CDL Required to Drive Class A?

A CDL is not required for non-commercial operation of an RV regardless of the weight. Various states do require a different class of non-commercial drivers license or an endorsement for a standard license though for RV's over 26,000 in various combinations. Check with the Oklahoma DMV or equivalent for your state's requirements.

You don't need a CDL for an RV unless you're being paid to drive it. Your state may or may not require a non-commercial state license. Don't worry about any information that is not from YOUR STATE. What ever is required for an RV in a different state is not relevant to you.

Grey Mountain wrote:
I'm sure this has been covered; however, I searched the forums and came up with nothing.
I drive a 39' Class A pusher with air brakes. Data as follows:
GVWR (lbs) -- 31,000/Front GAWR 12,000/Rear 19,000
Base weight (lbs) 22,605/GCWR 41,000

TOAD weight is about 3400 lbs.

Some sources say I am good to go with my Oklahoma Class A license.
Others seem to say if the weight is 26,001 or greater, I need a Class C.

I am confused.

Clarification and informed comments welcome.

GM

When it comes to commercial (the C in CDL) GVWR of over 26,000 you need a class B. If pull a trailer with GVWR of 10,000 you need a class A. If I had a choice, would always hire A, because I could put him in any truck. If air brakes, need that endorsement.

Depends on the state. Search state by state IMO.

The Oklahoma Drivers Manual is certainly not clear. It only shows 4 types of license. Class A, B, and C commercial. And Class D non commercial. The class D says you can operate Cars, vans trucks under 26,001 lbs. (GVWR) recreational vehicles, fire trucks. That seems to say a class D will allow you to operate an RV without regard to weight.

Many states have class A, B, and C non commercial license requirements for heavier vehicles such as large RVs. But apparently not Oklahoma.

Best check with your local authorities rather than take advice from people here that are not Oklahoma residents.

License requirements for every state

Check this out. I didn't really get into it, but you may find that you need an air endorsement.

BB_TX wrote:
The Oklahoma Drivers Manual is certainly not clear. It only shows 4 types of license. Class A, B, and C commercial. And Class D non commercial. The class D says you can operate Cars, vans trucks under 26,001 lbs. (GVWR) recreational vehicles, fire trucks. That seems to say a class D will allow you to operate an RV without regard to weight.

You are right, the Oklahoma manual is quite vague, but on the other hand there is only 1 conclusion. A class D license is the only license (other than motorcycle endorsement) for driving a non-commercial vehicle. Therefor, you can deduce that as long as your motorhome isn't used for commerce, a class D license will suffice.

Class A, B and C are commercial licenses, which do not apply to a privately owned and operated motorhome.

I checked Oklahoma's requirements, and it just confused me. I have a text to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation asking for clarification.
If I need a commercial license or any type of idorsement, I've been driving illegally for 20 years. Only endorsement I have on my regular license is for motorcycles and horses.

GM

More than one person has moved from a basic Class A CDL to an air-brake vehicle, and not gotten an endorsement.

Mostly not an issue, until an accident and the insurance denies the claim because the person was driving illegally.

But that is a question for the state DOT, not us on this forum.

Some states require a CDL, some states require a Specialty License the rest only a regular DL. All states outside your home state honor your home state License regardless of the type, i.e. if your home state only requires a regular DL and you are driving in or through a state that requires a CDL you are good to drive in that state.

Matt from YouTube channel Matt's RV Reviews: Do you need a specialty License to drive an RV?


I saw something in the past week that indicated in Texas if you have a dually truck and and a 5th wheel trailer with gross vehicle weights of both truck and trailer added together totaled over 26000 pounds that you would need a class A license. It was stated that most people in Texas were not aware of the requirement and are towing illegally with that combination.

Texas Class A License requirement.

Texas info corrected. I found the video regarding Texas. It was for Class A and not A CDL.