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lanerd's avatar
lanerd
Explorer II
Feb 14, 2014

Got my Class B Lic...finally!

Originally filed for my Class B non-commercial license on Dec 11 when I passed the practical driving test. I had previously taken the medical exam and written test back in October. Had problems getting an appointment for the driving test as the places I applied to take the test (our local was too small) had either closed (notified the day before the test of this fact) or was under construction (found this out by checking the place out prior to the scheduled date). Finally, Bakersfield seemed to be the best place to take the test. After the test, the instructor filled out the necessary paper work and told me it would be about two weeks before I would receive my license.

On Feb 11th (2 months later), went down to the local DMV to inquire why I hadn't received my license as the temp license was about to expire. I had called Sacrament twice, but both times I got a recording saying they would call me back...yeah that happened.

Come to find out the agent at Bakersfield had checked the box for "fire fighter" instead of 40+ Motor Car. Now with me being 70 years old, DMV was a bit confused and in the process not only didn't issue me my license, they filed the paper work in some circular file and forgot about it without saying one word to me. :M

The local DMV agent refiled for me and lo a behold I received my license today!:C

All this just because my coach is 2 feet over the limit!

Don't ya just love the DMV? :R

Ron
Seeking Advice

18 Replies

  • lanerd's avatar
    lanerd
    Explorer II
    Feb 17, 2014
    Great... just be aware that the DMV agent "HAS" to physically see the tag...not a picture....so make sure you know exactly where it is before hand.

    As for the sales tax, again get copies of all paperwork, especially those that concern the sales tax. FWI, I think it's better to owe sales tax when you get back to CA than to try and get a refund.

    Good luck

    Ron
  • exgman's avatar
    exgman
    Explorer
    Feb 17, 2014
    Ron, thanks for the tips. When this thread first started I had the salesman go to the coach and take a pic of the emissons tag. He also sent me the emissions statement that shows that the engine is 50 state compliant. My biggest worry is, Florida collects 6% of the Ca sales tax for Ca. I will owe 8.25. I can see things going wrong if this paperwork gets messed up. I will pay close attention to this part of the transaction.
  • bukhrn's avatar
    bukhrn
    Nomad
    Feb 16, 2014
    beemerphile1 wrote:
    I didn't say stringent licensing was better or worse. I said "I wonder if the roads are safer due to the more stringent licensing?"

    Got any statistics or just opinions? Are Ohio RV drivers in more accidents than non-com class B licensees? More fatalities?

    How many states require a specific license for larger RVs? I doubt it is a large number.
    Not here.
  • lanerd's avatar
    lanerd
    Explorer II
    Feb 16, 2014
    exgman wrote:
    Congrats on passing the walkaround the first time! I used to be the operations manager of a trucking business that required Class A and B CDL. I can't remember any of my new drivers ever passing the walkaround on the first try. I'm about to go from a 40' to a 45' and am glad I kept my B CDL. I'm picking up the new motorhome in Tucson and coming back to Cali. I subscribed to this thread so I can keep all the tips you've given on getting it registered without too much hassle.


    Normally (and I say that with tongue in cheek) the dealer will send to Sacramento all necessary paperwork for the registration. However, if you're smart (I definitely wasn't) get the dealer to make you a copy of "everything" he sends to the DMV...especially the "Certificate or Origin". Then make sure during the PDI that the person show you personally the emission sticker on the engine so that you can show it to the dmv during inspection.

    Then there's the matter of sales tax. Our last coach was purchased in AZ and they (the dealer) talked us into paying AZ sales tax (which was a percentage point higher than CA) and that when we registered it, CA dmv would reimburse us the difference.....never happened! If you can, get them to deliver it (mh) to you across the state line...then you won't have to pay the AZ tax and can pay the CA tax when you register it (or the dealer might be able to charge your CA sales tax in AZ if he delivers to CA) and you can add it to your finance (if any) charge. Research that!

    As for the registration fees, make sure that it is delineated on the sales receipt and that you know exactly what and where it is so that you can show the CA dmv. Some states call if a different name and if the bone heads at the CA dmv aren't very sharp, they will charge you again.

    Good luck...you'll need it.

    Ron
  • beemerphile1's avatar
    beemerphile1
    Explorer
    Feb 16, 2014
    I didn't say stringent licensing was better or worse. I said "I wonder if the roads are safer due to the more stringent licensing?"

    Got any statistics or just opinions? Are Ohio RV drivers in more accidents than non-com class B licensees? More fatalities?

    How many states require a specific license for larger RVs? I doubt it is a large number.
  • exgman's avatar
    exgman
    Explorer
    Feb 16, 2014
    Congrats on passing the walkaround the first time! I used to be the operations manager of a trucking business that required Class A and B CDL. I can't remember any of my new drivers ever passing the walkaround on the first try. I'm about to go from a 40' to a 45' and am glad I kept my B CDL. I'm picking up the new motorhome in Tucson and coming back to Cali. I subscribed to this thread so I can keep all the tips you've given on getting it registered without too much hassle.
  • falconman's avatar
    falconman
    Explorer
    Feb 16, 2014
    Yeah, two feet shorter and you don't have to go through all that. Another Calif rule that makes no sense.
  • Jarlaxle's avatar
    Jarlaxle
    Explorer II
    Feb 16, 2014
    pigman1 wrote:
    Wow, you had to pass a physical for a NON-commercial license? Do you have to keep it current to keep the license? I had to do the physical thing for my CDL, but since I have not been driving commercial for about 16 years, I haven't needed the physical, even though the CDL allows me to drive non-commercially up to the limits of the CDL.


    I think thats changing...you DO now need a medical card of your CDL will be pulled!
  • lanerd's avatar
    lanerd
    Explorer II
    Feb 15, 2014
    pigman1 wrote:
    Wow, you had to pass a physical for a NON-commercial license? Do you have to keep it current to keep the license? I had to do the physical thing for my CDL, but since I have not been driving commercial for about 16 years, I haven't needed the physical, even though the CDL allows me to drive non-commercially up to the limits of the CDL.


    Yep, a physical is required every other year and you have to have a "certificate" with you at all times while driving. Basically, the non-commercial license has all the same requirements of a commercial...except no air brake training.

    Posted By: exgman on 02/15/14 03:12pm

    Ron, how was the walkaround? Or do you not have to do that for a non commercial DL?


    Actually the walk around was probably the toughest part. The inspector gave me a few slight hints, but still he was so picky and wanting me to check everything imaginable. I had made a list and studied it quite a bit and was forewarned that they were this strict. Still, I got a couple of marks off anyway.

    Ron
  • exgman's avatar
    exgman
    Explorer
    Feb 15, 2014
    Ron, how was the walkaround? Or do you not have to do that for a non commercial DL?

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