Licensing RVers---is it time?
Is it time to insist that a special license be needed for driving/towing larger recreational vehicles. I once asked a DOT complaint officer why a person renting a GVWR 26,000 (26' box) truck could ...
Forum Discussion
I kind of have mixed feelings on this. Personally I would not relish the idea of having to take a test. I hate tests of any kind!
In this discussion I think what many people miss is what the purpose of a license is. First one has to understand that in our society driving is a privilege therefore the right to do so can be and is regulated. Because of this it has been determined that before we are allowed to drive we should have some form of training. The test and licensing simply is a means of demonstrating that we have obtained the knowledge and have the ability to control a vehicle on a public road. Of course how we use that knowledge and ability cannot be guaranteed simply by passing a test. For that we must rely on law enforcement.
With that in mind it does seem a little absurd that a person with just a plain old driver's license can get behind the wheel of a large motorhome and not be required to have any training. Likewise with towing a large trailer or fifth wheel. I think what has happened is that, like many of our laws and regulations, our licensing regulations have not kept up with the times. Most licensing requirements were enacted long before these type of vehicles were common place. So I think it is very valid question as to whether some form of training and licensing should be required.
Interesting how some people have pointed that a special endorsement is required to drive a motorcycle. Think about this to get that endorsement you typically have to take some form of written test and demonstrate your proficiency to actually drive a motorcycle. I don't know about other states but in California that is usually accomplished through a paid training program. They certify you and then the DMV issues the endorsement. Think about this though most of those programs train and test you on smaller bikes usually something like a 250cc and yet with that license you can hit the road on any number of much larger bikes some that are over 2000cc's. If we apply the same logic here then maybe there needs to some additional special licensing for these larger motorcycles.
I have been driving a long time and have driven just about every type of vehicle except a big rig. I will say that when I am towing my trailer I am probably a better driver than when I'm not. I am more alert and aware of my surroundings because I am very aware that I have this large load that does not maneuver or stop as easily as the family car. When I have driven a motorhome the same was true. Although there are exceptions I think this is probably true for the majority of RVers.
In this discussion I think what many people miss is what the purpose of a license is. First one has to understand that in our society driving is a privilege therefore the right to do so can be and is regulated. Because of this it has been determined that before we are allowed to drive we should have some form of training. The test and licensing simply is a means of demonstrating that we have obtained the knowledge and have the ability to control a vehicle on a public road. Of course how we use that knowledge and ability cannot be guaranteed simply by passing a test. For that we must rely on law enforcement.
With that in mind it does seem a little absurd that a person with just a plain old driver's license can get behind the wheel of a large motorhome and not be required to have any training. Likewise with towing a large trailer or fifth wheel. I think what has happened is that, like many of our laws and regulations, our licensing regulations have not kept up with the times. Most licensing requirements were enacted long before these type of vehicles were common place. So I think it is very valid question as to whether some form of training and licensing should be required.
Interesting how some people have pointed that a special endorsement is required to drive a motorcycle. Think about this to get that endorsement you typically have to take some form of written test and demonstrate your proficiency to actually drive a motorcycle. I don't know about other states but in California that is usually accomplished through a paid training program. They certify you and then the DMV issues the endorsement. Think about this though most of those programs train and test you on smaller bikes usually something like a 250cc and yet with that license you can hit the road on any number of much larger bikes some that are over 2000cc's. If we apply the same logic here then maybe there needs to some additional special licensing for these larger motorcycles.
I have been driving a long time and have driven just about every type of vehicle except a big rig. I will say that when I am towing my trailer I am probably a better driver than when I'm not. I am more alert and aware of my surroundings because I am very aware that I have this large load that does not maneuver or stop as easily as the family car. When I have driven a motorhome the same was true. Although there are exceptions I think this is probably true for the majority of RVers.
