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jspfeffer's avatar
jspfeffer
Explorer
Aug 23, 2016

California help with non commercial class A

Hi All...

I hope I can gain some insight as to what or who might be the best resource to help me.

My wife and I are contemplating traveling full time in the next 4 yrs. In the meantime we would like to buy a trailer or motorhome.

My issue is this... I see that a non commercial A will allow me to drive both a 45 foot fifth or toy hauler as well as a class A 45' motorhome. From what I can tell the non commercial class b only allows me to drive the motorhome but not the fifth wheel. I would like to get the A to give me the most options.

I have a couple of issues too... First is the health cert.. for a class a it is a dl546 according to the dmv website, and for a class B it is the dl546A.. The a form is filled out by a dr. where the 546 is a self filled out doc? Any ideas why that is?
The questions about the are because I am 45 almost 46.. but I have had high BP since being a kid, about 1.5 yrs ago I had open heart surgery to fix several birth defects, including a new valve. At this point my bp is good.. but I am on BP meds.. Should I be worried about the medical?

Since I don't own either a trailer or a motorhome yet, how do I test in one? Can I just rent one? The other thing about getting the license is you have to drive it to the dmv and or to practice with someone that has a non comm class A.. I don't know anyone who has that.. So ?

How do I legally get a license and follow the rules for CA?



Any suggestions?
  • So much to cover ....... the self certified med is needed for the non com A and done every 2 yrs. The non com A is for 5vers trailers with a GVWR over 15K (rated not weighing). Com A is for towing trailers over 10K GVWR commercially. Endorsement and self certified med required for 5vers over 10K to 15K GVWR on a class C. A commercial A with current med cert by MD or LPN would allow towing everything over 10K GVWR. This is just an overview and you can read all about it in 12804.9 of the CA DMV code book.
  • Thanks for the advice about the medical... Any suggestions on how to be legal to get a license if you can't drive it on a permit without someone else? :)
  • If you are concerned that they will kick back your self signed 546, you can just go with the dl51 and use it for a non commercial A. You should call the commercial licensing unit in Sac. Even the local dmv doesn't know all the commercial license ins and outs and they will sometimes have to call the commercial unit right in front of you to find out what to do.
  • Are you sure about the medical cert for a Noncommercial Class A? I thought the Noncommercial didn't require the cert.

    Even if you do though, don't sweat the exam. I took the exam about a year and a half ago when I joined a vanpool at work. It was all very simple. I was surprised when I had to pee in a cup, but I don't have any illegal vices so there was nothing to worry about.

    I'm on BP meds and it wasn't an issue at all.