RLCASC

On 5/31/2020 at 9:22 AM, solber said:

Thank you all for these posts.... I've been wondering what the status is, of getting this license due to the limited DMV operations post Covid. This is super helpful, so thank you to everyone that took the time (and patience) to begin and add to this post.  Super helpful...

One question that I do have still.... once one passes the "written" test, does that then serve as a "learner's permit"? I'd LOVE to have some real behind the wheel practice, and help my DH drive from Texas to Oregon to visit our son, and then take the actual driving test once we got home in a month. My hubby does have his license to drive our bus. 

To be assured that you would be in compliance, I would recommend a call to DPS.

But,  after completing your test, as you noticed, no changes were made to your class C nor any additional documentation giving you permission to drive. Only after completing driving test will you then be given temporary permit to drive until license arrives in mail. 

3 hours ago, David-and-Cheryl said:

Poor choice of words on my part. I meant the recommended pressure on the door jamb. My conjecture was that examiners are used to looking at that for cars, and in the absence of it for RVs (I don't know about motorhomes, but most trailers don't have one), they would look at the tire's max pressure rating, which is often higher.

Regardless, it's surprising to me that the CDL test requires inflation to the maximum pressure on the tire, assuming that's true. I would think that most large commercial vehicles would use the tire manufacturer's load/inflation tables (like you were), rather than just inflating to the maximum on the tire--and that examiners would be aware of that fact. But wonders never cease, especially when it comes to governmental agencies.  

My son has had his CDL for many years and has driven the testing vehicles for others to the DPS for their driving/road test. He said not unusual for maximum tire pressure to be required on commercial vehicles.

4 hours ago, David-and-Cheryl said:

Thanks for sharing your experience. That's the first time I've ever heard of an examiner checking tire pressures. Very interesting. I guess s/he thought the tire in question looked underinflated? Just curious, what pressure were you running the tires at?

 

Yes your guess is correct. The examiner thought it was under inflated, but wouldn’t accept the Michelin tire inflation chart for RVs. Apparently The CDL test requires maximum tire inflation and was holding an RV to that standard. As to the answer to your question; Tire size 255 80R 22.5. Total front axle weight is 8280 lbs, 80 lb inflation, by chart is 4300 each tire, total 8600. Tires were checked to between 80 - 85lbs.

Scheduled my road/ driving test at Wichita Falls DPS.
Tester walked out looked at the right front tire and ask if I had a tire gauge.

I stated I did, and was asked to check tire pressure. I had tire pressures set to Michelin RV tire chart standards. Tester stated that tire pressures had to be set at Max tire pressure of 110 lbs or driving test couldn’t continue.

Once I pressured up all 6 tires to 110, Tester did safety check, had me do the standard air brake test, then proceeded with road test. Did straight line backing and about 4 mile of highway driving with two entrance and two exit ramps as part of test. 

After reading many of the posts, I didn’t remember anyone mentioning tire air pressure as a possible requisite. Would have had that base covered before leaving home. 

Passed test so all is well.