing your class A or B Non-CDL, yes you have to do it in person. Good for 8 years. They also want to see your original birth certificate, not a copy, or some proof of your US citizenship. That trips a lot of people up that don't have their original birth certificate with a state seal on it.

Oh and taking the driving test, I shut off my exhaust brake on our 1 ton dually during the driving test even though it isn't anything like a semi exhaust brake.. Some cities/towns do not allow exhaust brake use, they can deduct points if you use it.
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Old 02-04-2025, 11:47 AM   #13
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I just took the test for Texas RV driving license. It's a class B license for vehicle over 26001 lbs. Section 14 of the Driver's Manual covers the test question well though I still missed two questions, I think you can miss 6. I took the driving test in Edinburgh, TX. Test person checked the turn signals and brake lights, then I drove through some cones and backed up. Driving around took at least 30 minutes and included going onto the interstate. Like most said, be sure to make it obvious you are using your mirrors, using turn signals, coming to a complete stop at stop signs. I was gigged for not having both hands on the wheel and not looking both ways at a four way stop. Passed no problem
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Old 02-04-2025, 08:15 PM   #14
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We got our class A license; the pre-inspection part of the test was the tester going over all of the safety and lights to be sure all were operational. But that was 12 years ago.

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