"A" drivers licence

3 dog nights wrote:
I've always "assumed" (I know) that a class A - B- or C refer to a CDL.
CDL = Commercial Drivers Licence. I'm not driving a commercial vehicle, for commercial purposes. It's a private vehicle for private use. No CDL required.
on the other hand, after seeing some of the people operate their motorhome / giant 5ver, I'm not sure I wouldn't be opposed to some type of special licensing requirements. Virginia enacted a law a couple years ago that require special training to get a boat licence.

You are right for Virginia but some of the other states have classes on non commercial drivers lisc. Every state is a little different. CDL's are based on Federal Law so they are the same state to state.

RedAce wrote:
Depends on what province you live in. A 'G' license in Ontario is good for a fifth wheel up to 11,000 Kg. Heavier than that and you need a 'A'

Oh so close, but not quite right :)

Gross Combined Weight of RV 5th wheel AND truck (original body required) must not exceed 11,000kg for a G license to be legal in Ontario.

I upgraded to a class A to be legally driving my truck and RV. Same written and driving tests as "real truckers" except driving your RV.

Also, I'll bet that there are a lot of Ontario drivers of RV buses who don't realize they need a Class D license if their Class A bus and toad weigh over 11,000kg!

The OP should post his weights!

I've always "assumed" (I know) that a class A - B- or C refer to a CDL.
CDL = Commercial Drivers Licence. I'm not driving a commercial vehicle, for commercial purposes. It's a private vehicle for private use. No CDL required.
on the other hand, after seeing some of the people operate their motorhome / giant 5ver, I'm not sure I wouldn't be opposed to some type of special licensing requirements. Virginia enacted a law a couple years ago that require special training to get a boat licence.

Red Ace is correct and as well your Class "G" license will is acceptable in any of the Provinces of Canada and States of the US. As long as you are legal in Ontario, you are legal elsewhere. Other rules like overall length and speed limits do apply in the jurisdiction that you are in.

KCFDCapt wrote:
California requires a Class A Commercial drivers license to tow a fifth wheel trailer over 10,000 gross. You can tow a fifth wheel with a gross of between 10,001 and15,000 with restriction 41. That restriction require passing a 20 question test. No medical is required and there is noted to upgrade your license. Go to you DMV office to take the test. No drive test is required. You can download the study booklet from the Internet.

Easy test, I got my endorcement / restriction a few months ago. Funny thing, many CHP have never heard of it!

Depends on what province you live in. A 'G' license in Ontario is good for a fifth wheel up to 11,000 Kg. Heavier than that and you need a 'A'

If you are licensed according to the laws of the state you reside in you are good to go in all fifty states. The same is true if you are a Canadian and that is were you reside.

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As stated, these only apply IF YOU LIVE IN THAT STATE! You only need what your state of residence requires.

ie, Calif does not require me to have a non CDL license to pull my big 5th wheel in their state.

KCFDCapt wrote:
California requires a Class A Commercial drivers license to tow a fifth wheel trailer over 10,000 gross. You can tow a fifth wheel with a gross of between 10,001 and15,000 with restriction 41. That restriction require passing a 20 question test. No medical is required and there is noted to upgrade your license. Go to you DMV office to take the test. No drive test is required. You can download the study booklet from the Internet.

"Mark K" didn't say where he is licensed - somehow this thread "took-off" on CA requirements..:?

Mark - If you are properly licensed (Driver's License) in your state (or province) for your trailer - you are legal in all of the USA..:C
Caveat = length limits (normally 65') apply. Check for state-by-state regs if you double tow.
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The info posted by "KCFDCapt" -above- for CA is *incorrect*!.:(
(or he has a "typo in his first sentence.)

Neither a Class A -nor- a Class A Non-Commercial Driver's License is required to tow a 5th wheel trailer over 10,000 gross.

A 5th wheel trailer less than 10K GVWR can be towed with a standard Class C license.

A 5th wheel trailer above 10K but not over 15K GVWR requires the addition of a "Restriction 41 Endorsement" to a Class C license to tow same. (20 question -easy- test, no medical or driving test required).

A 5th wheel trailer over 15K GVWR requires a NON-Commercial Class A Driver's License.
(Written, driving test & medical card required)

(Of course, a COMMERCIAL Class A Driver's License "CDL" is legal for all the above.)

Texas is another state which requires a NON-Commercial Class A license for 15K GVWR 5th wheels.


CA Recreational Trailer Endorsement - "Restriction 41"

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