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.

[bmet2000]

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

[TomHaycraft]

Sounds like a marketing opportunity for RV dealers who sell trailers > 15,000 lbs in California. RV dealers do disclose the licensing requirements before the sale ... don't they? :E

Surely they have a licensed person on staff, have the dealer throw that in to close the deal (for those who haven't purchased yet!). Their licensed person can ride with you to the DMV for the driving test when scheduled.

Just a thought ...

[Dtank]

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.

.

[YzHunter]

Thanks for the knowledge. Now to find a class A license holder for 5th wheel day care!

[davidaf]

Bowti wrote:
If you are worried about it then just rebadge your truck. No one will know the difference.

It's the GVWR of the trailer not the truck that requires the Non Commercial Class A.

[Blazing_Zippers]

Sorry to chime in with more bad news---imagine what the other fellow's attorney will come up with IF you get in a driving mishap without the correct license.
When you do get this all squared away, enjoy the new rig.

[Bowti]

If you are worried about it then just rebadge your truck. No one will know the difference.

[davidaf]

Most people have no idea a non-com class A is required for 5er GVWR over 15k. I didn't but I've scheduled my written test for next month, the soonest I could get it. Going to be tough to find a Class A Driver willing to take time off work to baby sit when i do go in for the driving test. Not to mention how much it will cost me in lost wages. Any SoCal babysitters out there?

[Rich1961]

Thats correct. Class A Non Commercial for 5th Wheels over 15,000 GVWR, and Travel Trailers over 10,000 GVWR. It involves taking the Class A Non Commercial written test and the Class C written test. If you pass the written tests, you will be given a Class A Non Commercial permit. At that point you can schedule the driving portion of the test at your local Commercial DMV Facility. You'll need a licensed Non Commercial Class A License holder, or Commercial Class A License holder to accompany you for your driving test to the DMV Facility. They will check to see if you have one of the two licensed drivers with you when you arrive for the test. I did find out that you don't have to use your RV Trailer for the test. A trailer over 10,000 GVWR such as a flatbed trailer is all thats required.

Rich

[christopherglen]

Yes, you need one. The chances of getting caught are slim, but that said I was pulled over just to have my license and ins checked by chp on the grapevine. Once in 4 years, but had I not had a class A it would be a "driving out of class" ticket, and the trailer parked at the side of the freeway with a 2 hour tow tag attached.

[azrving]

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

[Brockinfla]

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

[jjj]

Yes like it say's. Pulling a fifth wheel over 15000 lbs.

[GrumpyandGrandm]

Calif license classSure looks that way. Here's the link