I have operated many different variations of Recreational Vehicle combinations over the years and have always done what I could to make sure I was within regulations. Most of it is easily interpreted but some areas are clear as mud.
I have personally accompanied people to the CA DMV on five occasions for their non commercial class A driving test and only once did the DMV ask if they had a properly classed driver with them. I recommend having them with you just in case they do ask.
My research showed the only time one needed to be concerned with GCWR was if you were a farmer or farm employee. One does need to be concerned with GVWR and more importantly the GVWR of the trailer. Over 15,000 lbs. on the FW and you definitely need the non commercial class A.
I agree with the statement made about getting a class A and being done but unless your truck is registered as a motor truck or tractor truck and not a pickup truck I don't think the CA DMV will let you get anything higher than a non commercial license. I don't remember the exact weight to get reclassified but it is probably somewhere in the 12,500 lbs. range and the DMV fees will be noticeable higher and you may even need to put the CA numbers on the side of the truck.
