Noob as noob gets. Non commercial class A license?

[YzHunter]

I need advice on non commercial class A license in California. Just bought a 3500 HD and a cyclone 4200. Was told I have to get a new class to tow the 5th wheel. Any one with experience with this? Bought myself into a hole. Thanks in advance.

[Rich1961]

Ed9824v wrote:

Ropdoc wrote:

mrw8i wrote:
I had to take 2 written tests, the Class "C" and the non-commercial Class "A" (same one you will have to take). That was it.

Do they have you do the driving test with your rig ?? I was told yes by others not DMV.

But why is it that the dealer says nothing about this or even ask to see it before you leave the lot? You have to have insurance.

If medical is required, why do I see the drivers that I do. I've seen some that can't even get out of the rig, much less drive it.

Dave

My friend borrowed a flatbed trailer to make the test easier

I asked the Commercial testing facility if I could use a different trailer such as a flat bed gooseneck for the test, and they said yes as long as the trailers GVWR is over 10,000 lbs.

[Ed9824v]

Ropdoc wrote:
now we are talking california only right?

sorry, yes that was in california.

[Ropdoc]

now we are talking california only right?

[Ed9824v]

Ropdoc wrote:

mrw8i wrote:
I had to take 2 written tests, the Class "C" and the non-commercial Class "A" (same one you will have to take). That was it.

Do they have you do the driving test with your rig ?? I was told yes by others not DMV.

But why is it that the dealer says nothing about this or even ask to see it before you leave the lot? You have to have insurance.

If medical is required, why do I see the drivers that I do. I've seen some that can't even get out of the rig, much less drive it.

Dave

My friend borrowed a flatbed trailer to make the test easier

[Ropdoc]

mrw8i wrote:
I had to take 2 written tests, the Class "C" and the non-commercial Class "A" (same one you will have to take). That was it.

Do they have you do the driving test with your rig ?? I was told yes by others not DMV.

But why is it that the dealer says nothing about this or even ask to see it before you leave the lot? You have to have insurance.

If medical is required, why do I see the drivers that I do. I've seen some that can't even get out of the rig, much less drive it.

Dave

[mrw8i]

Dtank wrote:

rjxj wrote:
It's why my kid moved. Any way to get more money.

Hmmmmmm - maybe a big rig driver shouldn't be required to pass a test for a *commercial* Class A to drive a tractor-trailer combo either!..:S

Nothing to do with chump change fees to the state of CA!

How about *not* allowing drivers to tow heavy trailers without first demonstrating they have the ability/skills to do so?.:S

It's about *other* driver's safety as well as the owner/operator.

If your kid couldn't pass the test, happy to hear he moved elsewhere!.:C

BTW - Texas also requires a Non-Commercial class A.

And, OP - you'll need a medical certificate also.

.

Don't think a Medical Certificate is required in California for non-commercial Class A. It's required for a Class B (Motorhome over 40') and a commercial Class A. However, non-commercial Class A requires self-signed form stating he/she is in good health.

[mrw8i]

okan-star wrote:
Thanks for bringing this up , after reading this thread , I read the CA DMV`S web sites rules for class `c` license it said endorsement needed for towing a fifth wheel between 10k and 15k ,and non com. class A for over 15k , I don't have the endorsement on my `c` license . My fifth is 14k , I need to go to the DMV , I read its a 20 question , real easy test, every 2 years .
Would have not been good to get stopped by CHP and not have it
Got to get out of CA 😞

Actually it's not an endorsement, it's a Class A with Restriction 41. It's an easy test. You'll probably have to help them at the DMV, as this type of license is rare to ask for. I had to take 2 written tests, the Class "C" and the non-commercial Class "A" (same one you will have to take). That was it.

The back of my license says:
CLASS C: - Veh w/GVWR <= 26000
ENDORSEMENTS: None
RESTRICTIONS: 41-Class A restricted to operating 5th wheel travel trailer between 10,000 and 15,000 lbs GVWR

[laknox]

Brockinfla wrote:
Load up your new truck and fifth wheel and move out of California

X2!

Lyle

[danojeno]

There are many reasons to dislike the over regulated state that is CA. The Non - Commercial Class A is not one.

[talonhead]

CT did away with their Non-Comm ABC licenses. Class D "Anything that does not require a Commercial License" . That's as clear as mud. Class C <26k with trailer of 10k , except for vehicles not used for commercial purposes? Called CT DMV, no Trooper on hand at the time, person was stumped.
We buy ourselves into this mess, and they write themselves AND us into this mess!

[okan-star]

Thanks for bringing this up , after reading this thread , I read the CA DMV`S web sites rules for class `c` license it said endorsement needed for towing a fifth wheel between 10k and 15k ,and non com. class A for over 15k , I don't have the endorsement on my `c` license . My fifth is 14k , I need to go to the DMV , I read its a 20 question , real easy test, every 2 years .
Would have not been good to get stopped by CHP and not have it
Got to get out of CA 😞

[Ropdoc]

Brockinfla wrote:
Load up your new truck and fifth wheel and move out of California

I have towed a 40' 5th wheel sinces '05. Never been stopped. BUT I know time is gettin close. It is ok to let illegals in just dont tow an RV. We are leaving as fast as I can finish remod on house and sell it. Cant happen fast enough !! Boy can I tell you stories about the******the city of anaheim has pulled on me.

I AM OUT OF HERE !!

[neal10a]

BTY Illinois does require Class A, B and C non-commercial licenses for RV and farm equipment. Class A is any trailer and any vehicle. Class B is any vehicle, but has trailer restrictions. Class C is any vehicle and trailer with restrictions. I think Illinois and California are similar and follow Federal licensing guidelines that are not mandatory.

[jmtandem]

So do out of state drivers have to comply with the Class A rule for RV's when passing through CA?

California enjoys resprocity with other states. If you are legal as to registration and license in your home state you are legal in California to visit.

[C-Bears]

bmet2000 wrote:
So do out of state drivers have to comply with the Class A rule for RV's when passing through CA?

No, when visiting another state they can not enforce their license rules/regulations on you. You have to obviously have a valid driver's license from some other state, and that out of state license has to authorize you to drive what you are driving.

In other words if you are from Illinois and they don't require you to have a special license to pull your 16,000 FW, then you can pull it through California with your valid Illinois Driver's license.

Now if you are from Illinois, which requires a special classification/test to operate a motorcycle, and you don't have it, just a regular Illinois Driver's license, and you ride your motorcycle through California. Now California can ticket you for "No valid driver's license".

None of this should be confused with commercial, or Federal regs, which are universal in all states and can be enforced by all.