Five years ago I received a Class A non commercial license in California. I had an RV endorsement on my Class B so was grandfathered in when my license was issued. I hit the magic age when a driver is required to take the written tests for renewal. I took all six of the tests including the combination vehicle test which allows a driver to pull a fifth wheel over 15,000 lbs but less than 18,000 lbs. Long story short, when my new license came it is a Class B commercial with the restriction 41. That means I can tow a fifth wheel that weighs more than 10,000 lbs. but less than 15,000 lbs. DMV tells me since I had not taken a driving test with the 18,000 lb. fifth wheel, I will have to drive to qualify for the license. I had the 18,000 lb. fifth wheel for three years.
Now to answer your question. The DMV rep in Sacramento told me the only way I could be legal is to have someone with a Class A drive the truck with the fifth wheel trailer to the approved test sight. The only other way is to go to a driving school and get a regular Class A. I was told the examiner at DMV will ask for the person who drove the vehicle to the test sight. Stay legal, phone a friend to drive your rig. Pass the test and enjoy your status - Non commercial Class A.
