California Non-commercial class A license ***New question***

[AirSupport]

Pretty old topic in general and yes I did use the SEARCH feature here for an answer, but didn’t find one. Any experience/help on this matter is greatly appreciated.

The 5ver I want is a Riverstone Legacy around 18,000+ GVWR. So I know I MUST get a “non commercial class-A license” Here in Cali (no, I can’t move). However, according to DMV literature on their website, it states that I must bring in the truck and trailer I want to be licensed for p, in order to take the driving portion of the class-A test. They say to have a Class-A driver drive my rig for me because I’m not yet licensed.

The question is, how on earth is one supposed to buy a heavy trailer from a dealership and drive it off to one’s storage facility if one can’t find a Class A driver??? The issue is DMV will NOT ALLOW one to take the test without the indeed heavy truck and trailer set-up already in possession.

Bottom line, I can’t get the proper class license without having the trailer first, but I can’t get the trailer without having the proper license. What a PITA!

Anybody else go through this experience? It sure would be nice if DMV gave us a temporary permit to at least pick up the new trailer, drive directly to storage and then don’t drive it again on public roads until the day of the DMV test.

Unless I’m missing a loop hole here on this, how did you all do this process here in CALIFORNIA when you started out with a heavier than 15K lbs 5ver? I suspect many just rolled the dice and drove off the lot with their new rig and did what they had to do.

I’m really confused on what to do. Do I just go get the trailer anyway and bring it to storage and then the day of the DMV test, pay someone with a Class A license to drive it to the DMV for me? I don’t mind finding a driver for one day at the DMV, but going long distance to a dealer when buying it, maybe even out of state and finding a driver would be unrealistic I think. If it’s what I have to do, then so be it I will. But if there’s any other option acceptable with the state that I haven’t discovered, please tell me your secret to this State “mess.”

[Rich1961]

AirSupport wrote:
Very interesting read everyone. I am going to call AAA tomorrow morning and ascertain if they know of a driving school that's willing to get one a "non-commercial Class-A" license class. I would LOVE to have that license FIRST and before I make the purchase of my new heavy fiver.

The one I want is almost $8,000 less in another state, than here in crappy california. Only thing is, I would need to drive across the country to get it and I need my non-com class A!! My catch-22 is that I can't get my non-com CDL unless I show up with the heavy fiver and my truck!!! Many I HATE California!

Ahhhh, cali is sooooooo jacked up!

You don't have to take the test with a 5th Wheel over 15k GVWR. A Travel Trailer over 10k GVWR qualifies for the Non Commercial A test also. If you know someone who has a Travel Trailer over 10k GVWR, ask if you can use their trailer for the test.

[94-D2]

Would you go test drive a kenworth truck tractor without a class A. Just curious why one would think differently regarding an RV. Manufactures created vehicle extremes, Special interest created the exemptions and legislators created the loop holes. Those seeking the prize own the responsibility to research and obtain the appropriate license. The configuration and weight determines what (license) you need in whatever state you earn money, pay taxes and vote in.

Some of us seem to be able to do it. Some don’t care and that leaves me wondering why those who don’t, worry about other people pulling an RV dangerously down the road when it starts with your license to drive it.

Anyway, lots of people hate CA for lots of reasons. As far as I can tell in my own research, NV,AZ,OR and WA all have some sort of required endorsement or class A for a trailer over 10k or over 26,000 combined. So, CA isn’t the only place.

Be safe. Thanks for the interesting dialog. Most of all, happy Campin’

[toedtoes]

AirSupport wrote:
Very interesting read everyone. I am going to call AAA tomorrow morning and ascertain if they know of a driving school that's willing to get one a "non-commercial Class-A" license class. I would LOVE to have that license FIRST and before I make the purchase of my new heavy fiver.

The one I want is almost $8,000 less in another state, than here in crappy california. Only thing is, I would need to drive across the country to get it and I need my non-com class A!! My catch-22 is that I can't get my non-com CDL unless I show up with the heavy fiver and my truck!!! Many I HATE California!

Ahhhh, cali is sooooooo jacked up!

Not sure how that is jacked up... in order to take the driving test for driving a big 5er, you need to have a big 5er to take the test with.

Not any different than having to have a car in order to take the driving test to get your standard license. Or to have a motorcycle to take the driving test in order to get your motorcycle license.

Somehow I think that's the same in every state. In order to get a specific driver license you have to have the specific vehicle with which to take the driving test.

[Edd505]

I have a commercial class A so I wouldn't have an issue. My question would be if I didn't have the class A am I supposed to go to the dealer and buy because I like how it looks? If I was dropping 100K plus for a diesel pusher I sure would want to drive it first. CA expect you to not test drive before you buy? Or are you to get the license because I think I want to buy a class A motor home?

[AirSupport]

Very interesting read everyone. I am going to call AAA tomorrow morning and ascertain if they know of a driving school that's willing to get one a "non-commercial Class-A" license class. I would LOVE to have that license FIRST and before I make the purchase of my new heavy fiver.

The one I want is almost $8,000 less in another state, than here in crappy california. Only thing is, I would need to drive across the country to get it and I need my non-com class A!! My catch-22 is that I can't get my non-com CDL unless I show up with the heavy fiver and my truck!!! Many I HATE California!

Ahhhh, cali is sooooooo jacked up!

[Cummins12V98]

I am licensed SD with zero restrictions towing my 24k RV or even double towing in CA.

[ol_Bombero-JC]

ford truck guy wrote:
Librty02 .

I cannot speak for CA, heck it's hard enough to speak for our own state, BUT the CDL portion should be the same in each state since it is mandated on a federal level.

as far as the non commercial goes, I'm not 100%, I am fully licensed so I have not had to keep up with it BUT I believe that magic # is 26,001... As long as the trailer GVW is over 10,000

"BUT the CDL portion should be the same in each state since it is mandated on a federal level."

Ahhhh - isn't this thread related to NON-Commercial Driver's Licenses (NOT Federal) which are NOT available in some states...
and also regarding California's "Restriction 41" to/for non-commercial licenses....:@

BTW - tow your (personal - as in RV) trailer with your basic Driver's License in South Dakota, no special license required for weight (as in CA)

~

[Michelle_S]

In our Home State of New York any combo over 26K requires an "R" endorsement, but I don't know a single friend who has it an just about all are over that mark.

[ford_truck_guy]

Librty02 .

I cannot speak for CA, heck it's hard enough to speak for our own state, BUT the CDL portion should be the same in each state since it is mandated on a federal level.

as far as the non commercial goes, I'm not 100%, I am fully licensed so I have not had to keep up with it BUT I believe that magic # is 26,001... As long as the trailer GVW is over 10,000

[librty02]

ford truck guy wrote:
MY take on it is this -

I would NOT be worried about it, There is probably 2 people that have had an issue.. JUST because your licensed, doesn't make you a better driver.... TRUST ME>>

If your concerned, read below -

If using the vehicle for business, ANYTHING with a GVW over 10,000# IS considered a Commercial Vehicle..

With that said, the operator of any commercial vehicle needs to have a valid medical card..

** NOTE ** I stated any vehicle that is NOT USED FOR PERSONAL USE, ( COMMERCIAL ) ..

Now, the class A endorsement comes into play when the total combined is OVER 26,000.. OR the trailer is over 10,000..

My license is a commercial Drivers License " A" with the following endorsements: "M" = Motorcycle.. "P" = Passenger ( Bus, NOT school bus ) "T" = doubles/Triples.. "N" = tanker.. IF anyon in SE PA needs help with a license, I would be willing to give a hand..

In their eyes, this is the definition of the Non commercial-
Non-commercial Driver's Licenses
"CLASS A (minimum age 18): Required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, where the vehicle(s) being towed is/are in excess of 10,000 pounds. ... Example: Motor homes rated at 26,001 pounds or more"
NOT BEING USED FOR BUSINESS..

You state above
"Now, the class A endorsement comes into play when the total combined is OVER 26,000.. OR the trailer is over 10,000.."

"Or the trailer is over 10,000" it should not be an "or" correct?

In Pa you could have a F450 rated at 14000 GVWR and a 5th wheel rated at 12000 GVWR for a total of 26,000 lb. GCWR and not be required to have a Class A NON-Com due to the fact you are 1 lb under the GCWR of 26,001 lbs. Just because that trailer is rated at 12k GVWR does not require it. Example F350 at 11500lbs GVWR and 5th Wheel at 13000lb GVWR for a total of 24,500 GCWR you are under that 26,001lb GCWR.


Pa's Statement:
CLASS A (minimum age 18): Required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, where the vehicle(s) being towed is/are in excess of 10,000 pounds. Example: Recreational Vehicle, when the towing vehicle is rated at 11,000 pounds and the vehicle towed is rated at 15,500 pounds (total combination weight of 26,500 pounds).

Is California's stated differently than Pa's?

[ford_truck_guy]

MY take on it is this -

I would NOT be worried about it, There is probably 2 people that have had an issue.. JUST because your licensed, doesn't make you a better driver.... TRUST ME>>

If your concerned, read below -

If using the vehicle for business, ANYTHING with a GVW over 10,000# IS considered a Commercial Vehicle..

With that said, the operator of any commercial vehicle needs to have a valid medical card..

** NOTE ** I stated any vehicle that is NOT USED FOR PERSONAL USE, ( COMMERCIAL ) ..

Now, the class A endorsement comes into play when the total combined is OVER 26,000.. OR the trailer is over 10,000..

My license is a commercial Drivers License " A" with the following endorsements: "M" = Motorcycle.. "P" = Passenger ( Bus, NOT school bus ) "T" = doubles/Triples.. "N" = tanker.. IF anyon in SE PA needs help with a license, I would be willing to give a hand..

In their eyes, this is the definition of the Non commercial-
Non-commercial Driver's Licenses
"CLASS A (minimum age 18): Required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, where the vehicle(s) being towed is/are in excess of 10,000 pounds. ... Example: Motor homes rated at 26,001 pounds or more"
NOT BEING USED FOR BUSINESS..

[zcookiemonstar]

I don't understand what the problem is. If you are buying from a dealer they should be happy to drive from their lot to the DMV with you and deal with this. This is their business. I am sure you can store it on the dealers lot until you are ready to test. If the dealer is not willing to help you, find a new dealer

[mhardin]

Again, this doesn't help the OP, but here in Texas there is a lot of confusion by DPS as well. When I first realized I needed a non-commercial class A, I went to a nearby driver's license "super center". These "super centers" are set up in various locations in large cities due to the long waiting lines at the older centers.

I was told at the "super center" that there was no such thing as a non-commercial class A license and I wouldn't need one anyway. Being a LEO and knowing how to read the transportation code, I showed them the chapter and verse saying I needed one. That brought on a huddle of a bunch of their folks trying to decide how to deal with this. Again, I was told I didn't need it and to go home. I called Austin who confirmed that yes, I did need the license. Austin told the local folks here in Houston how to make it happen. That required another huddle of the local folks trying to figure out what to do. Finally, they let me take a written test, which I passed. Then, when I tried to schedule the driving test, it was back to square one.

They don't administer the driving test there, although they do administer the commercial class A driving test. Another call to Austin, who told them, yes, they did do the driving test there and to schedule it. At this point, I felt sure I was marked to fail the driving test, but I passed.

The point of this long post is that apparently, not too many drivers in Texas bother to obtain the proper class of license for their RVs. Otherwise, the driver's license test centers would know how to handle them.

[ol_Bombero-JC]

momentum rv wrote:
My truck and trailer are an RV. (Heavy on the R) I will not be stopping at the weigh stations.

I too am curious to hear from any actual citation recipients for out of class operations. For as many "stories" we hear about check points at Glamis and Pismo there should be many cuz very few I know are properly licensed for the trailers they are pulling.

Can't speak to Pismo.....
but for So CA folks who frequent Glamis (Toy Haulers)and the Colorado River (towing boats) - the CHP is very "active" - usually starts with a speeding violation, of course followed by...."May I see your Driver's License please".

The "regulars" (frequent freeway flyers?) - are in the know!

The scales (weigh stations).
I regularly pass the scales in San Clemente (I-5) and the scales on the 405 approx the city of Torrance.
You will see SRW & DRW *pickups* with stake beds or utility bodies in the lines.

Does the CHP chase down the "stock" (factory bed) dually pickups?
Never seen that.

My BIL has raced NHRA (Super Gas) for lots of years. His (bumper pull) enclosed car hauler trailer is rated 9,999 lbs. No special DL required.

His two (old & newer) duallys both have a shell on 'em. Not req'd to stop at scales. (He figured the easy solution long ago!)

NEVER been stopped, NEVER gets in the line at the scales.

When the traffic on our local freeways is cooking along at 80-85 in a posted 65 - you won't see black & whites with dozens of "eligible for greetings" vehicles pulled over....Nope - the regulars know *not* to be the "point man" by going faster than the flow.

I recall driving on the 405 opposite a guy towing a large sailboat in the HOV (car pool) lane. I'm thinking, he might as well be flying a banner saying, Cite Me!!
Continued for about 20 miles, until he finally took an off ramp "unmolested" the entire time. CHP can't be everywhere!

It should be noted in re: the stop at scales discussion. Pickups towing RVs with out-of-state plates have reciprocity for their state of residence. Smile as you pass...:)
Hot-shot drivers towing brand new trailers might be a bit..."ify".

~

~

[AirSupport]

CumminsDriver wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Thanks!

Clarification.

Not commercial or LOOKING commercial. Anyone been ticketed for hauling a heavy 5er in CA with a standard SRW/DRW pickup for not having proper endorsement.

A friend was riding with someone pulling a large 5ver several years ago coming back from a NASCAR race. They were pulled over for speeding and the CHP Officer found out that the driver had a Class B license which does not cover a 5ver over 15k GVWR. The officer told him he would have to get someone with the proper license, or drop the trailer and it would be towed by a Tow Truck. My friend had a Class A Commercial License so they were allowed to proceed. No ticket for out of Class for the original driver, but not allowed to proceed unless a driver with the proper license was behind the wheel.

A lot of regular CHP Officers are not aware of the license requirements for towing the heavier 5th Wheels, but that appears to be changing. I've talked with several before I got my Non Commercial Class A 5 years ago, who told me to ask the Commercial Officers as they weren't sure on how to answer my questions. The Commercial Officers knew and had the answers. Recently while driving my Company Truck, a SRW F350 with Utility Bed, I was directed to pull into a random roadside truck inspection in the Rocklin area. The Inspector asked for Drivers License, Registration, and Insurance which I provided. He came back in about 5 minutes, and returned all my documentation and said I was the first Non Commercial A License he's seen doing any of this type of work. Not many have the License, and there are many who don't know about it or choose to ignore it.

Wow, interesting story. Thanks for sharing that ! I made up my mind that I will definitely get my class A non commercial. I found out I have a cousin that has a commercial Class A ans he said he will accompany me for all of my trailer needs when time comes to DMV testing and licking it up from the dealer.