PA non-commercial Class A license?

Gary O wrote:
When I went to get permit I told them what I wanted ,paid fee and received permit,no written test.My wife got her permit a couple months later and she didn't take any written test.Before I took road test the tester did ask me a lot of questions.Make sure you really study those 3 sections in manual.I just read the thread on Jayco Owners Forum and a lot of really good info on it.

Awesome, extremely helpful Gary. REALLY appreciate it, saved me a lot of hassles. I've already spent a lot of wasted time on the phone with the DMV and CDL centers, no one knows anything about this, which is kind of scary considering how many people are rolling around overweight and illegal!

When I went to get permit I told them what I wanted ,paid fee and received permit,no written test.My wife got her permit a couple months later and she didn't take any written test.Before I took road test the tester did ask me a lot of questions.Make sure you really study those 3 sections in manual.I just read the thread on Jayco Owners Forum and a lot of really good info on it.

ToddD wrote:

It is like driving around with NO license. The trooper can impound your vehicle on the spot. If you had an accident, you can be criminally charged and civilly sued.

And to clarify, this can happen nationwide, not just in your home state.

Your home state laws carry over to whatever other states you travel into.

Whiskey River wrote:
Todd: Just wondering why or what you are pulling or driving to need the license. I think you get 26,000 pounds on your regular license. And the "Oh officer I did not know I was at 27,300 pounds" excuse. I do know you need that type of license if you have something like a diesel pusher and I think one of the reasons is the air brakes that are on those heavy rigs... I guess if you are pulling the 5er with a tractor as in tractor trailer tow vehicle you would need the license..

First, with a 1 ton pickup and a typical 40'+ fifth wheel it is EASY to get over 26,001 lbs.

It's not ACTUAL weight they monitor, it is GCWR based on the stickers that are on the truck and trailer.

I am using a GMC 3500 diesel dually with a GVWR of 11,400 and a Jayco 377RLBH with a GVWR of 16,750. My GCWR is 28,150lbs.

Second, there are no second chances if you get pulled over or, worse, have an accident if you are not carrying a Class A endorsement on your PA (and other state) Drivers License, whether CDL or non.

It is like driving around with NO license. The trooper can impound your vehicle on the spot. If you had an accident, you can be criminally charged and civilly sued.

There seems to be a huge ignorance issue on this topic nationwide by recreational vehicle owners, partly due to the lack of education by RV dealers since they just want to move product. They are knowingly pushing illegal rigs onto the road.

But, in this country, we are all adults and should do our own due diligence.

Start here:

State by State breakdown of Class A and B laws

Gary O wrote:
To schedule a road test go to PA DMV,than drivers service,on right it will say schedule a drivers road test.For combination weight sticker take your truck and trailer owners card with you, I went to Tri Valley Tag Service.My truck license went from $303 to $757 per year!

Ok, let's see if I have all this correct:

1. Study sections 2,6,and 10 of the CDL manual.

2. Walk into a local DMV Driver Licensing Renewal Center and ask for a Class A Non-Commercial Drivers License permit.

3. At that time, take a permit written test.

4. If I pass the test, I am issued a permit that gives me a driver license number that I can use to schedule a driving test online at this link:

http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/exam_scheduling/eslogin.jsp?navigation=true

5. I update my TV registration at a local tag agency to reflect the new GCVW with my trailer and receive the proper windshield sticker.

6. I purchase a fire extinguisher and road triangles to keep in my truck.

7. On the scheduled date, I take a person with either a non-commercial Class A license or a Class A CDL license with me in my rig to take a driver test at the appointed Examination Center.


Thanks for your patience, as it sounds like if I miss any single thing, a lot of time and money could be wasted.

Todd: Just wondering why or what you are pulling or driving to need the license. I think you get 26,000 pounds on your regular license. And the "Oh officer I did not know I was at 27,300 pounds" excuse. I do know you need that type of license if you have something like a diesel pusher and I think one of the reasons is the air brakes that are on those heavy rigs... I guess if you are pulling the 5er with a tractor as in tractor trailer tow vehicle you would need the license..

Ouch!

To schedule a road test go to PA DMV,than drivers service,on right it will say schedule a drivers road test.For combination weight sticker take your truck and trailer owners card with you, I went to Tri Valley Tag Service.My truck license went from $303 to $757 per year!

ToddD wrote:

sayoung wrote:
Over on Jayco Owners forum there is a thread currently on the Pa A non cdl

Can you link me? All I found was one on TX Class A in the general forum.

Go to pg 2 of general chat & the Pa thread is there. I haven't a clue how to link, sorry

Gary O wrote:
I went to testing center and got permit.Studied sections in cdl manual then scheduled driving test.You need to have a cdl class a or non commercial class a with you when taking test.Test consisted of a pre trip inspection of truck and 5th wheel camper[as in cdl manual] also needed fire extinguisher and emergency triangle kit.Then went on a road test for at least 45 minutes,pay attention to all road signs,you will be asked what they were.Make sure your truck has proper weight sticker on it for what trailer you're towing [combination weight] Mine went from class 5 to class 10. $$$ .If you have any more questions let me know.

Ok, if you don't mind, more questions:

In person I go to my nearest testing center and ask for a non-CDL Class A permit and pay $5?

How do I schedule the test, online somewhere?

Where do I get the proper weight sticker, at a tag agency? I assume annual registration fee is what increased in price, when you write $$$?

Thanks.