A commercial license commonly known as a cdl is the same kind of license commercial bus drivers and truckers get.
Do you need cdl for rv in texas.
There are three basic classes of cdls.
Here are a few of the basic cdl license requirements for towing a trailer as well as those specific to the state of texas.
However if you happen to be a rare bird driving a big rig motorhome in hawaii you might need a cdl.
The two classes applicable to rv s are a b which are defined below.
Drivers need a class b license to drive a single vehicle over 26 000 pounds.
Fmcsa defines several cdl classes based on vehicle weight type and cargo.
You may schedule a skills test at one of the following driver license offices if you will be operating a class a combination or b straight vehicle which does not require you to possess a cdl.
A non commercial special license may also be required by the state for those looking to drive large weighty vehicles for their own private purposes.
You may not have to worry about getting a non commercial driver s license as you may have already met the requirements with your cdl.
But most importantly many states require a special non commercial license for rvs over 26 000 lbs or certain towing combinations.
However each state has it s own rules which can make things confusing for rv renters and new owners.
To obtain a cdl it will be necessary for you to determine which class you will need.
While most states do not require a cdl for driving large rv s some do require special non commercial licenses structured after the federal classification.
States and situations that require special licenses california.
Non cdl class a and b exempt vehicles test sites.
You need a class b non commercial license to drive a vehicle weighing over 26 000 pounds.
To make it easy to find the information you need we broke down the rules state by state.
Class a vehicles can weigh anywhere from 13 000 to 30 000 pounds.
Here s all you need to know about what driving licenses you need for each rv type.
If you are towing a fifth wheel plus a trailer behind that you need a license called a recreational double.
Class a permits the holder to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26 001 pounds or more provided the gross vehicle weight rating gvwr of the vehicle or vehicles towed.
The vehicle categories which may be tested at these locations are listed below.
There are also some large towing combination lengths that might require a cdl in some states.
So what s a cdl anyway and do you need a cdl to drive an rv.