Driver’s license for DPs

wa8yxm wrote:
Laws vary from state to state. Some states reaquire special endorsements for any vechicle that has air brakes.. Or any vehicle that's over xxxxx pounds or so many feet long or or or or or or

Some don't.

However one thing that is common to all states.. If your license allows you to drive it in your home state... You are good in whatever state. And a good part of Canada as well (not sure about all of Canada)

So you are going to have to research your state.

That is sound advice, reciprocity covers your drivers license, but not endorsements or other required permission.

In numerous jurisdictions (including here in Ontario) the equipment regulations require that an air brake system be inspected (visual and function) on every day the vehicle is in motion by a ‘certified technician’, the air brake endorsement is that certification.

While it’s rarely enforced, usually only in spot checks or following an incident, it’s a potentially expensive lesson if you don’t have it.

Another misunderstood point with ‘equipment regulations’ that comes up with DP’s is overall length. If you pull a trailer and live in a State where 65’ is the legal maximum, say in Florida, you might have a problem when you cross into Georgia where it’s only 60’ maximum.

rdhetrick wrote:


Actually, NC doesn't require a CDL for private use of a motorhome, they require the regular license for the appropriate CLASS of vehicle, which for most DP's is a CLASS B. So what you have is a Non-commercial Class B license.

What people don't seem to grasp is that the CLASS of a license has nothing to do with it being commercial or not - it is simply a designation for the type of vehicle you are allowed to operate.

A "CDL" just means it's a Commercial Driver's License. It also needs a CLASS qualification. The most common is the Commercial Class A, and this is what people think of when they hear "CDL", but I know people that have a Commercial Class B license. They can drive a vehicle over 26,000 lbs but the trailer is limited to 10,000 lbs.

Many states, but not all, are the same way.

I doubt there are many RV'rs that actually have a Commercial license, except those that drive for a living...

Excellent post regarding CDL information. I do have a CDL since I used to drive truck.

LouLawrence wrote:
FL requires nothing! TX requires a Class B certification for all RV's over 26,000#. ………..

Unless you are towing something with a GVWR over 10,000 lbs, then Texas requires a class A non CDL license. That would be the case of most all trucks towing large 5th wheels and motor homes towing larger utility trailers or even a larger pickup. A MH towing something under 10,000 lbs GVWR can get by with a class B license.

And that is “weight rating”, not actual weight.

FL requires nothing! TX requires a Class B certification for all RV's over 26,000#. Training book is something like the last 10 pages of the CDL training manual. It's really stupid and worthless information. This is followed by a driving test at the local DMV.
Other State's requirement WILL vary.

kohana wrote:
I saw that but the only info I’ve found involved 2-4weeks of school. I’m thinking you guys aren’t doing that so what am I missing. Tax is a good example.

Well you need to check with your state DMV about licensing requirements. We live in Oregon and there is no special requirements.

ArchHoagland wrote:
What state do you live in?

Yup, without that information, you will get quite a lot of good advice that applies to OTHER states, but may not apply to where you are licensed.

Laws vary from state to state. Some states reaquire special endorsements for any vechicle that has air brakes.. Or any vehicle that's over xxxxx pounds or so many feet long or or or or or or

Some don't.

However one thing that is common to all states.. If your license allows you to drive it in your home state... You are good in whatever state. And a good part of Canada as well (not sure about all of Canada)

So you are going to have to research your state.

Campinghoss@51 wrote:
In NC anything over 26001 lbs required a B CDL. All I did was download the handbook for CDL and studied it one night. Then took the written test. I also had to drive my dp with the examiner with me. Piece of cake.
Since switching back to a fiver I plan to keep the B license now that I have it.

Actually, NC doesn't require a CDL for private use of a motorhome, they require the regular license for the appropriate CLASS of vehicle, which for most DP's is a CLASS B. So what you have is a Non-commercial Class B license.

What people don't seem to grasp is that the CLASS of a license has nothing to do with it being commercial or not - it is simply a designation for the type of vehicle you are allowed to operate.

A "CDL" just means it's a Commercial Driver's License. It also needs a CLASS qualification. The most common is the Commercial Class A, and this is what people think of when they hear "CDL", but I know people that have a Commercial Class B license. They can drive a vehicle over 26,000 lbs but the trailer is limited to 10,000 lbs.

Many states, but not all, are the same way.

I doubt there are many RV'rs that actually have a Commercial license, except those that drive for a living...

I live in Mo. Last November, when time to re-new, I asked about driving a MH if did not keep CDL. Now I have just normal state DL

In NC anything over 26001 lbs required a B CDL. All I did was download the handbook for CDL and studied it one night. Then took the written test. I also had to drive my dp with the examiner with me. Piece of cake.
Since switching back to a fiver I plan to keep the B license now that I have it.