I live in louisiana and i have a cdl b/c i drove tractor/trailers for several years. as far as i know, the main reason behind the cdl (commercial drivers license) is for control over the commercial motor freight industry and it does not apply to non-commercial vehicles. i does not hurt to have a cdl until you get a traffic violation. they cost more for cdl license holders b/c "you know better".
hammer01 wrote: it does not apply to non-commercial vehicles. i does not hurt to have a cdl until you get a traffic violation. they cost more for cdl license holders b/c "you know better".
The problem is that States like Texas DO HAVE special license requirements for some types of RVs - MHs over 26,000lbs and trailers over 10,000lbs. Since the States don't want to take the time to create special testing that would be unique to RVs, they simply copy parts of the CDL tests and call that done. So, for all intents and purposes, a large RV license in Texas is the equivalent of a CDL but does not carry all of the other burdens that come with it - logging, weigh stations, etc. I wasn't aware that one of those burdens was also heavier fees for citations but considering that much enforcement seems to be revenue rather than safety oriented anyway, it makes sense.
Back to the pre-trip inspection. Stim, I understand your point and actually look at things like you describe not only as a pre-trip but at every stop. I walk around the outside, especially checking tow bar and connections, safety cables, etc. but also looking for anything that doesn't look normal or smells funny. I'm sorry but checking for a frame or a rear wheel spacer on a rig that I own doesn't make common sense to me.
Remember that your vehicle must pass an NC safety inspection prior to the road test. I had not had mine inspected and the DMV officer would not conduct the road test until I passed an inspection. Inspection stations for +26,001 lbs vehicles are not on every corner, so plan ahead. Inspection requirements mandate lifting the vehicle to inspect the suspension and frame, but some stations don't bother.
As others have said, a Class B non-CDL license is required for an RV over 26,001 lbs in NC. The written test contains questions from the CDL test, but doesn't have questions on transporting hazardous materials, etc. My coach has air brakes, but the examiner said I didn't need to take the air brakes test. I suspect this was an error. I think many NCDMV examiners are ignorant of the requirements for the Class B non-CDL. My examiner skipped the walk-around inspection. The driving test involved a 15-minute drive through urban traffic and backing up in a straight line about 100' in a parking lot between two rows of parked cars.
I think the hardest part of the test was waiting for my wife to return from her driving test. That was probably the longest 15 minutes in my life. But she passed with flying colors, despite very limited driving time in the coach.
* This post was
edited 04/24/09 09:59am by footslogger *
footslogger
2004 Country Coach Allure 33' Cummins 370HP ISL
400 Watt Solar Array. M&G Braking System
2003 Honda Element (and as many canoes as I can carry!)
I took the written test for a class b license last friday. There were 50 multiple choice questions and to pass you had to make 80 or not miss more than 10. Today drove the mh to a parking lot and to take the drivers test. Did not have a preinspection with examiner, we got into the motorhome and drove about 4 miles down 4 lane and come back and got my class b license. Easy written and no problems with the driving. sky
Tarheelrv wrote: A motor home is classed as a regular veh. You do not have a weight listed for the motor home. A class C is all you need.
I'm afraid that you need to study the DMV rules and regulations;
Class B: Required to operate:
* A single motor vehicle that has a GVWR of at least 26,001 lbs.
* A combination of motor vehicles that includes as part of the combination a towing unit that has a GVWR of at least 26,001 lbs and a towed unit that has a GVWR of less than 10,001 lbs
* This post was
edited 09/09/09 06:27pm by mytime *
2007 Country Coach, Allure 470, 42',ISL Cummins 400, 2008 Trailblazer TV, Blackhawk and Brakemaster.
Tarheelrv wrote: A motor home is classed as a regular veh. You do not have a weight listed for the motor home. A class C is all you need.
I'm afraid that you need to study the DMV rules and regulations;
Class B: Required to operate:
* A single motor vehicle that has a GVWR of at least 26,001 lbs.
* A combination of motor vehicles that includes as part of the combination a towing unit that has a GVWR of at least 26,001 lbs and a towed unit that has a GVWR of less than 10,001 lbs
I agree with mytime - just check the back of your NC state issued driver's license and you will see weights listed. Now just think about your insurance company denying your accident claim because you weren't properly licensed to drive the vehicle. The written and driving test was a piece of cake and the extra knowledge didn't hurt.
Here is the URL from the NCDOT website. I don't understand why some do not understand this. WE DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE A CLASS A or B CDL but if your motorhome weighs 26001 lbs, or over, you need a class b non CDL license, and if your truck and trailer weigh over 26001 lbs. or you tow a trailer over 10,000 lbs, you need a class A non CDL to drive in NC! sky
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