California Drivers Lic

[JEEPOHOLIC]

Ok I need some help here, I'm applying for a new drivers lic in California, my old lic is from Washington State, and in order to pull my fifth wheel in the state ( legally ) I was told I would need a non commercial class C Lic, and I must take a written and driving test with the fifth wheel hooked to the truck during the driving test, I have had 2 motor homes before on my Washington Lic and never had to do any of this, am I missing something or is this the normal for California? So some background on my equipment I drive a Freightliner FL-60 rated for 26,000 GVWR, and pull a 38 foot toy hauler rated at 14,400 pounds empty, the clerks and managers at this DMV office were just as confused as me because as they said, we have never had anyone come in here and apply for this lic in the 18 years that manager has worked there, that kind of tells me everyone is just pulling their trailers with a normal drivers lic, thoughts, advice ? Signed totally confused

[Chad Heiser]

What is the GVWR of your 5th wheel/toy hauler? This will be the determining factor on what license you need.

 

In CA you can drive any vehicle with a GVW of 26000 lbs or less with a normal driver license - Class C

 

You can pull any trailer up to 10000 lbs GVW with a Class C license

 

You can tow a 5th wheel travel trailer up to 15000 lbs GVW with a special endorsement on your Class C license

 

If the GVW of your 5th wheel is over 15000 lbs, you must have a Class A license to tow it legally. It can be a non-commercial Class A

 

It is based on the max weight rating (GVW) of your trailer, not its actual weight

 

Here is a link to the DMV web sight with the information I explained above:

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/cdl_htm/lic_chart

[JEEPOHOLIC]

The GVW of the toy hauler is 14,040, the GVWR IS 18,420 is that any help

[Chad Heiser]

I meant to say GVWR in my first post. With a GVWR of 18420, you will need a non commercial Class A license in CA. This will require a written and driving test with the truck and 5er.

[JEEPOHOLIC]

I want thank everyone that posted and helped clear this up, now what kind of test questions will there be for a class A lic and where can I find some testing material, looks like it's going to be another trip to the DMV to answer these questions

[JEEPOHOLIC]

I want thank everyone that posted and helped clear this up, now what kind of test questions will there be for a class A lic and where can I find some testing material, looks like it's going to be another trip to the DMV to answer these questions

[Lou Schneider]

Here you go ...

 

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?1dmy&urile=wcm:path:/dmv_content_en/dmv/pubs/dl648/dl648pt3

To obtain an original noncommercial Class A license - Adults must:

• Complete an application for a driver license (DL 44).
• Pay the application fee.
• Submit a Health Questionnaire (DL 546) dated not more than two years prior to the date of your application.
• Pass the basic Class C law test, unless you renewed your Class C license within the past 12 months.
• Pass the Recreational Vehicles and Noncommercial Class A Trailers law test.
• Pass a vision test.
• Pass a pre-trip inspection test.
• Pass the skills test.
• Pass a driving test while towing the type of vehicle you wish to be licensed for.

Minors must:

• Complete the items listed above.
• Meet the additional requirements listed in the California Driver Handbook in the Provisional License section.

Examinations:

• Recreational Vehicles and Noncommercial Class A Trailers law test. You must pass the law test based on the information contained in this booklet. The test may be taken at any DMV field office. You may make an appointment online at www.dmv.ca.gov or by calling DMV at 1-800-777-0133.
• Vehicle Safety Check. Before the pre-trip inspection test, you must demonstrate that the turn signals, brake lights, horn, and emergency flashers are working. This is not part of your pre-trip test. However, if any of these items are not working properly or are missing your driving test will be postponed.
• Pre-trip Inspection Test. The pre-trip inspection test is a knowledge test. You must identify and explain the features and equipment on the vehicle which should be inspected before operating the vehicle. If your vehicle is equipped with air brakes, you must demonstrate and explain how the air brake system works. Inoperable, missing, or unsafe equipment will postpone the driving test.
• Skills Tests. Skills tests are designed to demonstrate your skill in stopping, backing in a straight line, completing a right turn around a cone or marker, and backing into a camping space. These tests are done at low speed and test how well you can maneuver the vehicle.
• Driving Test. The driving test includes entering and exiting a freeway, freeway driving with lane changes, right and left turns into one-way and two-way traffic, railroad crossings, and driving on a grade or steep hill, etc. You may make an appointment by calling 1-800-777-0133. Online appointments are not available for this type of driving test.
• Health Questionnaire. A Health Questionnaire (DL 546) form is required and must be given to DMV for review and approval before your license is issued and then every two years after that. The Health Questionnaire expires two years from your signature date. Failure to maintain a valid Health Questionnaire form with DMV will mean that your license is valid only for Class C and, if endorsed, for Class M1 or M2 vehicles. Health Questionnaire forms are available online at www.dmv.ca.gov.

 

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California Class C License Handbook:

 

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/web/eng_pdf/dl600.pdf

 

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California Recreational Vehicles and Trailers Handbook:

 

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/wcm/connect/28423ba0-bba6-4347-9e21-db274e970772/dl648.pdf?MOD=AJPERES

 

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DL 546 Health Questionaire: (required to be submitted every 2 years to keep the NonCommercial Class A privileges in effect)

 

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/wcm/connect/ccb34b9a-aa95-4713-89b1-f5cbf8c536e8/dl546.pdf?MOD=AJPERES

 

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If your rig has air brakes, additional information about how air brakes work is contained in the Commercial Class A Drivers Handbook and is excellent knowledge for anyone who uses air brakes:

 

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/web/eng_pdf/comlhdbk.pdf

[CrazyCooter]

The non-commercial A written test is gravy. Types of fire extinguishers, increased stopping distances, etc. Passed it without without studying..... If you have been around trucks, Jeeps, trailers, and industrial type settings it will be second nature to you.

[HamRad]

By the way you need to have a person who has a valid Class A license drive your rig to the testing site. Since you are taking the test you probably don't yet have the appropriate license and thus could not legally drive your rig to the testing site. Good luck. Dennis

[Dollytrolley]

Here you go ...

 

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?1dmy&urile=wcm:path:/dmv_content_en/dmv/pubs/dl648/dl648pt3

 

To obtain an original noncommercial Class A license - Adults must:

• Complete an application for a driver license (DL 44).
• Pay the application fee.
• Submit a Health Questionnaire (DL 546) dated not more than two years prior to the date of your application.
• Pass the basic Class C law test, unless you renewed your Class C license within the past 12 months.
• Pass the Recreational Vehicles and Noncommercial Class A Trailers law test.
• Pass a vision test.
• Pass a pre-trip inspection test.
• Pass the skills test.
• Pass a driving test while towing the type of vehicle you wish to be licensed for.

Minors must:

• Complete the items listed above.
• Meet the additional requirements listed in the California Driver Handbook in the Provisional License section.

Examinations:

• Recreational Vehicles and Noncommercial Class A Trailers law test. You must pass the law test based on the information contained in this booklet. The test may be taken at any DMV field office. You may make an appointment online at www.dmv.ca.gov or by calling DMV at 1-800-777-0133.
• Vehicle Safety Check. Before the pre-trip inspection test, you must demonstrate that the turn signals, brake lights, horn, and emergency flashers are working. This is not part of your pre-trip test. However, if any of these items are not working properly or are missing your driving test will be postponed.
• Pre-trip Inspection Test. The pre-trip inspection test is a knowledge test. You must identify and explain the features and equipment on the vehicle which should be inspected before operating the vehicle. If your vehicle is equipped with air brakes, you must demonstrate and explain how the air brake system works. Inoperable, missing, or unsafe equipment will postpone the driving test.
• Skills Tests. Skills tests are designed to demonstrate your skill in stopping, backing in a straight line, completing a right turn around a cone or marker, and backing into a camping space. These tests are done at low speed and test how well you can maneuver the vehicle.
• Driving Test. The driving test includes entering and exiting a freeway, freeway driving with lane changes, right and left turns into one-way and two-way traffic, railroad crossings, and driving on a grade or steep hill, etc. You may make an appointment by calling 1-800-777-0133. Online appointments are not available for this type of driving test.
• Health Questionnaire. A Health Questionnaire (DL 546) form is required and must be given to DMV for review and approval before your license is issued and then every two years after that. The Health Questionnaire expires two years from your signature date. Failure to maintain a valid Health Questionnaire form with DMV will mean that your license is valid only for Class C and, if endorsed, for Class M1 or M2 vehicles. Health Questionnaire forms are available online at www.dmv.ca.gov.

---------------------------------------------------

 

California Class C License Handbook:

 

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/web/eng_pdf/dl600.pdf

 

---------------------------------------------------

 

California Recreational Vehicles and Trailers Handbook:

 

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/wcm/connect/28423ba0-bba6-4347-9e21-db274e970772/dl648.pdf?MOD=AJPERES

 

---------------------------------------------------

 

DL 546 Health Questionaire: (required to be submitted every 2 years to keep the NonCommercial Class A privileges in effect)

 

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/wcm/connect/ccb34b9a-aa95-4713-89b1-f5cbf8c536e8/dl546.pdf?MOD=AJPERES

 

---------------------------------------------------

 

If your rig has air brakes, additional information about how air brakes work is contained in the Commercial Class A Drivers Handbook and is excellent knowledge for anyone who uses air brakes:

 

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/web/eng_pdf/comlhdbk.pdf

Whew.... good case for getting a lighter weight RV that can be operated with a class C DL...

 

Being a geezer I likely don't have enough heart beats left to get through the class A ...test(s).?

 

Drive on......(lighter RVs have some good points)