Special Drivers License

Uma, if the weight of a single vehicle exceeds 26,000 pounds or a combination of truck and tow exceeding 26,000 pounds, will need a class e or f drivers license.

SC Class Licenses

Each state has their own rules regarding driver license for Class A. 26000 lbs seems to be the cutoff for which license you need.

South Carolina info

Check the above clicky for info regarding South Carolina.

Most states as I understand do not require a special license unless the weight exceeds 26,000 pounds or if towing the combined length exceeds a specified length. Check with your local dmv.

It's 26k rated weight... Not actual weight. So if your rig or truck/trailer combo COULD weigh 26k or more gross, you typically need the license.

No big deal in some states to get it..

It's called "non-commercial Class-A"

In Florida you get a CLASS E endorsement which covers you for:
Any non-commercial vehicle with a GVWR under 26,001, or ANY RV.
As mentioned, each state is different. I did not have to undergo any test to get that Class E endorsement and when asked, there was no upper limit for the GVWR so if there is an RV with a 60,000 GVWR I'm good to go.
Just ask the DVM or go online to check the licensing requirements for your state.

I think we should. I'm a competent driver with over a million miles. In rvs I'm at 85 k. While on our first workcamper experience last winter I have come to think some people should not be running any kind of rig at anytime.
It's not age it's ability. There are folks in their 80s that I would ride coast to coast with. Some in their 30s I wouldn't get a ride to the store.
Keep it simple, a written test, and a test drive, more complex for dps ie airbrakes. 5vers pick a weight and adjust from there.
For this to work the standards must have recoprosity 1 license for all 50 a national license if you will.
Could be done as a discount on insurance.
Bottom line, there are people out there driving big rigs or big 5vers that shouldn't be
Sorry to offend

In Texas we were required to get a Class B license for a motorhome with gvwr greater than 26,001 lbs. We took a written (computer) exam and a driving test. With a couple of days to prepare the written was easy to pass. The driving test was trivial since it was in the coach we had already driven 8,000 miles in (w/NY license). It took some time as we had to schedule the driving test. DW got a bit shook about how to know where the oil and coolant level were. They are now neatly labeled in the engine room :) - States may differ in their requirements, but if there is a cutoff they seem to use the Federal cutoff of 26,001.

I know that in CA and most of the 50 states RV are exempt from special DL requirements.
Meaning I can drive 15 tons or 25 tons bus, but when registered as and RV, no CDL is required.
There is much more to it as 45' require special DL, some states might require air brakes endorsement, but that is specific question you might ask with DOT division in your state.
Per my experience DMV employees are just trainees on the law and have no obligation to know specific.

Illinois requires class "B" non CDL from 16,001 to 26,000, no big deal, written and driving in your own RV. Jim.

Ditto on the 26001 lb rating. I called DMV to double check and I had to get the B license with air brake endorsement. I took the computer test and then did the drive test the next day. If you are under the 26000 lb then you do not. Even though I am a old country boy who has driven a wide range of machinery I did learn a few things. It is not a bad idea whether you have to or not.