Texas Class A road test with one ton and fifthwheel?

Roooster · January 19, 2018

Ok, I searched for the answer, however the word "A" pulls a lot of responses, and I was unable to find the answer.

I currently tow with a Ram 3500 that was improperly registered by an out of state selling dealer at 10,000 lbs GVWR (door tag is 14,000lbs),. I am towing a fifthwheel over 10,000lbs. My GCWR is 32,000Lbs (not on door sticker) of which I still have a little room left. I have to correct the registered weight to 14,000 at some point. Will having the incorrect registered weight be an issue if I try to take my Class A road test prior to correcting the registered weight?

My question is once I have the correct weight registration for my dually, If I take my Class A license road test with my rig, will I be licensed for operating a HDT registered as private RV in Texas or will I have to get air brake endorsement?

Thanks folks,

Spencer

jkoenig24 · January 19, 2018

I doubt it. Federal DOT rules define HDTs as either Class 7 or Class 8 by the GVWR set by the vehicle manufacturer which, by law, is listed on a placard near the driver's door. Class 7 HDTs are vehicles with a GVWR of at least 26,001 pounds UP TO 33,000 pounds. A Class 8 vehicles have a GVWR of 33,001 pounds OR GREATER. To the best of my knowledge, ALL states recognize the Federal numbers re GVWRs.

MDT AND LDT classifications are also CLEARLY defined by their listed GVWRs. Here's a list:

Truck Classifications: By GVWR

Class 1, 2, 3 = Light Duty

1: 0~6000 lbs

2: 6001~10,000 lbs 2A: 6001~8,500 lbs; 2B: 8,501~10,000 Lbs

3: 10,001~14,000 lbs

Class 4, 5, 6 = Medium Duty

4: 14,001~16,000 lbs

5: 16,001~19,500 lbs

6: 19,501~26,000 lbs

Class 7, 8 = Heavy Duty (HDT require at least a Class B driver’s license)

7: 26,001~33,000 lbs

8: 33,001 and up

NYS Drivers License Classes:

A: Drive combination, GCWR > 26,000 (towed vehicle > 10,000 lbs)

B: Single ie:HDT, GVWR >26,000 OR tractor part of T/T combo. May tow veh with GVWR of >10,000 PROVIDED that GCWR < 26,001

C: CDL, Single - GVWR < 26,001that TRANSPORTS >14 passengers OR, transports passengers under Article 19-A of VTL OR carries Hazmat (Class C may tow GVWR of > 10,000 PROVIDED that GCWR < 26,001).

C: NON-CDL, Single - such as farm vehicles. GVWR < 26,001. May tow GVWR of < 10,001 PROVIDED that GCWR <26,001.

D: Single - Passenger car / light truck. GVWR < 26,001. May tow vehicle > 10,000 PROVIDED that GCWR < 26,001. Limited use automobiles. Class B and/or Class C limited use MC. RV with GVWR < 26,001

E: Single - Taxi / Livery (Paid to drive) GVWR < 26,001 used to transport < 15 passengers for hire AND does NOT fall under 19-A. RV GVWR < 26,001.

M: Motorcycle

DJ / MJ: Junior licenses.

Tow Hitch Classes:

Class I - > 2,000#, 200 ~ 250# tongue weight

Class II - > 3,500#, 250 ~ 350# “

Class III -> 6,000#, 350~600# “

Class IV- > 10,000#,600~1,000# “

Class V - > 25,000#, fifth wheel / gooseneck

Make sure the Tow Bar is rated to carry the intended load!

VegasFlyer · January 19, 2018

4 hours ago, Roooster said:

Ok, I searched for the answer, however the word "A" pulls a lot of responses, and I was unable to find the answer.

I currently tow with a Ram 3500 that was improperly registered by an out of state selling dealer at 10,000 lbs GVWR (door tag is 14,000lbs),. I am towing a fifthwheel over 10,000lbs. My GCWR is 32,000Lbs (not on door sticker) of which I still have a little room left. I have to correct the registered weight to 14,000 at some point. Will having the incorrect registered weight be an issue if I try to take my Class A road test prior to correcting the registered weight?

My question is once I have the correct weight registration for my dually, If I take my Class A license road test with my rig, will I be licensed for operating a HDT registered as private RV in Texas or will I have to get air brake endorsement?

Thanks folks,

Spencer

The determining factor for your test is that you show up with a combination of vehicles that can legally be loaded greater than 26,000 pounds, with the trailer being capable of more than 10,000 pounds.

Have never heard of an examiner requiring you to fully load the vehicles for the exam.

Steve from SoCal · January 19, 2018

For a class A license, not testing in an air braked vehicle puts a restriction on the license, there is NO air brake endorsement.

To remove the restriction would require you to demonstrate air brake inspection and operations to license authorities.

Steve

Big5er · January 19, 2018

Steve, in Texas an air brake endorsement is a CDL thing. On a Class A DL (not CDL) there is no air brake restriction added.

Spencer, you will be fine in your pick-up and trailer combination as long as (previously mentioned) your combination has an ACTUAL weight or a gvwr of 26,001 lbs or greater AND the trailer has a ACTUAL weight or gvwr of 10,000lbs or more. Registered weight has no bearing on DL's. I could register my smart car for 80,000lbs but wouldn't need a Class A to drive it.

Roooster · January 20, 2018

Big5er, That is what I have figured with much reading and with some knowledgeable input, Here and believe it or not on FB.

I am due in March for tags so I believe an inspection and visit to the tax office is in order to start with. Monday the weight shall be corrected. Then short trip over to the DPS office for the written class A. Going to try and get the road test done before I get a call for work. Wish I had a friend with a 12,001 Lbs trailer I could borrow so I wouldn't have to pack up the house for a road test.

I thank you for your professional opinion and knowledge.

Spencer