CDL Drivers Licenses Explained

Dieselgem wrote:
Great Post! Nonetheless the reason it continues to be discussed is because of non consistent interpretations. You simple example of Pennsylvania is not so simple.

I have a Pa Licenses, a truck and a large 5th wheel both registered in the state of Florida. The truck is registered and insured under, "Motorhome". I not only called but while conducting other business in Harrisburg investigated. I was told by a clerk that if it the truck was over 26,000 lbs since it was considered a motorhome it would require a class other than "C". She told me she was not sure and would check. A supervisor came out and said, Oh this is an RV it is exempt. I pointed out the sections as you noted. He said, you are reading it wrong. You only need a class "C". Go figure.

Thanks Diesel! But Your post just proves my point about how the DMV even gets it wrong!!! Actually my post about the PA law is that Simple, It's actually very very black and white. RV's are NOT exempt, heck they even used an RV in their example of a class A requirement
Look again:

CLASS A (minimum age 18): Required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, where the vehicle(s) being towed is/are in excess of 10,000 pounds. Example: Recreational Vehicle, when the towing vehicle is rated at 11,000 pounds and the vehicle towed is rated at 15,500 pounds (total combination weight of 26,500 pounds).


As you can see from my rig I NEED a class A license. I'm only going to speak for PA here and I will probably get an argument but if you are pulling a 5th wheel that grosses over 10k- it's a good bet you need a Class A NON-CDL license.

I have a background in the PA motor vehicle laws. I'm not trying to convince anyone to take my word for it, only to read their own state's laws and make a decision themselves. I had a buddy call the driver's testing station here in PA and ask to schedule a "Non-CDL" class A exam. They told him they didn't know how to administer such a test.