Changes in Texas Class A/B Exempt license procedures
For those of you contemplating going full-time (or already are) and establishing domicile in Texas, there have been some changes to the Class A/B Non-Commercial Exempt driver's license procedures. This applies only to those with rigs that exceed the weight criteria for a regular Class C driver's license (see link below):
TX Class A/B Exempt License Requirements
Previously, one had to go to a CDL (commercial driver's license) testing location to take the skills (driving) test. While "streamlining" (read: making things more complicated for the consumer) and bringing their requirements and processes into alignment with the Department of Transportation, Texas DPS has reduced the number of these CDL testing sites to 25 statewide - and it's a BIG state! The good news is, they have separated the exempt license skills testing from the CDL sites and there are now 114 sites that can/will do the skill test for the exempt licenses we RVers need (see link below):
TX Class A/B Skills Testing Sites
Now for the confusing part: one can take the written test on a walk-in basis, but the skills test must be scheduled on-line. The only problem is that, when you click on one of the locations to schedule a test, the only options are "Regular Car / Pickup Truck" or "Commercial Vehicle." (Some locations only offer the "Regular Car / Pickup Truck.") What is found nowhere on the DPS web site is the fact that you need to schedule a driving test for a "Regular Car / Pickup Truck." If you take the written test before scheduling the driving test, the driving test location will have paperwork for you when you walk in and will know that you are there for the Class A or Class B skills test (you will need to take this test in your rig).
This took me two months and an in-person visit to a Texas DPS driver's license office to discover - and then only because a very helpful lady told me! All phone numbers for local offices are now shunted to Austin and all emails go to Austin - where you will receive canned responses that don't answer your questions.
I hope someone finds this helpful. Let me know if I can answer any other questions.
PS - the material covered on the written exam is from Section 14, "Special Requirements," of the Texas CDL handbook which can be found on-line and downloaded.
Rob
TX Class A/B Exempt License Requirements
Previously, one had to go to a CDL (commercial driver's license) testing location to take the skills (driving) test. While "streamlining" (read: making things more complicated for the consumer) and bringing their requirements and processes into alignment with the Department of Transportation, Texas DPS has reduced the number of these CDL testing sites to 25 statewide - and it's a BIG state! The good news is, they have separated the exempt license skills testing from the CDL sites and there are now 114 sites that can/will do the skill test for the exempt licenses we RVers need (see link below):
TX Class A/B Skills Testing Sites
Now for the confusing part: one can take the written test on a walk-in basis, but the skills test must be scheduled on-line. The only problem is that, when you click on one of the locations to schedule a test, the only options are "Regular Car / Pickup Truck" or "Commercial Vehicle." (Some locations only offer the "Regular Car / Pickup Truck.") What is found nowhere on the DPS web site is the fact that you need to schedule a driving test for a "Regular Car / Pickup Truck." If you take the written test before scheduling the driving test, the driving test location will have paperwork for you when you walk in and will know that you are there for the Class A or Class B skills test (you will need to take this test in your rig).
This took me two months and an in-person visit to a Texas DPS driver's license office to discover - and then only because a very helpful lady told me! All phone numbers for local offices are now shunted to Austin and all emails go to Austin - where you will receive canned responses that don't answer your questions.
I hope someone finds this helpful. Let me know if I can answer any other questions.
PS - the material covered on the written exam is from Section 14, "Special Requirements," of the Texas CDL handbook which can be found on-line and downloaded.
Rob
