Community Forums

rcflyerrv · 12-14-2016, 11:28 PM

I just went down to the DL office to get the handbook for this written. I'm not sure that I took the correct test. I filled out the form to signify I need the RV part, but everything I got from the office says CDL. I think I took the CDL written, as it asked several things with regards to reflectors and stuff on an 18 wheeler, but I passed.

Where I am lost is I went online at the DPS website to schedule the driving test, and my only two choices were regular test for cars, and the CDL test. A real part of my frustration is that no matter which office you call, you can't talk to a person. Anyone know how to bypass that phone que and speak to someone? Also anyone know if I have scheduled the correct driving test?

montyhp · 12-15-2016, 05:33 AM

It is highly dependent on which location you are testing at. What you want is a non-commercial class B. In Floresville where I took mine it is called Class B Exempt. It is the same test I took as a volunteer fire fighter.

You probably took the correct written test. It won't say anything about RVs. It ls mostly about requirements for farm vehicles and such. Some locations may make you take an Air Brake test, but I don't think that is required. Again, it is up to the examiner at the location.

If you want to shop around for an advantageous location, you can search the forum for numerous threads about texas class B licensing. I have heard that Marble Falls is one of the best locations to get an RV license.

Also, Some of this has changed as of October this year (I think fewer locations are giving driving tests), so if someone has more current knowledge they can speak up.

SATXJeep · 12-18-2016, 07:59 AM

Sounds like you took the right test. Class B Exempt covers Chapter 14 in the Commercial Drivers Handbook. I took the written test last week in Kerrville. I plan to take the skills test this week (also in Kerrville). I have not heard whether or not they will do the air brake test.

Scottybdivin · 12-18-2016, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by montyhp

Also, Some of this has changed as of October this year (I think fewer locations are giving driving tests), so if someone has more current knowledge they can speak up.

I just found the list actually called CDL Exempt Vehicle Test Sites. Although not nearly as wide-spread as it was before the change, there are more available sites than there are for a CDL test. It's nice to see the state actually recognizing our status.

clj1057 · 12-19-2016, 07:10 PM

We have had Class b and Class A rv's for over 15 years and no special drivers license is required

FlyingDiver · 12-19-2016, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clj1057

We have had Class b and Class A rv's for over 15 years and no special drivers license is required

They certainly are, in Texas, if the RV weighs over 26,000lb. A class B exempt is required. If you then tow a trailer over 10,000lb you need a Class A exempt.

Doesn't matter how long you've been doing it, legally or illegally. It's required. In Texas.

JohnBoyToo · 12-19-2016, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clj1057

We have had Class b and Class A rv's for over 15 years and no special drivers license is required

a generalization like that is wrong in so many cases, at least in Texas...

I've had rv's for 40 years and never needed an upgraded license until I got into large 5'ers and class a's...

rcflyer, what part of the state are you in and maybe we can help...

i just sent an email to my region to schedule a driving test and no air brake test was 'supposed' to be given, but the doofus gave me one and his supervisor corrected him.

Jburklo · 12-19-2016, 07:26 PM

All

I just took my tests last year in Sequin. The license required is based on weight and most of us with Class A DP's require a Class B (CDL exempt) license. Chapter 14 of the CDL Guide is the test and the driving test consists of the air break test, safety equipment (be sure you have the triangles), general inspection, driving - two areas of failure are running over the curbs and/or failing to yield right of way. In a big monster like ours that can be somewhat difficult.

i have heard some even required parallel parking

and backing.

Pretty easy, but as with any other test the nerves can kreep in!!

Good luck
Jeff
2012 Entegra Aspire DEQ

Tall Tex · 12-19-2016, 07:48 PM

In Texas the class B is required for any vehicle registered over 26,001 pounds. I have never heard of anyone getting a ticket for not having the class B, however if you ever get involved in a serious accident and the lawyers find out that you don't have the required license.....do I need to say more!

It really is not that difficult. If your coach has air brakes, which it will if it is rated over 26,001 pounds you should know how to do the required checks, just to be safe on the road. I know several people that have done it I need Kerrville.

Good luck!

10Boomer · 12-20-2016, 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clj1057

We have had Class b and Class A rv's for over 15 years and no special drivers license is required

Required in CA, over 40', 26k

Sent from my iPhone using iRV2 - 2008 Monaco Camelot 40 PDQ

rcflyerrv · 12-20-2016, 10:15 AM

Thanks for the answers. I want to do mine in Wichita Falls. I think (only an opinion) that you all have missed my reason for posting. I am complete agreement that I need to do a class B non commercial. What I am looking for it the email addres for the Wichita Falls office to get just that set up.

I see from the posts that there are many differing opinions on whether Texas requires the class B. I have no doubts that it is required with this RV that I now own. My prior one, was a 36' Journey with a max gw of 24000 and it did not require one, but my current one at 44,000 lbs does.

Again thanks for the help. If anyone has email addresses for Wichita Falls, I would appreciate them.

twogypsies · 12-20-2016, 11:22 AM

For Wichita Falls just click on its name on the above link that 'Scottybdivin' gave in his post. Toward the bottom of Wichita Falls is another link to click on to schedule the test.

rcflyerrv · 12-20-2016, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twogypsies

For Wichita Falls just click on its name on the above link that 'Scottybdivin' gave in his post. Toward the bottom of Wichita Falls is another link to click on to schedule the test.

Here is the problem, at least for me. I have already done the click on the link to schedule the driving test. The problem is that I can (and did) only sign up for a CDL driving test, which isn't what I want.

I have read elsewhere through links to email them and schedule the non commercial driving test, NOT to do it the the DPS link. The problem is that I can't find an email address to do that.

Now I may be making a mountain out of a mole hill, as I will go up there a couple days early to scope out the driving test route and to practice, and I will go in on Mon (my test is on Tue) and physically talk to them and let them know what I need and want, although my buddy did tell me they issued him a class B CDL and the test wasn't bad. I'll just have to wait and see what they say the day before.

Plasticman · 12-20-2016, 12:49 PM

I too took the Class B Non-commercial CDL test while living in Texas. But when I tried to schedule a driver's test (also required), the wait was 8-10 weeks. Too long for me, as we were moving to Alabama. The state has cut way back on the number of locations that give the driving part of the test. Make sure they know up front you want the non-commercial license.

Rob