Centexrider

This is a terrific writeup and very helpful. In doing my research and having just completed the process for a Class A exempt license in Texas, I thought I would give my two cents on the subject. First, there is significant confusion about the requirement, including at the DL office and the testing facilities. When I went to the DPS office in Waco, after waiting about an hour to get my turn in line, when I explained to the person behind the desk what I was there for, he asked me how much my truck and RV weigh. I knew that wasn't the relevant question. The relevant question is "what is the gross combination weight rating" (GCWR) of the truck and trailer. The Texas CDL handbook states: "CLASS A: Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the gross vehicle weight rating of the vehicle or vehicles towed exceeds 10,000 pounds." The information I pulled from the Ram website specifically states that my truck has a GCWR of 27,300 lbs. Further, the dry weight of my toy hauler is over 12,000 lbs. Understanding this, it is clear to me that I need an exempt (non CDL) Class A license in the state of Texas to be legal. Lesson one: if the clerk starts asking about GVWR he/she is already on the wrong track. Have a copy of the CDL handbook handy to refer to. Also, take a copy of the manufacturer's stated GCWR with you as well as a photo of the placard from the RV which states it's weights. With the assistance of a supervisor, we got past the weights hurdle, and the clerk agreed that I need a Class A license. However, he then states "but you need a CDL". Here we go again. He then pulled out a form to prove his case, and on the form it clearly states the exemption for an RV, which I pointed out to him. Finally he agreed and allowed me to take the 20 question test. The test is not difficult; however, I recommend that you memorize the numbers in chapter 14 as mentioned in previous posts. Things like max weight of vehicles on Texas roads, max length, minimum distance of mud guards between the bottom and the ground, distance to place hazard warnings out, etc. If you know the numbers, you should have no problem with the written test. After successfully taking the test and paying the fees, I was able to schedule the test drive online. Not right away, however. When I tried to log onto their site using my valid Texas DL number and the info required, the site would not allow me on. I tried unsuccessfully to talk to someone about it, but finally had to resort to emailing them. A couple of days later, I got an email that the problem was corrected and I could logon, which I did and was able to schedule a test drive about three weeks later. I was told at the DL office which is well north of Waco that the driving test would have to be done at the CDL site, which is located south of Waco (thankfully much closer to my home). The day before the test, I stopped by to make sure about the documents required, etc. They presumed I was going to be driving a Class A RV, so when I told them it was a fifth wheel, they all seemed surprised, so they asked, wait wait, you guessed it..."what is the weight of your truck and RV?" This time I was armed with the correct info and they agreed. The day of the test drive finally arrived and I brought the documents (I thought) that were required: vehicle registrations, inspection reports (don't ask me why, it's required to get the registration, but I dug them up anyway), and proof of insurance. Anyway, after I parked the rig and checked in that I am there, one of them found me on the schedule and told me to go wait in my vehicle. Shortly two ladies came out and went directly to the weight placard on the RV. I naturally got out of the truck thinking one or both of them wanted to do a walk around inspection with me. I was curtly told to get back in the vehicle and wait. Shortly one of them (same one who was curt with me) then got in the passenger side of the truck and asked for the documents. She was very business like, and not the least bit friendly. Anyway, she started through the documents and asked where the proof of insurance for the fifth wheel is. I told her (correctly) that the insurance company doesn't give you a proof of insurance for a fifth wheel as the RV liability is covered by the truck's insurance. I knew this to be true, as I had previously spoken with the insurance representative (USAA) about this. She strongly stated that is not correct, even though I showed her documents that show the RV is covered. Finally I attempted to phone USAA, but we were in a poor cell phone reception area (it was also beginning to rain hard, which might have been the cause), and I was unable get a solid connection. After about five minutes struggling with this, I finally I asked her if she wants me to reschedule and she says no just forget about the insurance document, let's move on (I think she realized her mistake). At that point she told me she wanted to check the lights, so she briefed me on the hand signals she's going to give me. She then stepped to the front and checked the headlights, front turn signals, bright lights, then hazards. Then she walked to the back and checked the hazards there, then the turn signals and brake lights. Then she got back in the truck and asked if I know how to do a hydraulic brake check. Frankly, this threw me a bit, as I know that brakes on the RV are electric, so I said "no". She told me to pump the brake three times and hold it. She asked me if it's holding, and of course it is. The next step is the driving test. After briefing me on the way she's going to give me directions, she asked if I understand, to which I stated affirmative, and we hit the road. I was very careful to keep two hands on the wheel and practically have my head on a ball turret looking often in the mirrors. There were railroad crossings involved, so I slowed at them before crossing, though I did not stop as it is not required for an RV. As we neared an intersection I asked her if we were to turn or go straight and she curtly told me she would tell me at the appropriate time. (OK, I think to myself, keep your mouth shut and do as your told.) She had me go on about a six mile trek which included merging onto a freeway, then through an industrial area. At one point she asked me if I knew what the speed limit was for that section of road. When we arrived back on the CDL test site she had me pull up, shut down and to bring my driver license in. She did NOT have me back the rig up at anytime, and I did not volunteer. Anyway, I now have a temp license and the new Class AM (m for motorcycle) should arrive in the mail in a couple of weeks. I hope this is helpful to others who may need to do this test. If you tow a fifth wheel and are unsure if you need a Class A exempt I would start with getting the specs for your tow vehicle. If it's less than 26,001 lbs, I would print a copy and keep it with documents in the truck and just use a Class C license. If general, if you don't have a dually, you are probably safe, but if you do have a dually, you are probably "doomed". If the latter is the case, it really is not that big of a deal. Just understand the folks at the DL offices and testing facilities are not perfect in their knowledge about this and you may need to "educate" them a little bit. I wouldn't argue with them, but you should be armed with the correct information. Eventually if enough folks go through this procedure, they will get better at it too.