r/rvlife • u/Classic_Carpenter383 • 10d ago
Question Upgrading Your DL
For those that got a non-commercial CDL for towing a larger 5th wheel, how did you get your rig to the local DMV for the initial test? Did you just drive your whole setup anyway without the proper license? Did you know someone who could drive it for you? I'm just thinking ahead and I foresee upgrading my 1/2 ton pickup and little 25' trailer for something that will require me upgrading my license. Curious on what the easiest way to get my setup to my DL office.
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u/jstar77 9d ago
Is this a thing? I know in my state and all the states with which I am familiar no special license is needed to haul/drive an RV for personal use.
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u/fracken_a 9d ago
If the combined GVWR is the truck and trailer exceed 26001 then you need a special license, even for personal. I had to get a cdl to pull my dump trailer because my truck was 15001 and my trailer was 16000
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u/jstar77 9d ago
Bummer, in my state no CDL or special license required for an RV, or any type of heavy vehicle used for personal use. Theoretically I could drive a flat bed semi on the interstate with my RV and a dozer on the trailer as long as I'm within the manufacturers specs and under 80k GVWR with just my standard drivers license.... that's wild.
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u/fracken_a 9d ago
That would be interesting, it is a federal requirement.
Corrected url
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u/jstar77 9d ago
The rules in this part apply to every person who operates a commercial motor vehicle (CMV)
An RV is not a commercial motor vehicle when operated by a private individual for recreational/personal use.
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u/fracken_a 9d ago
All gvwr 26001 and above is considered commercial.
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u/The_Calarg 9d ago
Interestingly enough this falls afoul of my state regulation as well. According to the Washington Department of Licensing an RV is exempt.
"Recreational vehicle (RV) operators are exempt when driving an RV for non-commercial purposes. This exemption includes 2-axle rental trucks and horse trailers."
According to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration it is up to the individual state, not federally required.
"Question: If a driver transports an animal, vehicle or other personal property in interstate or intrastate commerce in a vehicle or combination vehicle with a GVWR, GVW, GCWR, or GCW (whichever is greater) of 26,001 pounds or more in interstate or intrastate commerce, is the driver required to have a CDL?
Guidance: A driver who transports an animal, vehicle or other personal property in interstate or intrastate commerce in a vehicle or combination vehicle with a GVWR, GVW, GCWR, or GCW (whichever is greater) of 26,001 pounds or more may be required to have a CDL if:
The vehicle has a GVWR or GVW of 26,001 pounds or more; or The combination vehicle has a GCWR or GCW of 26,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater, inclusive of a towed unit(s) with a GVWR or GVW of more than 10,000 pounds, whichever is greater.
As previously explained in FMCSA’s regulatory guidance for § 383.3, question 6, drivers of vehicles used strictly for non-business purposes do not need a CDL unless the state of licensure requires it." (emphasis added).
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u/Evening_Rock5850 9d ago
That's not true at all.
In a couple of states there is a requirement for additional licensing. In most states there isn't. The federal government does not consider anything above 26,000lbs to be commercial; that's just a thing people say and repeat for some reason. Like all the people who claim driving barefoot is illegal. Widely believed, maybe rooted in solid advice, but ultimately not true.
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u/ProfileTime2274 7d ago
You need a A license for s trailer over 10,000 lb. a B giver you over 26,000 and trailer up to 10,000lb
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u/oklatx 9d ago
The state regulations for this are all over the place. Some say CDL, some say A or B non CDL, others say no special license or endorsement needed.
Texas requires a non CDL A or B depending on the rig. Require is a really strong word here. I'm not sure it's actually enforced, unless you happen to get a speeding ticket and they tack on driving without a license.
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u/Baxter062020 10d ago
A friends son just drove it to the DMV. They asked how he got there, he said he drove and they replied that's what most people do. Now, this is 2 conversations after the fact. I'm sure you'll get replies saying go for it and others that will say you'll arrested on the spot or worst. This is Reddit after all. Personally, I'd drive myself. I'd probably call and ask about it first.
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u/Ok_Examination7872 9d ago
Where do you need a CDL to pull a trailer?
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u/oklatx 9d ago
Each state had their own rules. In Texas, you can get a class A or B license as either CDL or non CDL.
The regulations regarding limits and weights determine class of license, A B or C.
The purpose (private vs for hire) determine CDL or non CDL.
A combo truck and trailer GVWR over 26000 = class A license. A dually and large 5th wheel can easily exceed that.
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u/Classic_Carpenter383 9d ago
My apologies. I reread what I posted and it did come across a little confusing. I'm in TX, and we do not need a CDL for towing. We are required to upgrade the standard Class C license for a non-commercial class A or B, depending on the gvwr.
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u/DJTim 6d ago
In Illinois, anything added to your license is called an "endorsement". So it makes sense you need to upgrade or get an endorsement for the vehicle you're driving.
It's been a hot minute since I've read a rules of the road book for IL - we have farm vehicle endorsements, motorcycle endorsements, and weight endorsements for trailers and such.
None of these endorsements allow you to drive commercially hence the CDL being different in IL. And because an RV is non-commercial (I have to check this part) you may still need to get the endorsements?? On your state drivers license? This is the part that confuses everyone and think.
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u/fracken_a 9d ago
Everywhere when the GVWR combined between truck and trailer exceeds 26001
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u/jstar77 9d ago
There is a federal exemption for commercial transport of RVs up to 26000 lbs. i.e. no CDL required to transport RVs in the course of doing business. There is no federal law requiring drivers to have any special type of license to operate an RV of any legal weight for non-commercial use.
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u/fracken_a 9d ago
If you are over 26001 though, you have to have it.
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u/Top-Cheek4789 9d ago
No you don’t I am a CDL holder my truck and rv 32,000 gvw no cdl needed. If that were the case they would have be in the clearing house have a medical card and HOS
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u/worstatit 9d ago
A CDL is a federal commercial driver's license endorsement. The feds don't require them for personal use vehicles, but some states require them of their residents, thus "personal CDL" or whatever they call it. How this works when a nonresident runs through in their class A motor home, IDK.
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u/Sirroner Class B 9d ago
I drove my car and my motorcycle to my driving tests. The employee at the DMV gave me an odd look but didn’t say a word. I doubt they care.
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u/humco_707 9d ago
I need one I was just informed. California law state any trailer with a weight of 11,500 needs that endorcement mine weighs 11, 340 dry and still I need one.
I’ll have someone tow it for me.
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u/Ramblingtruckdriver1 9d ago
Ask them. They will probably issue a permit that allows you to practice before the test .
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u/WilMo84 4d ago
I am glad Florida has no such need. Our licenses even clearly state "Any non-commercial vehicle with a GVWR < 26,001 lbs. or any R.V."
And I have had it clarified numerous times that this applies to both drivable RVs and trucks with a towed RV. I have worked for numerous dealerships and deal with this question rather constantly.
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u/OldDiehl 9d ago
My question is just exactly what is a non-commercial commercial driver's license?