Jalopnik.com editorial on RV Licencing

I actually agree with the editorial if, and that is a big if, all drivers were required to pass many proficiency tests like in Germany. Drivers licenses today are merely government issued identification cards. The exception is CDL drivers.

Many states already have special operators license requirements for large RVs and many of the people driving them do not have the correct operators license. Ignorance of the law is not a defense.

For example here are the requirements in Illinois, many other states have similar categories.

Driver's License Classifications
Illinois driver's licenses are classified by the GVWR of a vehicle (and any towed
vehicles):

Class A — Any combination of motor vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more, providing the GVWR of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds. Also allows for operation of Class B, C and D vehicles.

Class B — Any single motor vehicle with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or any
such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds. Also allows for operation of Class C and D vehicles.

Class C — Any motor vehicle with a GVWR of more than 16,000 pounds, but less than 26,001 pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds. Also allows for operation of Class D vehicles.

Class D — Any motor vehicle with a GVWR of 16,000 pounds or less. Does not include A. B, C, L or M vehicles.

I expect many motor homes would need at least Class C (class D is a normal operators license). If you are towing a trailer over 10k you jump into the Class A category.

Personally I carry an Illinois Class A that states "all Single and Combination Vehicles except Cycles"

You can check out your own state laws here

By the logic in a couple of these post there isn't a need for Semi drivers to get CDL either!!!

I don't like government regulations any more than the next guy, BUT being able to drive a 26,000# vehicle combination on the same license that is needed to drive a Yogo is a bit on the illogical side!

The Feds require that you have a motorcycle endorsement to ride a motorcycle, it seems illogical that someone operating a vehicle that weighs at most about 1,000#, needs an endorsement, and one that is moving 26,000# doesn't.

My guess that the reason there isn't the push for the RV license is that we just don't cause enough accidents or deaths!!

In other words..."People are too dumb to make their own decisions. Government needs to regulate this."

Same logic that brings us laws limiting the size of sugary beverages and other idiocy. People are too dumb to be trusted with freedom.

Kiss my arse.

Our RV dealers in my state solved that problem quick.

When our state was thinking about an "endorsement" for oversize vehicles, like Rv's our state RV dealers assoc ran to the capitol and told them any new lic requirements would hurt sales. Which would hurt taxes to the state. Bill never made it pass the floor.

Not that any lic test makes anybody a better driver but some folks might realize they don't stop on a dime, they don't bend in the middle to get away from hitting fuel islands and when backing up they love to hit things.

Maybe the RV dealers were right, any driver education might cut down on their business of fixing dents and dings.

just what I want. more govt. regulations/interference in my life.
bumpy