Class A License in TX??

[Bookemdanno]

Well I guess I need to go get a non-commercial Class A license. For those of us in TX if you have a combined (both RV&TV) GVWR of more than 26,000 lbs, apparently its required by TX State Law. I had no idea and I'm sure that there are others out there. This video does a good job of covering the topic.

https://youtu.be/7UBGRpuIMEI

[imjustdave]

Rv usually has an exemption.

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[Bookemdanno]

Originally Posted by imjustdave

Rv usually has an exemption.

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Not according to the video, but I'm going to ask some buddies within TX DPS that I know. I'll make my inquiry with them next week and hopefully report back my findings. I will tell you that the Troopers that I know will "probably" not waste their time and issue a ticket, but I'd rather know for sure what the law is!

[Bookemdanno]

One of my Trooper buddies just responded to me via text and told me that he's in the same boat with his RV. He said that YES, the limit is 26,001. The license is called a Class A exempt because you don't need a full CDL. The exemption for RV allows you to exempt from the full CDL, but you MUST have a Class A license...there's a form that you sign stating that you will only use the Class A for an RV, hence the non CDL certification. He said that I will need to take both a written and driving test with the RV & TV.

Guess I'll need to start studying next week!! Now that I KNOW, I'm that person that would rather do things properly and responsibly. But that's just me...I'm not preaching or saying that ya'll need to do the same. I just wanted to bring it to attention for those that it'll effect. There are folks out there that believe that "rules are for other people." I'm just not one of them. Having said that [I'm a Law Enforcement Officer], and I would never ticket or target someone for this if given the opportunity...I'd just advise them of the law (now that I fully understand it) and send them on their way.

[Bookemdanno]

Sorry, I should have added that my GVWR on my TV is 14,000 and the 377 RLBH is 13,633 for a total of 27,633.

[roughing it]

This is the same law in PA have gone and got permit just need to do driving test rather be legal than get in accident and not be covered

[Kahoneys]

For multiple reasons I am glad I do not live in Texas but would not mind the warm winters. Here are my 377 weights with truck and without. I weighed it on the way to a weekend trip to get our "normal" loaded weight. In Minnesota and Wisconsin we do not need a special license to pull our RV unless it is over 43 feet long.

[Bookemdanno]

But luckily for you...the laws in which State you register your vehicles is what applies in this case. So basically, you are good to go to down here in TX in the winter. Us Texans are who get screwed...if we choose to obey the statute.

[Les7h]

The class A CDL non commercial ( this is what it is called in Ector county ) is not difficult to get - mostly common sense but it is good to read the CDL book - technically a class B is what is required but the test is the same so why not get the class A?

[poohbear]

Had my Texas non-commercial A since 2012 when upgraded to the dually. You don't need to study all the commercial handbook. The driving test was easy & includes backing.
Also its not a commercial license, just an upgrade to regular DL. I didnt sign no form asking if pulling rv only cause this DL isn't for paid driving.
Remember too, it doesn't matter what your rig will actually wiegh on scales BUT what the combined Gross wieght stated on titles. I don't think I've ever been at max gvwr

[bertimus2002]

So if your combined weight is under 26k, regular license works?


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[Bookemdanno]

Yes, if your combined GVWR of the TV & RV is 26k or less, your regular license is all you need.


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[bertimus2002]

Originally Posted by Bookemdanno

Yes, if your combined GVWR of the TV & RV is 26k or less, your regular license is all you need.


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Looks like I get to go to the scale with my Ram 3500 dually and 375 BHFS to see how close I am. Fingers crossed!


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[Bookemdanno]

Originally Posted by bertimus2002

Looks like I get to go to the scale with my Ram 3500 dually and 375 BHFS to see how close I am. Fingers crossed!


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You don't have to go to the scales. Just look at the GVWR sticker for both the TV&RV. Add the 2 up and see where you fall. Actual weight doesn't matter.


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[bertimus2002]

Originally Posted by Bookemdanno

You don't have to go to the scales. Just look at the GVWR sticker for both the TV&RV. Add the 2 up and see where you fall. Actual weight doesn't matter.


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Bummer.

TV GVWR=14,000
RV GVWR=16,000

Looks like I have to figure out how to do this in a few weeks when back in Texas visiting.

How are regular folks supposed to know this stuff when you get mixed messages from the dealer to other people with similar setups?

Ugh!


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[poohbear]

Originally Posted by bertimus2002

Bummer.

TV GVWR=14,000
RV GVWR=16,000

Looks like I have to figure out how to do this in a few weeks when back in Texas visiting.

How are regular folks supposed to know this stuff when you get mixed messages from the dealer to other people with similar setups?

Ugh!


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Cause the dealer is trying to sale you something , " you don't need no stinking special license " . You might have bought the smaller rv, less commission.
The Texas CDL handbook does actually say that rv's are excempt, but then next page has the EXCEPTIONS to the EXCEMPTIONS which puts the 26001 combined GVWR into play. IIRC, there is a exemption if the trailer is less than 10000 gvwr

[Magnolia Tom]

Originally Posted by Bookemdanno

Well I guess I need to go get a non-commercial Class A license. For those of us in TX if you have a combined (both RV&TV) GVWR of more than 26,000 lbs, apparently its required by TX State Law. I had no idea and I'm sure that there are others out there. This video does a good job of covering the topic.



https://youtu.be/7UBGRpuIMEI

I saw this video a couple days ago and I guess I'll be getting the Class A myself


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[bertimus2002]

Yeah. Me too. Calling the DMV Monday to see what we need to have and do. We won’t be in TX for two more weeks so I’ll need to get it done then.


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[Bookemdanno]

Here's the link for TX DPS that another Trooper sent me, if anyone wants to read it.

https://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/dlClasses.htm

[bertimus2002]

I’m trying to figure out if I need to bring the TV and RV to the DMV for a driving test or not.

Anyone who has a fifth wheel and has taken the Class A in TX, any input?

Back to reading the CDL manual further.


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