Cumminsdriver is correct. I had quite an experience trying to get a 5er endorsement. I had an appointment, I was ready to take the written endorsement test, and just in case, I had my medical questionnaire completed and filled in by me MD. When I arrived at DMV, they had no idea what I was applying for, even though I had all of the Vehicle Code Sections pertaining to what I needed to do copied for them. They finally gave me a class "C" and RV towing written test. They then did not know what to do, so I had to return. Finally got the new license with the endorsement for towing a 5er under 15,000 lbs. Went away happy (I thought).
About two months later, I get a letter telling me that they are going to take my license under 14601 VC because my medical questionnaire declared me disabled. I was told that I had to go to Sacramento DMV (80 mi. away) for a hearing. I refused and demanded a local hearning or phone interview. After arguing for several days, I finally got the phone interview. By now, I have lost any respect for DMV. The license I was applying for did not require a medical, but because the local DMV forwarded all of the paperwork to Sacto., they were treating me as a commercial applicant.
Lucky for me, the hearing officer was former LE and we spoke the same language. He immediately saw the problem and rescended the 14601 threat. As a favor, he made the medical paperwork disappear. Since then I have renewed my license, with the endorsement, several times without issue.
What CumminsDriver said about the non-commercial Class "A" license is correct. You do have to take both a driving test and a walk around inspection. You need to get your license issue corrected immediatly to avoid the "deep, deep and dark hole of DMV ineptatude."
