License to drive motor homes over 26,000 lbs.

Cross21114 - I drove gassers all my life. The truck I have now is a diesel and I can't imagine going back to a gasser...well maybe due to the DEF addition of the newer diesels.

Anyway, it sounds as if you possess a Class A CDL license. I say that your experience driving large vehicles could be passed successfully to any family member. Make them comfortable with driving and maintaining a large vehicle. It will only make them better and safer drivers in the long run. And passing that Non Commercial Class B examination will not be a problem. Then get whatever rig that you want and enjoy retirement.

Many safe and happy travels to you and yours.

cruiseruser wrote:
Cross21114 - You will not need a Maryland Non Commercial Class A to pull a TOAD. As long as your TOAD or trailer is under 10,000 pounds a Maryland Non Commercial Class B is all that's needed. Below quote is taken right out of Maryland's License handbook.

A Class “B” non-commercial driver’s license authorizes the licensee to drive any single vehicle GVWR 26,001 pounds or more. Allows pulling a trailer under 10,000 lbs. (GVWR).

If you have family or friends that are licensed in another state that has no requirements for special licenses on RV's, they can also operate your vehicle legally on their home state license.

Don't give up the ship yet!

Thanks for the clarification on towing. Still trying to decide if it's worth it having to put people through this or go with a gasser. But a diesel truck driver - wish I could stick with one.

fpresto wrote:
Cross21114, What makes it worse is that when the change in the requirements was put into effect the RV dealers were complaining that it would severely hurt their business. Their workaround is to not mention it to the customers.
That said I can see why the requirements are put in place. Without something like that a 16 year old who had never driven anything bigger than a VW could pass his/her drivers test for a class C, walk out of the MVA office and climb into his daddies 40ft diesel pusher and legally head down the road. With the requirement for a class B they at least demonstrate a minimal ability before they are turned loose on the public. I upgraded to a B. It is not that hard.

THe new law is a solution looking for a problem!
It is a solution to a problem that doesn't exist. Have you seen any 16 year olds driving dads 40" DP? It is certainly not a major problem.
If the kid is going to do it do you think the lack of an endorsement is going to stop him!
I can agree maybe there needs to be a bit more regulation, but a simple written test would suffice. There is no need for the process to resemble the CDL requirements.

Cross21114 - You will not need a Maryland Non Commercial Class A to pull a TOAD. As long as your TOAD or trailer is under 10,000 pounds a Maryland Non Commercial Class B is all that's needed. Below quote is taken right out of Maryland's License handbook.

A Class “B” non-commercial driver’s license authorizes the licensee to drive any single vehicle GVWR 26,001 pounds or more. Allows pulling a trailer under 10,000 lbs. (GVWR).

If you have family or friends that are licensed in another state that has no requirements for special licenses on RV's, they can also operate your vehicle legally on their home state license.

Don't give up the ship yet!

Cross21114, What makes it worse is that when the change in the requirements was put into effect the RV dealers were complaining that it would severely hurt their business. Their workaround is to not mention it to the customers.
That said I can see why the requirements are put in place. Without something like that a 16 year old who had never driven anything bigger than a VW could pass his/her drivers test for a class C, walk out of the MVA office and climb into his daddies 40ft diesel pusher and legally head down the road. With the requirement for a class B they at least demonstrate a minimal ability before they are turned loose on the public. I upgraded to a B. It is not that hard.

cruiseruser wrote:
No real need to change your domicile although we all know there are some perks if you would.

Now Maryland is different. Maryland you must take a test before you get your permit. And unfortunately it's based on the CDL testing booklet. Be well prepared by reading thru the MD CDL booklet. Again, once you receive your permit, you must have someone that has an equal or higher class of license to accompany you in order to "legally" drive your vehicle. That person must accompany you to the exam site as well. In Maryland you must complete a full pretrip, backing maneuvers and road test in order to pass your test. It's not hard. Just requires practice and some study time.

It can be done!

I just returned from the MD MVA. MD added rvs to Class A & B license regs 5 years ago. Not apparent way around it. Bet there are a lot fo MD licensed drivers ignoring the law. I have Class A, my wife does not. For her to spell me at the wheel will require the written test, then a learners permit good for either 90 or 180 days (they didn't know for sure). Completely out of the CDL testing booklet.
Further problem is that to tow anything, you need a Class A. We would only be pulling a toad. You can't back them up so how do you take the drivers test? They suggested renting a rig. What BS.
We were going to buy a diesel Class C GVW of 28k and GCVW of 33k. If I ever take friends on trips, they can't help drive.
Now we have to reconsider changing the type of rv we were going to get. I told them at the MVA they just screwed up my retirement and gave me another reason to leave the state of Maryland.
Sorry for the rant. Wouldn't have even known about this if had not seen this thread.

D.E.Bishop wrote:
IIRC, all vehicles over 40' are restricted from certain roads. This is basically a blanket statement and also IIRC, there is a list of exceptions, but there are some areas that totally prohibit over 26K or 40'. Highway 2 from the 14 to the 210, NO exceptions. There are of course some local restrictions, like Lombard Street in Frisco.

While this is undoubtedly true, it has no bearing on what driver's license is required to drive a given RV.

hotjag1 wrote:

Bobbo wrote:
Depends on your state of residence. In TN, we don't have to have a special license, and the other 49 states have to honor that. So, a PA resident can get a ticket for that in PA, but I can't. Or, at least I will beat it in court.

We don't need a special license in WA either, and the other 49 states have to honor that also. Although CA may be the exception if over 40 feet.

IIRC, all vehicles over 40' are restricted from certain roads. This is basically a blanket statement and also IIRC, there is a list of exceptions, but there are some areas that totally prohibit over 26K or 40'. Highway 2 from the 14 to the 210, NO exceptions. There are of course some local restrictions, like Lombard Street in Frisco.

And by the way... just feel fortunate not to live in Washington DC. There you MUST take a full blown CDL test in order to drive your personal RV over 26,001 pounds single or combo.

That's ridiculous!!!!!

No real need to change your domicile although we all know there are some perks if you would.

Anyway, the PA examination is fairly easy. You will have to complete a pre trip inspection before you go onto the actual road trip. Because of the size of the rigs, the road trip is the actual course that they take the CDL drivers on. So don't worry about small roads. Practice the basics and mind your P's and Q's. Don't let the rolling stop screw you up!

Now Maryland is different. Maryland you must take a test before you get your permit. And unfortunately it's based on the CDL testing booklet. Be well prepared by reading thru the MD CDL booklet. Again, once you receive your permit, you must have someone that has an equal or higher class of license to accompany you in order to "legally" drive your vehicle. That person must accompany you to the exam site as well. In Maryland you must complete a full pretrip, backing maneuvers and road test in order to pass your test. It's not hard. Just requires practice and some study time.

It can be done!