38 replies to this topic

[Rwbed1]

I understand your comment about section 522 para 4 exempting drivers of RVs from needing a CDL Class B. However, it appears to me section 521 requires a class B license, calling it a "Classified" license. So doesn't that get me back to needing a Class B license to legally drive my 32,500 lb class A motorhome?

[hermanmullins]

Rwbed1,

Welcome to the Forum.

Yes you are correct. I just got my Class 'B' Texas operator License. Driving any vehicle exceeding 26,000 lbs requires a class 'B' license. Class 'A' if towing in excess of 10,000 lbs. It is not a CDL.

However you will take a written test covering the fundamentals of the CDL.Read chapter 15 of the Hand Book. You will also be required to take a driving test. You will be tested on normal road driving, lane changing, merging & exiting a highway, backing 65' and parallel parking. I know how many time do you parallel park a motor home.

Highway speed limits 70MPH, Tow Brake requirement 4,200 lbs and over. Tow strap color, 1' by1' square White flag on strap (15'). When the question comes up about the color of the tow strap it shows a P/U pulling a car with a yellow strap, but the color is not yellow. It is a trick question. When driving and you stop behind another vehicle, maintain a distance far enough back so you can see the tires of the vehicle in front of you.

As you can see I learned a lot from the Test. I failed the Written Test with a 35 the first time. It is on a touch screen on the computer and when you miss enough where you wont pass it stops. I was 7 right 6 wrong. The next day i passed with a 90. I also failed the driving test on the last turn. I followed a car into the intersection to make a left turn, They stopped to allow a car a block away to pass and when I completed the turn it had changed to Red. Took it 3 day later and made 100%.

I hope my errors will help anyone taking the Texas test.

Side note. I had a friend that had a CDL Passenger Lic. that was going to ride up with me to take the test. He had surgery and I called the office and asked what I could do. There was a pause and then "we don't ask how you got here".

[Wayne77590]

"We don't ask how you got here." That is so funny. There have been occasions where the person being tested failed and the were asked to produce the person who brought them. Hee hee!

I have parallel parked three times in the past 3-1/2 years. Once with a 40 ft 5th wheel, and twice with the 40' DP. But on each occasions it was of my choosing. It was a wonderful military campground, and one of the sites was parallel to the entrance road, but there was a 50 yard broad sweeping grassy area down to the lake right out the side door, and we wanted that spot. It may not have been the perfect 3 point backing, but when i was finished parking it, it was in the perfect spot. All three times. I even did it without running over the sewer drain, and trust me, it was in the way.

[akadeadeye]

I have not taken the tests yet to get my Class B license but I called the DPS office in a smaller town to ask the procedure and talked to a delightful lady who told me how she administered the driving test. I told her I didn't have a license but had been driving our MH for a while and I was concerned about how to "legally" drive it to the test location. She said, "well, honey, don't worry about it. How else would you get it here?"

That's where I will take my test!

Don

[Wayne77590]

And if you reveal the location you will be surrounded by others wanting a higher class license, I'd imagine. (lol)

[Planocat]

Herman:

I have a couple of questions as I inquired about a class A license last week. The Plano office was jammed with 100+ people waiting for their number to be called. They basically threw the Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Handbook at me and said "read this".

1. Why did you opt for the class B over the class A?
2. You make no mention of "air brakes" endorsement. Isn't that required with your rig?
3. Is there an office in Collin County that is less crowded than the one in Plano? It's always a zoo! What was your wait time in McKinney?
4. Since you referenced Chapter 15 and the brochure they gave me only goes through Section 14, you must have another book that I need. Can you tell me what your book with chapter 15 is called?

Just got off the phone with the McKinney office. Had a very knowledgeable gal. She answered several questions and I learned that I can't get a class B license without taking the test in a class B type vehicle. She suggested renting one for a day!

Right now I can't even legally test drive a unit I am looking to buy. Not too cool.


Thanks for any info you can provide.

Planocat

[hermanmullins]

Planocat, on 27 February 2012 - 01:31 PM, said:

Herman:

I have a couple of questions as I inquired about a class A license last week. The Plano office was jammed with 100+ people waiting for their number to be called. They basically threw the Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Handbook at me and said "read this".

1. Why did you opt for the class B over the class A? Class "B" is for driving a personal vehicle that weighs more then 26,000lbs. Class "A" is for driving a personal vehicle that weighs more then 26,000lbs pulling a vehicle or trailer that weighs more then 10,,,lbs
2. You make no mention of "air brakes" endorsement. Isn't that required with your rig? My rig does have air brakes and they will test your brakes for pressure drop.
3. Is there an office in Collin County that is less crowded than the one in Plano? It's always a zoo! What was your wait time in McKinney? Ther is no way in H*** i would go to McKinney. I went to Sherman, I had to wait for about 15 min. the first time. Made an appoimtment for the driving test and got right through ahead of time.
4. Since you referenced Chapter 15 and the brochure they gave me only goes through Section 14, you must have another book that I need. Can you tell me what your book with chapter 15 is called? Mine was the yellow Drivers Hand Book. (I may be mistaken with the number but I'm sure it was 15.)

Just got off the phone with the McKinney office. Had a very knowledgeable gal. She answered several questions and I learned that I can't get a class B license without taking the test in a class B type vehicle. She suggested renting one for a day! Mike, do you now have a Motor Home? If push comes to shove I can go with you for your driving test. You do not need to drive your M/H to take the written test. After you pass the written test (computer) you have to set up an appointment to take the driving test

Right now I can't even legally test drive a unit I am looking to buy. Not too cool.


Thanks for any info you can provide.

Planocat

[Wayne77590]

Hi Richard, and welcome to the Forum.

I feel your pain, and I think most of us in Texas has gone through some type of "situation" at the DMV. As busy as they are they should not be rude to customers. Before I make my next statement I need to express that I know a "Commercial Drivers License" is not needed to drive a motor home, just a normal Class A, or Class B, depending on the weight as Herman addressed.

The normal Class A or B test is based on the information in the Commercial Drives License handbook. Read it, take the programmed tests after each section, and when you are comfortable with the knowledge head on down to the DMV and take the written test - get it out of the way.

After taking the written test they will give you some type of paper that is like a "Learner's Permit." (they used to) Then you can drive if you have another qualified licensed person with you (ha ha) and go back at your leisure to take the driving test.

Someone said in a forum that they called the DMV in their area and asked how they were supposed to get the MH there if they didn't have a license, and the reply was, "We don't care how you get it here." But take Herman up on driving you on down to the DMV. Study the air brake section. In the worse case scenario you will be up on air brakes and it could help you traveling down the road. Everyone should know about "slack adjusters," "pressure gauges," and "testing the system." Even if it is not a required written test.

Good luck - get-er-done!

[Planocat]

Thanks for responses.

Herman:

Your offer is most generous. I think I will join the thousands of other law breakers and drive to the Sherman office if and when the need presents itself. I did find the basic Driver's Handbook on line which contains your referenced Chapter 15. The DMV office gave me the CDL version. I may take the written test just to get a feel for it........it's been a long time since I have taken one.

Right now we have a 36' single slide gas motorhome that we have had for 14 years. We've decided to put off buying a used DP and take our summer trip in our current rig while watching gas/fuel prices to see if motorhoming remains in our future. We have owned motorhomes since 1977 and while we enjoy the lifestyle, affordability is becoming an issue. We'll see where it goes.

Again, thanks to all for your input. It is much appreciated.

****

[Wayne77590]

Richard,

Have you weighed your coach? I find it strange that a 36' would exceed 26,001 pounds. What are the specs on it.

Good luck.

[Planocat]

It's a far cry from 26,001 lbs. But, IF the day comes that we move to a DP, I would like to be properly licensed. Not to mention that if I should ever be called upon to "pinch hit" for someone, I would like to be legal.

I don't recall needing a class A or B license (if there was such a thing) back in the 80's when I had a Bluebird that did weigh that much.

Thanks for the follow up.

****

[Wayne77590]

Yes, the 80's had the same requirements as I remember. I had a CDL back then and if I remember correctly section 521, and 522 were there at that time. Some of the wording and requirements for the different classes have had some word smithing over the years. In '84+ the class B CDL was not as much limited to the 26,001 pound as it was to a trailer that was over 10,000 pounds. I believer the class B for non-cdl was the same, but then I was not interested in a non-cdl. I was driving for a company and instead of going through and putting "Private" on all the vehciles, we decided on a CDL, and basically for insurance purposes. Before I got to the company everyone was driving on a class C. At that time we had a 1 Ton Chevy Dually with a 454 engine and we were pullling a goose neck, and a tt, both weighing in at a little over 14,000 pounds. A class B was needed even though the combined weight was not over 26,001.

Even back then there was a difference of opinion, even at the DMV offices. Even back then I pointed out to 3 DMV inspectors the sections in the book, and they gave me the driving test.

Yep! Go for it. Nothing to lose and you'll be ahead of the curve ball.

[pjTP2011]

Folks,

Hearing from some friends in La. about their travel through I-10 in Katy, Texas. Seems a DOT inspector is pulling over Class A's with air brakes and asking for a CDL and log books (regardless of fact they do not live in Texas or the vehicle is not registered in Texas). These folks got tickets for failure to have a CDL or log book , vehicle improperly registered and whatever items his DOT inspection uncovers (no flares, a fogged headlamp, etc). He will not enter into the RV to inspect registration papers or FMCA Dec issue with license by state printed table. Attorneys had to be hired and court dates met, most charges were dropped.

Their info provided to them reveals a national (Federal) effort is (quietly) underfoot to get large rig drivers a federal CDL (like school bus driver classified vs commercial drivers) and folks are jumping the gun on enforcement. Seems revenue for such gets a Federal and state split in $'s received and adds a new cost and new regulations for RV owners to deal with.

Has anyone heard anything else along this subject or had this experience ?

[wolfe10]

pjTP2011, on 01 May 2012 - 06:18 PM, said:

Folks,

Hearing from some friends in La. about their travel through I-10 in Katy, Texas. Seems a DOT inspector is pulling over Class A's with air brakes and asking for a CDL and log books (regardless of fact they do not live in Texas or the vehicle is not registered in Texas). These folks got tickets for failure to have a CDL or log book , vehicle improperly registered and whatever items his DOT inspection uncovers (no flares, a fogged headlamp, etc). He will not enter into the RV to inspect registration papers or FMCA Dec issue with license by state printed table. Attorneys had to be hired and court dates met, most charges were dropped.

Their info provided to them reveals a national (Federal) effort is (quietly) underfoot to get large rig drivers a federal CDL (like school bus driver classified vs commercial drivers) and folks are jumping the gun on enforcement. Seems revenue for such gets a Federal and state split in $'s received and adds a new cost and new regulations for RV owners to deal with.

Has anyone heard anything else along this subject or had this experience ?

Having lived in Texas for 45 years, I have never heard of what you describe.

If the motorhome was a commercial vehicle it would fall under DOT governance. If this was a personal vehicle it would not.

Was there a reason they may have thought his was a commercial vehicle?

[AndyShane]

Leith, on 22 April 2009 - 03:16 PM, said:

... I've also heard at a FCRV rally that some insurance companies may deny coverage to us if we do not have the proper license to be operating our MH's. If you think that insurance companies may not do this just ask some of our friends along the path of recent hurricanes regarding what their insurance companies do regarding crossing the "T's" and dotting the "I's"when the loss is significant. I'm also aware that you can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink. Please check fellow FMCA members before the need.

Warren Leith F403214

I just got my Texas Class B, the wife and a fellow MH driver buddy are dragging their feet but will eventually follow suit.

Really, it was no trouble. The examiner relished every moment of being away from her spot behind the counter, we had a great time. Now, I don't have the specter of not being in compliance hanging over my head.

While claim denial is unlikely, the attorney watering flowers on the patio behind me says that it is within the insurance company's rights to deny the claim.

[sgureasko]

There had to be more to that story(of being stopped) by a DOT inspector than meets the eye. First off, those guys(and Gals) have their fill of trucks coming through Katy, and more than they have time for.
This motorhome had to doing something that attracted the eye of the inspector. Being a retired law officer, I guarantee there was more going on, and you only heard a small part of the story.

Also, when was the last time anyone heard of someone being stopped in any state(other than California), by a DOT person, "for no reason".

[Wayne77590]

I'm wondering if there were some type of banner or sticker on the side of the motor home indicating it may be commercial. Then stopping it to check and finding out it is their business, the driver then requires a CDL, Class A or B or C, depending on regulatory factors. (Yes grasshopper, there is a Texas Class C CDL.) See section 522 of the driver license manual.

Just a plain old motor home only needs the proper licence, Class A, B, or C depending on regulatory factors. See Section 521 of the Texas Drivers License Manual.

[hermanmullins]

Wayne, that thought went through my mind also. (I know there a lot of hole for it to go through) I got some nice Chrome letters and put them beside my entry door. "PRIVATE COACH" Does it work, I do not know, but they look nice.

Semper Fi good buddy.

Herman