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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

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  • pigman1's avatar
    pigman1
    Explorer
    Feb 15, 2014
    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.
  • Desertboy's avatar
    Desertboy
    Explorer
    Feb 15, 2014
    Amen to that Ron. Especially when it comes to air brakes. Its a real eye opener taking a class like that. It also lowered my Insurance premiums dramatically when I got my Class A combination with air brakes. For my freightliner I pay $400.00 a year :) Through progressive, That was a added bonus. They are changing the laws and it will be necessary to have the proper license for your auto in every state soon.
  • lanerd's avatar
    lanerd
    Explorer II
    Feb 15, 2014
    Desertboy wrote:
    Did you have to drive the Motorhome downtown Bakersfield? If so I bet that was fun, lol.


    Well, not exactly "downtown", but we did a lot of surface streets that weren't really designed for a 43 ft motorhome. One right turn was at least 120 degrees. Yep, it was fun.

    Posted By: ScottG on 02/15/14 08:34am

    Nice, your probably one of the few legal ones out there!
    So did the driving test consist of anything special?

    Scott


    No, not really. Had to do a backup procedure like I was backing into an rv park rv site from 90 degrees. The "site" was marked off with the orange traffic cones and wouldn't you just know it, as I was backing up, the sun was directly in my face....the result was one dead and very squashed cone! Oh well, got the mh in the correct place on the second try.

    The rest of the test just consisted of normal driving on surface streets and freeway.

    Posted By: beemerphile1 on 02/15/14 08:52am

    I'm glad I don't have to deal with left coast bureaucracy!

    I wonder if the roads are safer due to the more stringent licensing? Here in Ohio you can drive any RV/noncommercial vehicle on a regular car driver's license.


    Yeah, well at least we don't have to deal with the midwest or east coast weather. :W As for the stringent licensing... is that a bad thing? Personally, I've always felt that it is a mistake allowing anyone who has never driven a large vehicle (like a motor home) out on the streets just because they have a regular license. I've seen some really bonehead moves by some inexperienced rv drivers even those pulling trailers.

    Ron
  • beemerphile1's avatar
    beemerphile1
    Explorer
    Feb 15, 2014
    I'm glad I don't have to deal with left coast bureaucracy!

    I wonder if the roads are safer due to the more stringent licensing? Here in Ohio you can drive any RV/noncommercial vehicle on a regular car driver's license.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Feb 15, 2014
    Nice, your probably one of the few legal ones out there!
    So did the driving test consist of anything special?

    Scott
  • coolbreeze01's avatar
    coolbreeze01
    Explorer
    Feb 15, 2014
    Congrats on getting your license. Surprised the atc mod got this in the wrong forum....
  • Desertboy's avatar
    Desertboy
    Explorer
    Feb 14, 2014
    Did you have to drive the Motorhome downtown Bakersfield? If so I bet that was fun, lol.

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