Do I Need a Special License to Drive an RV?
Dave SolbergDescription
Do you need a special license to drive an RV throughout this beautiful land of ours? We get this question a lot. The answer, generally, is no. However, certain states have different regulations for driving an RV, so it’s essential that you understand what you need before you hit the road.
In this free lesson, RV expert Dave Solberg explains where you can get away with a standard driver’s license and where you might need additional credentials. He talks about the important of checking with your state’s DMV and keeping a copy of their regulations so that you have evidence if you run into any issues along the way through other states. Know before you go, and all will be well!
When looking for a new RV, I get a lot of questions from people that ask do I need a special driver's license? Most States currently will allow you to drive an RV up to a certain length, usually about 40 feet, with just the typical driver's license. You don't need a CDL or any special type of permit, now, California is starting to change that. It depends on the weight. It depends on the size of the RV.
There are some states that are also putting out a class B license where you would go in and basically take a small test, add fee to it, usually isn't a driving test but there are states that are starting to change a little bit. It's important that you call your department of transportation and find out what is legal in your state. Then what you also wanna do is you wanna get a copy of that, so as you drive around the country there's what's called reciprocating state laws. So if I'm legal to drive in Iowa with a regular driver's license, I'm typically illegal to drive in these other states that have reciprocating state laws. So check with your DOT, maybe your highway patrol or when you get your motor vehicle license to check with them as well.
I was under the impression that some states(Ca) require a class A recreational license for a certain lenght trailer or 5th wheel.
Simple look on the back of your license it will state weight limits you can drive and tow. If your over that you need the next license. In all states.
PA does require a noncommercial Class B licence for any coach over 26,000 lbs.
New York State requires a RV endorsement if the RV is over 26,000 lbs. There isn't a written Test, but there is a Driving Test.
Useless video
Calif. requires any operator of a 5th wheel over 10,000 to 15,000 GVW must have an endorsement to their Class C license. Any 5th wheel over 15,000 GVW operator must have a Class A Non-Commercial or Class A CDL license. Both require additional testing and driver’s skill test behind the wheel. I just went through this last year. CHPs are starting to crack down on these vehicles to see if operator has the correct license. Also consider what would happen if you were in an accident, would your insurance cover you if you had the wrong license?
A class B license is worth getting as you will learn a lot by studying the materials and practice the driving skills...
If you are driving a vehicle which weighs over 26,001 pounds and or towing a vehicle up to 10,000 pounds you have to have a Class B license in all 50 states.