Non-commercial Class B license

[Colbie_s_family]

When we purchased our first RV, I asked if a special license was required to drive RV's and was told no. Well that RV was 36' and that answer was correct. However, we upgraded to a Phaeton 40AH, which is listed on the specs as appx 41.5'. I now know after driving it last year for 5 months, that if it is indeed over 40', I now need a non-commercial Class B license. Ignorance was bliss!

I am now in the process of learning what I need to do to get this license. I've seen some older posts and it seems that experiences vary depending on where and when others have received theirs. Has anyone from southern CA recently applied for this license and taken the written and driving tests? If so, can you provide me with some feedback re: what I should be reviewing to prepare for both of these exams?

Also, between now and when I am able to get the license, does anyone know what happens if you are stopped and don't have it yet?

Thanks for any info.

[azdryheat]

One side of me loves living in Arizona because one can drive any length or weight of motorhome/trailer without requiring any extra licensing.

The other side of me would like to see all drivers of large RV's, especially those with air brakes, pass the same testing required of commercial drivers.

[wolfe10]

PastorCharlie wrote:
Motorhomes licensees are not regulated in NC by length. They are regulated by weight.

But, a licensee must meet the requirements in their state of residence.

All other states (reciprocity) recognize other state's driver's licenses.

[BB_TX]

midnightsadie wrote:
x2 yep wolfe has it right your driving without the proper lic, your at fault.

X3. Ignorance of the law is no excuse legally or liability wise.

[cross21114]

PastorCharlie wrote:
Motorhomes licensees are not regulated in NC by length. They are regulated by weight.

Not positive about this but I think CA is the one state that does uss length as a determining factor. In MD, and many others, 26,000# is a trigger for a Class B and if a trailer being towed is greater than 10,000#, a Class A is required.

[PastorCharlie]

Motorhomes licensees are not regulated in NC by length. They are regulated by weight.

[John_S_]

They have taped motorhome in NC as well as trailers for length. Put a bunch out of service on a race weekend. Get the ticket you need

[Bumpyroad]

wolfe10 wrote:
And, I would suggest exactly the opposite.

Were you ever involved in an accident and were not properly licensed to drive the vehicle you are in, you would be open to both police and perhaps additional legal/liability issues.

yep, that would be my first statement to the cop, is he licensed to drive that big a rv? Is that too wide for this road. etc.
bumpy

[Tyler0215]

Since your in California, get the license!

[midnightsadie]

x2 yep wolfe has it right your driving without the proper lic, your at fault.

[wolfe10]

And, I would suggest exactly the opposite.

Were you ever involved in an accident and were not properly licensed to drive the vehicle you are in, you would be open to both police and perhaps additional legal/liability issues.

[azdryheat]

Me, I wouldn't worry about getting the license on the grounds that you're driving a 40 footer, hence the 40AH model number. When was the last time you got pulled over driving any motorhome? I'll bet it's a pretty slim chance your license would ever come up. What cop knows anything about a motorhome? If he does I bet he'll be looking for one with a tag axle as 99% of those are over 40 feet. Just tell him it's a 40 footer. He won't know the difference and I doubt he's going to get out a tape measure.

Bottom line is I wouldn't get a non-commercial CDL for your rig.