Do I need a CDL, Noncommercial Class A/B, or Good to Go?

Interesting - the two articles are somewhat different. I notice that Arkansas is different between our two lists. Out of curiosity, I might chase down the licensing requirements in that state. But, I think you are right and everything that I have found states that a person only has to comply with the licensing requirements for recreational RV use in their home state. If so, they are compliant in all states.

That is exactly what the summary states.

And most importantly, when in doubt, contact your local DMV to find out for sure what your state laws are! If you follow these simple rules, you’ll be enjoying your stress-free road trip in no time at all! Happy travels!
 
Signs say ALL vehicles with trailers. As far as weight that close I wouldn't worry about it.
The issue comes down to insurance. If you are grossly overweight and not legal, insurance will not cover you. No different that pulling doubles and being over the State legal length. Anything happens, insurance may not cover you.
Most States require a CDL over 26K.

I guess I’ve always just assumed that meant guys hauling rv’s for transport or commercial, never have seen anyone pull in there that was recreating. You can tell by the tags on the tow vehicle. What do they do with you when you pull in there? Go through the regular process or just wave you through?
 
I live in TX and have my Class A because I'm over the Gross GVWR with the combined 5er and TV. Luckily I got my job to pay for it due to having to drive/tow "larger" vehicles. I just have the Class A endorsement, which encompasses the Class B. It has the non-CDL endorsement. For those of you in TX, you basically take the written and driving CDL test, but don't get the endorsement on you DL, which saves you money.
 
In Canada, once your trailer exceeds 10,000 lbs. You need a class 3 license. Yet driving a single axle motorhome up to 26,000 lbs does not require any special license.
 
not required in Michigan although you need a Recreational doubles endorsement for hauling another trailer behind a fifth wheel. I got stopped several years ago in Kentucky for over length trooper asked how long was I and I told him 60 feet. he said it looked longer that that I asked him if he had a tape measure he didn't neither did I so he let me go!
 
Grump, you were fortunate not to get stopped in Ontario as there is a requirement for class A/B certification on drivers licence if combined weight exceeds 22K lbs. I had this issue with my RAM 3500 Dually and 42 Ft Fiver. Really boils down to insurance coverage if you have an accident or get stopped for infraction or safety check on the highway. Not something to fool with. Some states and provinces may be lax on enforcement but… only takes one! I met far too many folks that weren’t getting certification for air brakes as well when handling coaches.
Irishrover
 
Grump, you were fortunate not to get stopped in Ontario as there is a requirement for class A/B certification on drivers licence if combined weight exceeds 22K lbs.

As a Canadian Citizen YES... As a US Citizen NO..

While planning their Canadian RV road trip, many visitors ask whether they need to have a special driver's license or an international license to drive an RV in Canada. The answer is simple: no, you do not
 
As a Canadian Citizen YES... As a US Citizen NO..

While planning their Canadian RV road trip, many visitors ask whether they need to have a special driver's license or an international license to drive an RV in Canada. The answer is simple: no, you do not
Thank you Grumpy! As a Canadian for sure- Right! Depends who you have asked. RV dealer told me I didn’t need one as well but found out from Department of Transportation that I did. Again, it goes back to insurance coverage. I didn’t need the certification to go to US as I was told initially but found out that varied and my insurance company wouldn’t cover me if I drove without it. So, my suggestion “ no skin off your butt” if you get the proper non- Commercial Certification. Good reading/discussion. Thanks again!
 
Class A was easy!

In Kansas I was required to get a Class A (Non CDL) for pulling our rig as we are over the GVW 26,000 lbs. But it was no problem at all, took the written test and went for a drive with the lady (pulling our camper) and got the Class A. No muss no fuss.:D
 
In Kansas I was required to get a Class A (Non CDL) for pulling our rig as we are over the GVW 26,000 lbs. But it was no problem at all, took the written test and went for a drive with the lady (pulling our camper) and got the Class A. No muss no fuss.:D

Thanks for that information. I was interested in knowing what the requirements might be in states requiring a Special (Non-CDL) License. Do you know if the written test was the same as the CDL Class A test? Also, was a pre-driving test inspection with Q&A required before the driving test? We don't have any License requirement in Oklahoma, I'm just curious.
 
Testing my memory!!

Thanks for that information. I was interested in knowing what the requirements might be in states requiring a Special (Non-CDL) License. Do you know if the written test was the same as the CDL Class A test? Also, was a pre-driving test inspection with Q&A required before the driving test? We don't have any License requirement in Oklahoma, I'm just curious.

If I remember correctly, it was not the CDL test and no vehicle inspection other than making sure the lights, horn and that kind of stuff worked. I've taken the CDL test but it was a really long time ago, like 40 years or so. Drove around a little didn't run over anything and had to back up without doing any damage. Passed!

Last time I went through Oklahoma the roads were so rough I couldn't go fast enough to get in much trouble:)
 
The United States of America and Canada share a mutual agreement in which driver's licenses are valid under the grounds of being a tourist for a period of six months.

As far as Canada and the USA is concerned, any full license issued in any jurisdiction is instantly accepted in every state and province. I understand that if you are legally licensed in your home province or state for the vehicle you are driving, then you are also legal everywhere else under this agreement.
 
Just a random thought related to CDL driving tests, I would check with a few different testing locations that issue the test because some DL offices have their driving tests in locations that are more challenging to drive through. One county near where I live routes the test through some narrow streets with 4 way stops that would be difficult to negotiate the turns when other traffic is in the area. Of course everyone should know how to handle driving in such areas but testing in some locations could cause one to be more nervous compared to other testing locations. ~CA
 
If I remember correctly, it was not the CDL test and no vehicle inspection other than making sure the lights, horn and that kind of stuff worked. I've taken the CDL test but it was a really long time ago, like 40 years or so. Drove around a little didn't run over anything and had to back up without doing any damage. Passed!

Last time I went through Oklahoma the roads were so rough I couldn't go fast enough to get in much trouble:)

True - The turnpikes and many of the state highways in Oklahoma are decent. The interstates, however, can really rattle your teeth or they are under constant maintenance.
 
In Canada, once your trailer exceeds 10,000 lbs. You need a class 3 license. Yet driving a single axle motorhome up to 26,000 lbs does not require any special license.


Incorrect. Each province and territory in Canada has its own requirements. If you are legal in your home province you are legal in all of them as well as any state in the US. It's called reciprocity.
 
In Canada, once your trailer exceeds 10,000 lbs. You need a class 3 license. Yet driving a single axle motorhome up to 26,000 lbs does not require any special license.

I never saw a motorhome on a single axle. That would sure be tricky to drive down the highway.
 

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