What is the weight of your trailer? Is it over 10,000 lbs.? If so, you need a Class A not a Class B license. Tests are the same.

Here's a quick flow chart for anyone wanting to know which class of license they need in Texas:

Is the Vehicle a Motorhome or Truck?

Motorhome
…… Is the GVWR > 26,000#?
………….Yes, do you pull a car/trailer >10,000#?
……………...Yes , Class A
………………No , Class B
………….No, do you pull a car/trailer >10,000#?
………………Yes, Class A
………………No, Class C

Truck/Trailer Combo
…..Is the GCWR > 26,000#
…………Yes, Is the trailer > 10,000#?
………………Yes, Class A
………………No, Class C


Barb

What ever state it is, them's the rules. When our time comes, if we have to have a class A of B or C license to operate then that's what we'll get.  Gotta take a different test than the standard rules of the road? Just show us  the book we have to study.  No big deal, just sayin'. Like Jo & Craig say... you can do it!

 

The NON-CDL Class “A” or “B” license is a common requirement in many states now.  Barb’s comments very pertinent.   

In GENERAL, you need a Class “A” NON-CDL for trailers when the combined weight of the rig (the truck plus the trailer) exceed 26,000 lbs.  A Class “B” is required for a single vehicle (i.e. a Motorhome) if the rig weighs over 26,000 lbs.

Don't forget about the air-brake endorsement if you have air-brakes on the motorhome or HDT.  That's a separate section on some of the tests and you have to make sure you take that section of the written if required.

Some states require a Class “A” if the TRAILER weights over 10,000 lbs.

A Class "A" is good for Class "B" driving. But a "B" is not good for Class "A" operations.  Good reason, the Class "B" test has nothing about towing a trailer on it.

None of these weights are the rating of the vehicles.  They are what the vehicles weigh on a scale and have nothing to do with registrations or declared weight.

There have been a lot of discussions about this on this forum in the past and in general these are the facts. The requirements are determined by your state of residence.  Not the state you are driving in.  If you don't need a Class "A" in your state of residence then you are good in all 50 states.

In my state, for example, pulling my rig with a Class “C” (i.e. a “car” driver’s license) is the same as driving without a license and it is the same for many states.

Most DMV Driver’s License offices are clueless about this as pertains to RVs and I actually had to walk the examiner through the law until she said, “yep, your right.  Go take the CDL written test and I’ll give you the driving test.”

Again, the part where you read in many handbooks that RVs are CDL exempt is for the CDL, as in Commercial License, part.  Not the CLASS of license, as in “A” or “B”, part.

Check your state of residency and don’t believe anything an RV salesman tells you about the laws.

On edit: The following link may be helpful but check out your state specifically.  I did find some errors here in the past.

 http://changingears.com/rv-sec-state-rv-license.shtml

-- Edited by Bill and Linda on Saturday 22nd of November 2014 09:12:03 AM

I think I figured it out.. why TX ( and others ) what higher endorsement..

With the higher level drivers licenses come a new stricter laws for those license holders.. lane shift tickets, speeding tickets, etc.. hold higher penalties for higher level license holders..

You are held to high standards? I guess? Therefore higher penalties for convictions or infractions? .

Personally.. I'm glad I don't need it.
After reading a bit.. I think I'm changing my registration back to normal.. just in case..

Barbaraok wrote:

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It isn't just a book test, you also have to do a driving test. In some places in Texas the examiners require you to parallel park, in others they don't. Depends upon where you take your license. Livingston (and Tyler) don't require the parallel parking, just backing up in a straight line.

Bill and Linda,

The weights are the rating weights, not the scale weights. It is based upon the MOST weight that your vehicle COULD be, not what it is. Written test for Class A and Class B is the same. Difference is usually the driving test with a trailer on behind. HOWEVER, if your hitch on a MH will allow you to pull a trailer > 10K, then Class A is what you should get. Still the same driving test for a MH.

Barb

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Barb, I left out the detail of 10K behind a motorhome just to keep it less complicated as few tow 10K behind a MH. But yes, that is correct a MH with a 10K+ toad requires a Class “A”.  And yes, it is a driving test as well, not the old "Chauffer's" license written I used to have. 

At least in my state, if you are over 26,000lbs scale weight, for example, you need a Class “A” (non-CDL) regardless of what the weight GVWR sticker or registration says.  If you are over the registration weight, that is another fine and another subject.  And how much you have to register weight wise is different in different states and I can site examples. For example: NC only cares about the weight on the truck for registration – not the weight of trailer. I.e. you don’t have to count the weight of an RV trailer on the RV axles, but you do have to count the RV pin weight on the truck.  If it is a boat – not an RV you - have to register the truck for the full weight of the boat trailer. I say all this to say “It depend” on the state.)

But the DOT, in many states, is concerned with what the rig weighs, not what the vehicle is placarded for as far as what driver’s license is required.

Perhaps Texas is different and that could well be.  But the overall point is, a lot of RV drivers are diving without a proper (legal) license and that is my point and if you are stopped, or worse have an accident, it could be a major issue.  I know SC and CA are getting to be sticklers about this – the Class “A” / “B” thing.  Check your state – they are not all the same.

yea, it's not scale weight.. it's maximum tow capacity.

Glenn West wrote:

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Well, then all new generation duallys drivers need it. All are rated over 26000#.

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 For a truck + trailer combo,  only if the trailer is rated at > 10,000#.   If so, then in Texas the answer is yes a Class A is needed.   

 

Barb

 

I have never seen scales on a private camper. Can't say it has never happened but I have never witnessed it. Several on commercial though.

Bill,

Here is the NC requirements for different licenses:

Class A: Required to operate a combination of vehicles that is exempt from CDL requirements when the towed unit has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more.
Class B: Required to operate any single vehicle that is exempt from CDL requirements with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, and any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
Class C: Required to operate any noncommercial single vehicle with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds; and a vehicle towing a vehicle which has a combined GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds operated by a driver 18 years old or older. Most drivers need only a Regular Class C license to operate personal automobiles and small trucks.

Note it says WEIGHT RATING. The weight rating is what your manufacturer lists as the maximum weight you can safely operate your vehicle at on the road.

Now if people are routinely running overweight, they've got more problems that just a DL.

Barb

South Dakota requires you to pull off for the scales, but in most cases gives you a green light to just drive through.

Alot of issues and potential hefty fines or worse..
So we have..

1. Drivers license class

2. Being over weight by manufacture ratings.

3. Not being registered for the total weight you are, and being overweight..


I bet they break out the scales , and check your licenses , in depth.. If there was a fatality accident you where involved in.. maybe any accident with serious injury.. especially if you rear ended someone.
Very well could be criminal.

I would think also, That if you are running illegal... Your insurance company may not cover damages, or defend you.

Just some things to consider..and wonder about.

Next week I weigh my rig with my scale, time to stop being lazy and get it done..