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RussOnTheRoad's avatar
RussOnTheRoad
Explorer
Jul 11, 2017

Need Help Getting Class A Non-Commercial License

Class A Driver License License Pickel

I find myself in a rather unenviable position. I live in the SF Bay Area. I just ordered a 5th wheel from a dealer in Portland, OR where I will go to pick it up. Towing that fiver in CA requires a Class A non-commercial license because it has a GVWR over 15,000#. Getting the Class A license requires not only a written test but a driving test towing a fiver with a GVWR over 15,000#.

It's like a Catch 22: I need a fiver with a GVWR over 15,000# in order to take the road test but I need a license in order to tow one to the road test.

Really what is needed is for me to get a Class A learner's permit which I am working on. Once I have that I need somebody with a Class A license that has a truck and a fiver with a GVWR of over 15K lbs. who will teach me to tow it and go with me to the road test. Then I can go to Portland to get my 5th wheel. (I drove a 30' Class C, full-timing in it for 18 months and I have an F350 dually, so driving big things isn't completely foreign to me.)

It seems I either have to find some kind soul near me who will help me master the skills needed to pass the road test and allow me to take the driving test with his/her truck and 15K+ lb fifth wheel or take the risk of towing my RV unlawfully. I asked the mfr. to derate the fiver from 15,700# to 14,999# in order to fall under the 15,000# threshold that requires the class A license but they wouldn't do it. I am looking for trucking and RV driving schools that might be able to help out.

I am certainly open to suggestions, but meanwhile, is there anybody in the SF Bay area willing to take pity on a fellow RVer and both teach me to tow with his/her setup and accompany me to the driving test?

Thanks.

37 Replies

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  • Second_Chance's avatar
    Second_Chance
    Explorer II
    Jul 11, 2017
    How strict LE is with enforcement of the Class A license on the way to take the test varies from state to state. I've seen some postings that claimed California can come down pretty hard - but I don't have any personal experience with that state (Texas is much more relaxed on getting your rig to the testing site). California's requirements on which tow vehicle/towable combinations require which class of license are also different from many other states (other states often align with the Federal DOT guidelines for a tow vehicle-trailer combination with a combined GVWR over 26,000 lbs. AND a trailer over 10,000 lbs. GVWR).

    What I can tell you is that there are numerous RV driving schools around the country. These are usually retired or former commercial tractor-trailer drivers who maintain their Class A CDL and give lessons in your rig. You might do a search and see if there are any in your area. They could probably also advise you on getting your rig home, etc.

    Rob
  • laknox's avatar
    laknox
    Nomad
    Jul 11, 2017
    There was at least one thread about this same thing in the last year, or two. Most people simply towed their rig home and dealt with the license later. Even DMV is aware of the problem and just winks at it when you come in for your test, from what I've read here. Alternative is to call a commercial driving school and see if they could work something out for you. A-1 Truck Driving School in Hayward has a solid 5-star rating on a quick Google search.

    Lyle
  • RussOnTheRoad's avatar
    RussOnTheRoad
    Explorer
    Jul 11, 2017
    K Charles wrote:
    With a learners permit someone with an "A" license could ride in your truck with your 5th wheel.


    Yes, that's true. That still leaves me in the position of finding somebody who is willing to travel with me from Portland to CA riding shotgun and then having somebody go with me to the driving test. Plus, we wanted to travel some after picking up our 5th wheel before coming home and wouldn't be able to do that. It would be much better if I had a license before heading to Portland.
  • RussOnTheRoad's avatar
    RussOnTheRoad
    Explorer
    Jul 11, 2017
    MarkTwain wrote:
    Russontheroad- class A license

    While I understand that may be the law to have a Class A non-comerical lic., in your situation my suggestion is not to sweat it and just drive up to Oregon and pick up your 5th. wheel, bring it home and deal with getting your class A lic. when you get back to the Bay area. As long as you are very careful, watchfull and keep your speed to the posted speed. I have my Valentine Radar Dector on any time I am driving. This dector will send you a signal any time there is a CHP/Bear within 1/2 mile of you, especially if you are going to be driving at night. The possibility of you getting pulled over and asked to show your Class A Lic. is about the same as winning the lottery jack pot. Just watch your speed and obey all traffic laws. Remember your speed limit is the same as big 18 wheeler trucks so be cautious about passing too many trucks in a row. Most of us RVers drive in the 60 to 65 MPH speed. In 20 years of driving 5th wheels I have never been pulled over and had to show my Dr. Lic. Too be safe I would drive 55 to 57 MPH all the home. Enjoy your new RV.


    I would really prefer not to drive without the proper license. It may not be likely, but things could go horribly wrong and ruin somebody financially. If you aren't properly licensed there's a chance, however small or large it may be, your insurance won't cover you.

    Separately, true or not, I've heard that if you are pulled over you may not be allowed to drive further without the proper license. What would I do then?

    I have also heard that CA CHP keep a lookout for new vehicles entering from Oregon because people have been known to shop for autos and RVs there in an attempt to evade CA tax (note that I said evade as opposed to avoid--the former being unlawful). In other words, there may be an increased likelihood of being pulled over coming into CA from OR.
  • MarkTwain's avatar
    MarkTwain
    Explorer
    Jul 11, 2017
    Russontheroad- class A license

    While I understand that may be the law to have a Class A non-comerical lic., in your situation my suggestion is not to sweat it and just drive up to Oregon and pick up your 5th. wheel, bring it home and deal with getting your class A lic. when you get back to the Bay area. As long as you are very careful, watchfull and keep your speed to the posted speed. I have my Valentine Radar Dector on any time I am driving. This dector will send you a signal any time there is a CHP/Bear within 1/2 mile of you, especially if you are going to be driving at night. The possibility of you getting pulled over and asked to show your Class A Lic. is about the same as winning the lottery jack pot. Just watch your speed and obey all traffic laws. Remember your speed limit is the same as big 18 wheeler trucks so be cautious about passing too many trucks in a row. Most of us RVers drive in the 60 to 65 MPH speed. In 20 years of driving 5th wheels I have never been pulled over and had to show my Dr. Lic. Too be safe I would drive 55 to 57 MPH all the home. Enjoy your new RV.
  • K_Charles's avatar
    K_Charles
    Explorer
    Jul 11, 2017
    With a learners permit someone with an "A" license could ride in your truck with your 5th wheel.

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