Class A License in TX??

[Bookemdanno]

I don't "think" it'll work out for you. I was told that you need to show up with a vehicle or combination of vehicles that have a combined GVWR of 26,001 for the driving test. I've also been told (as of yesterday) that if you show up with the "test vehicle" and don't have a "legal" licensed driver for "said" test you fail! That is total BS to me! Not only do I need to be inconvenienced, but now I need to inconvenience and find a buddy that is "legal"?? I was better off being ignorant to the Law!!

[poohbear]

Originally Posted by bertimus2002

Question for those who recommended a U-Haul rental for the test. Does the vehicle you’re driving need to have a GVWR over 26k? The largest U-Haul truck GVWR is only 20k.

If that doesn’t matter, I’ll spend the money to rent one that works and use that instead.

Thoughts?


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One more time, the vehicle must meet or exceed the 26001 LB. combined GVWR so NO a 20K rated truck by itself won't do.
Your used to driving your Truck/RV, just take it in that. What most of us did.

[Bookemdanno]

Originally Posted by Bookemdanno

If I can make a suggestion (from my previous experience)...get out of the "big city!" Go take the exam (both written & driving) in Sherman, Greenville, Paris...go to the smaller rural DPS offices...it's a much nicer experience in my opinion.


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Originally Posted by Bookemdanno

I don't "think" it'll work out for you. I was told that you need to show up with a vehicle or combination of vehicles that have a combined GVWR of 26,001 for the driving test. I've also been told (as of yesterday) that if you show up with the "test vehicle" and don't have a "legal" licensed driver for "said" test you fail! That is total BS to me! Not only do I need to be inconvenienced, but now I need to inconvenience and find a buddy that is "legal"?? I was better off being ignorant to the Law!!

As a side note, I was also told that if you go to the "smaller" DPS offices, they sometimes are willing to bend the rules. I don't know if that's true or not, but I'm just throwing it out to y'all. Myself...I'll be going to Sherman or Paris, TX for my test. And then I'll legally and happily go camping!

[bertimus2002]

Originally Posted by Bookemdanno

I don't "think" it'll work out for you. I was told that you need to show up with a vehicle or combination of vehicles that have a combined GVWR of 26,001 for the driving test. I've also been told (as of yesterday) that if you show up with the "test vehicle" and don't have a "legal" licensed driver for "said" test you fail! That is total BS to me! Not only do I need to be inconvenienced, but now I need to inconvenience and find a buddy that is "legal"?? I was better off being ignorant to the Law!!

I’m calling the DMV tomorrow for the specifics. If I need a buddy with a class A I’m screwed. Ugh. Anyone in the DFW area with it wanna case of beer in two weeks for some time?


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[repacs0103]

Every state follows the same Federal DOT guideline, and per the Feds, a Class B CDL is for a straight truck with at least one of the following conditions: 26001 or more gvwr, 26' or longer body, or 3 or more axles. A Class A is any combination vehicle with a GCWR of 26001 or more. A Class A encompasses a B but not vice-versa. Based on that, you have to test with a qualifying vehicle for the license you are pursuing. I would think a non-commercial CDL would follow exactly the same guidelines. Also you absolutely cannot drive the test vehicle to the testing site without a properly licensed driver with you.

Here in Michigan there is no non-commercial CDL, but I'd love it if there was- would be nice to see more drivers know what it takes to properly pre-trip and operate a heavy combination vehicle or motor home.


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[poohbear]

Originally Posted by bertimus2002

I’m calling the DMV tomorrow for the specifics. If I need a buddy with a class A I’m screwed. Ugh. Anyone in the DFW area with it wanna case of beer in two weeks for some time?


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I could if you want to do it at Kilgore & pick me up on the way

[bertimus2002]

I’m taking it in New Boston in two weeks. Asked what was needed and they just said bring your rig and your papers. Written test next week.


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[Bookemdanno]

Originally Posted by Camper_bob

You're right, I'll probably be okay. I just looked and the GVWR is 19,500, but GCWR is 37,500!

So, if I'm towing the wrangler, I'll be good. If I'm towing my truck (~6800 lbs empty) I might be close!

Just for you Bob. Looks like you might need a Class B license depending on weight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vm5Uc1DwptU

[bertimus2002]

Originally Posted by Bookemdanno

Just for you Bob. Looks like you might need a Class B license depending on weight.

Because the trailer is >10,000 lbs it bumped me to a class a non-commercial.

Written test passed yesterday and driving test next Wednesday!


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[Bookemdanno]

Originally Posted by bertimus2002

Because the trailer is >10,000 lbs it bumped me to a class a non-commercial.

Written test passed yesterday and driving test next Wednesday!


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Let us know how it goes.

[Camper_bob]

Thanks 'danno!

Guess I'll have to consider this when the time comes! Luckily I'm under on everything right now ... by a lot!

[bertimus2002]

I completed my class a test on Wednesday. Had to hop on the interstate, off and turn back around. Then I had to back up straight for maybe 50’ and that was it. 20 minutes and it was done.

Class A license completed!

Was worth the $11 in cost to get it.


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[Bookemdanno]

Awesome! Congrats! I still haven't fully looked into it. I got a new position at work and I think I can get them to pay for the license...even tho it's $11. But it will be a requirement with my new position, so I figure they should pay for it and not me.


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[MadJoker TX]

Originally Posted by bertimus2002

I completed my class a test on Wednesday. Had to hop on the interstate, off and turn back around. Then I had to back up straight for maybe 50’ and that was it. 20 minutes and it was done.

Class A license completed!

Was worth the $11 in cost to get it.


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Great! Did you drive the trailer there yourself? Or have someone with the proper license take it to DMV? Been wondering if it is some sort of setup, when you arrive to take the test with your trailer and do no have the license.

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[Dskyward]

Saw this post today and wanted to chime in. I have a 2017 377 RLBH rated at 16,500 GVWR, a 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 MC dually 4x2, and the door sticker says 10,500 GVWR, yet my registration shows a 1 ton pickup at 7300 empty weight plus 2000 cargo weight = 9,300 lbs registered weight. So both TV and camper together is 25,800 lbs according to their registered weights. So now, I'm wondering those that have the newer 1 ton duallies with a 14000 GVWR on the door, please lookup and see what your DMV registration reads. Do they still call it a 1 ton and only add 2000 lbs to the empty weight of your DRW or SRW pickup?

While traveling back in August with our daughter and 2 granddaughters and their luggage, we stopped at a CAT scale in WY, after filling the 52 gal Titan midship tank and with all five of us inside, the scale read 26,000 lbs! Wow, just 1 lb more and I'm over the limit for my class C license. So I layed off the 1 lb hamburger at the next stop. Ha.

[poohbear]

Its the door sticker GVWR that counts, your over the class c limit.

[imjustdave]

Originally Posted by Dskyward

Saw this post today and wanted to chime in. I have a 2017 377 RLBH rated at 16,500 GVWR, a 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 MC dually 4x2, and the door sticker says 10,500 GVWR, yet my registration shows a 1 ton pickup at 7300 empty weight plus 2000 cargo weight = 9,300 lbs registered weight.......... the scale read 26,000 lbs! Wow, just 1 lb more and I'm over the limit for my class C license. So I layed off the 1 lb hamburger at the next stop. Ha.

So I hate to bust your bubble but they go by the sticker weight GVWR to determine if the driver needs a CDL. You could drive a day cab empty truck and trailer that is less then 26,000 lbs and you still need a class A to drive it.
So looking at your GVWR of 10500 + 16500 = 27K lbs... being that it is a trailer Class A. And you could also get a ticket for not having enough tounage registration weight, as well. So your weight is 26000 - 9300 paid tonnage = 16,700 lbs worth of ticket and they charge by the lb in my next of the woods.

Now will you get pulled over and hassled.. more than likely not as you have an RV "they have been living in an exempt state for awhile" but if it was a utility trailer or you looked comercial in any way you bet you might get pulled over and may end up with a fines and a out of service on the side of the road.

[poohbear]

Originally Posted by imjustdave

So I hate to bust your bubble but they go by the sticker weight GVWR to determine if the driver needs a CDL. You could drive a day cab empty truck and trailer that is less then 26,000 lbs and you still need a class A to drive it.
So looking at your GVWR of 10500 + 16500 = 27K lbs... being that it is a trailer Class A. And you could also get a ticket for not having enough tounage registration weight, as well. So your weight is 26000 - 9300 paid tonnage = 16,700 lbs worth of ticket and they charge by the lb in my next of the woods.

Now will you get pulled over and hassled.. more than likely not as you have an RV "they have been living in an exempt state for awhile" but if it was a utility trailer or you looked comercial in any way you bet you might get pulled over and may end up with a fines and a out of service on the side of the road.

Here in Texas its not a CDL , its a NON-Commercial class A or B but no matter your correct its his combined door stickers make him needing the license upgrade.
If you should get into a need to show license or defend yourself in court , you'll be glad you took the test

[Dskyward]

Thanks guys. The trailer is paid registered for 16500. I only see a 1200 lb deficit for the pickup. I was wondering why the DMV typed the registration up like that. Looks like I'll have to do my duty.

[imjustdave]

Originally Posted by Dskyward

Thanks guys. The trailer is paid registered for 16500. I only see a 1200 lb deficit for the pickup. I was wondering why the DMV typed the registration up like that. Looks like I'll have to do my duty.

Not for weight tonnage.... truck registration is what covers your tonnage down the road, if you were to get a weight ticket Trailer is just registered and licensed.

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