California help with non commercial class A

momentum rv wrote:
I'll try to answer a few... did it about 1-1/2 years ago.

You WILL need the medical form. Can be downloaded from DMV. Not a big deal.

How to test w/o your own rig is a good question because they checked my registration to be sure it was my rig.

I drove to the test (and the 3 mos. during the whole process cuz I had no one else around to do it)

For 5th wheel it is weight not length. 15,000 lbs. or more you need Non-commercial class A.

About the testing. Apparently it varies by community. The written part was not tough, but you need to know the applicable rules.

The pre-drive inspection process is NOT to be taken lightly, my guy wanted A LOT of detail description of my inspection.

The parking, straight line driving and backing no big deal unless your rig is huge (mine is) and they had to make some concessions in the test because my rig would physically not fit in the space they wanted me to put it.

The road test not too bad if you know the rules of the road when turning long vehicle (lane intrusions etc.)

So, first thing schedule the test and then they will start the process. Unfortunately for me they took forever to make appointments so the entire process took about 3 mos. from start of scheduling tests to having DL.

Good luck!

momentum is the most accurate advice!!! I just went through this. This year.
1. You can not take the test without your rig set up.
2. Med cert just a fourm to fill out.
3. Make sure you go to a commercial DMV office, all other DMV have no clue wht you need.

Buy your rig and then you can do all of this you will be fine. I spoke with CHP about this and they told me that 85% of rv drivers are driving out of class on there license or over weight. If you are not driving like a smuck they dont want to deal with it.
Bottom line you need your rig first.