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.

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.

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.

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

Since your in California, get the license!

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

Non-commercial Class B license | Good Sam Community

Bill_Satellite
Explorer II
May 09, 2018
FL also has no special requirements but that doesn't mean a dang thing for someone planning to register and RV in CA.
wolfe10
Explorer
May 08, 2018
Absolutely no question, each state has its own laws.

As long as you are properly licensed in your home state, you are good throughout U.S, Mexico and Canada (and likely many other countries as well).

I know 2 months ago we rented a car in Chile for 3 weeks-- Texas drivers license was just fine for them.
magicbus
Explorer II
May 08, 2018
Massachusetts gives RVer's a pass...

5. Recreational Vehicle Operators. Any vehicle operated solely as a personal or family conveyance for recreational purposes may be operated with a Class D License. To be exempt from CDL requirements, the vehicle must be used exclusively to transport family members or personal friends and/or their effects.

Dave
RedRollingRoadb
Explorer
May 08, 2018
Bumpyroad wrote:
doc brown wrote:
. Wait until you go to the DMV, even greater confusion.

I stopped by the DMV in South Hill, VA, inquiring about this. the clerk pulled out a pamphlet and showed me the page concerning this. had a bunch of silhouettes but I pointed out that none of them were a RV. about 4 inches down the page was the statement that RVs were exempt.
bumpy
CA compare to VA. Grapes compare to apples.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
May 08, 2018
doc brown wrote:
. Wait until you go to the DMV, even greater confusion.

I stopped by the DMV in South Hill, VA, inquiring about this. the clerk pulled out a pamphlet and showed me the page concerning this. had a bunch of silhouettes but I pointed out that none of them were a RV. about 4 inches down the page was the statement that RVs were exempt.
bumpy
wolfe10
Explorer
May 08, 2018
Kind of like insurance. Don't need it until you DO.
doc_brown
Explorer
May 08, 2018
Chance of being ticketed for not having a Class B, I would say zero unless you are involved in an accident. I’ve had a Class B for 11 years and I have a 40 footer. I don’t need it but I wanted it just because I was at the 40 foot barrier. Remember we are in California! By the way I’ve asked many a Highway Patrol officer about a Class B license requirement and they tell me to inquire at the DMV. Wait until you go to the DMV, even greater confusion.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
May 08, 2018
ferndaleflyer wrote:
What John S says about taping vehicles in NC could be right but the law here for Motorhomes and trailers involved in Motor Sports is 90ft----Motor Vehicle law 20-116 (N)----not many going to be to long!

not knowing what state you are talking about, but it looks to me like it is a NASCAR exemption where they can have their big Class A with their racing trailer attached up to 90 ft total. limited to that situation.
bumpy
ferndaleflyer
Explorer III
May 08, 2018
What John S says about taping vehicles in NC could be right but the law here for Motorhomes and trailers involved in Motor Sports is 90ft----Motor Vehicle law 20-116 (N)----not many going to be to long!
Belgique
Explorer
May 07, 2018
Good luck in your Class B quest. I finally got one in NC. DMV folks and Troopers really don't know much about how to do this or if it is required. I've driven a lot without one, including to the road test without a passenger with one. I was afraid of getting in even a no-fault accident without a Class B.

My DMV folks didn't know what to do until someone said it is like a firetruck which they do a lot of. The written wasn't too hard if you read the general sections of the CDL manual and take some on-line practice tests...probably two-thirds of the questions on my test were on the on-line tests...exact wording. The road test had all the employees wanting to do it to ride in a motorhome! We just went around the block like they do with cars. I showed them how to do the air brake test.