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Thread: Texas Class A

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    Seasoned Camper chemist308's Avatar
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    Texas Class A

    This one starting to make me wish I kept the three-quarter ton as the tow vehicle. For those who have done it, how hard is it to get a Texas class a license? Do you have to test with the RV? If so, what sort of maneuvers are required?
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    I don’t have a normal Texas class A, I have a Texas CDL class A with air brake endorsement for driving a semi-truck. Have a driver at work recently get his CDL class A and the pre-trip was the hardest part of the test especially if you have been actually driving for awhile and you are a safe driver. And yes the class A requires you to drive the vehicle with the trailer that you would normally drive. Again not sure about the testing difference between just the regular class A and the CDL class A, I do know they are different requirements but not sure what the difference is between the testing for each.
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    Quote Originally Posted by chemist308 View Post
    This one starting to make me wish I kept the three-quarter ton as the tow vehicle. For those who have done it, how hard is it to get a Texas class a license? Do you have to test with the RV? If so, what sort of maneuvers are required?
    Not hard, 2 written tests. Yes drive with the RV.

    It was in 2018, 2 Written Tests:
    Texas CDL Special Requirements Test (CVO Knowledge Test) from CMV Section 14
    Combinations Test from CMV Section 6

    Skills Test (Driving), schedule after passing written tests.
    Tow Vehicle + FW
    Driving Test given by same Driving Testers as for normal autos, pickups.
    Tester checked lights on truck and RV.
    Backup in straight line for 50 feet
    Street & Hwy/Freeway driving and back to test location.

    https://www.rvnetwork.com/topic/1253...-upgrade-faqs/

    https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/dr...driver-license
    https://www.dps.texas.gov/Rolodex/cd...hTestSites.htm
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    Site Team Second Chance's Avatar
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    @gbkims gave you all the info you need. Read the thread on the Escapees forum from the beginning to the end (it tracks changes and updates). I only had to take one written test, though, plus the driving test with the rig (backed up in a straight line in the parking lot and then normal stuff around El Paso). A lot of folks will get their panties in a wad over driving the rig to the testing site. I did and the examiner didn't say a word about it.

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    I'm supposed to have a non-commercial class A in South Carolina. Anything with a GVWR >26K, which I do (14K truck, 16.8 trailer).

    A few reasons I don't. First off, nobody has one. I called and went to DMV, they had to look it up. No idea that there was a "CDL" that's not a "CDL". No problem with that, but apparently, it's a rarely (perhaps never) enforced rule?

    The real issue is the test. I had a loading dock requirement where you need to get within either 1ft or 6in (can't remember) backing into a loading dock. No cameras allowed.

    That's an insane requirement by itself, add in doing it with an RV (rather than a semi trailer which are designed to "bump" against the dock). I asked about it, and they suggested I borrow/rent a trailer I wouldn't mind hitting on a loading dock. I actually do have one I can use, but you have to be >26K, so I can't use my small landscape trailer.

    I then asked "how do I get there/back" (to/from the test), to which they replied, "Well, never thought of that, guess you have to hire someone".

    I mean, the entire thing was like popsicle sticks and glue. I'm happy to take a test, however, I'll never be taking an RV to a loading dock. Nor will I ever be backing down an alley into a 90 degree turn. I can't even get my RV to 90, but I could do that with one of my other trailers, so, while I'm not happy about it, that part is actually "doable" for me.

    TLDR, if you don't have someone in SC with a CDL, and don't have another heavy trailer you can hook up for the test, good luck trying to get the "right" license. Also, the funny thing, I've never been >26K with my truck/trailer. Yes, the rating on my truck is 14K and my trailer is 16.8, but my truck actually weighs about 9K, even with a loaded to the gills trailer, it would be hard to cross 26K.

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    Site Team Second Chance's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Overtaxed View Post
    I'm supposed to have a non-commercial class A in South Carolina. Anything with a GVWR >26K, which I do (14K truck, 16.8 trailer).

    A few reasons I don't. First off, nobody has one. I called and went to DMV, they had to look it up. No idea that there was a "CDL" that's not a "CDL". No problem with that, but apparently, it's a rarely (perhaps never) enforced rule?

    The real issue is the test. I had a loading dock requirement where you need to get within either 1ft or 6in (can't remember) backing into a loading dock. No cameras allowed.

    That's an insane requirement by itself, add in doing it with an RV (rather than a semi trailer which are designed to "bump" against the dock). I asked about it, and they suggested I borrow/rent a trailer I wouldn't mind hitting on a loading dock. I actually do have one I can use, but you have to be >26K, so I can't use my small landscape trailer.

    I then asked "how do I get there/back" (to/from the test), to which they replied, "Well, never thought of that, guess you have to hire someone".

    I mean, the entire thing was like popsicle sticks and glue. I'm happy to take a test, however, I'll never be taking an RV to a loading dock. Nor will I ever be backing down an alley into a 90 degree turn. I can't even get my RV to 90, but I could do that with one of my other trailers, so, while I'm not happy about it, that part is actually "doable" for me.

    TLDR, if you don't have someone in SC with a CDL, and don't have another heavy trailer you can hook up for the test, good luck trying to get the "right" license. Also, the funny thing, I've never been >26K with my truck/trailer. Yes, the rating on my truck is 14K and my trailer is 16.8, but my truck actually weighs about 9K, even with a loaded to the gills trailer, it would be hard to cross 26K.
    The OP was asking about Texas - where it is not a joke and you can be cited for driving without a license if you don't have a Class A Non-Commercial Exempt and your CGVWR is over 26,001 lbs. Texas tells you exactly which sections in the CDL manual to study and both the written and driving tests are easy.

    According to ChangingGears, it's a class E or F in South Carolina.

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    It is not hard to get the non-commercial class A license in Texas. There's supposedly two written tests, although I was only given one. The employee at the testing center was not familiar with the license at all and tried to tell me it was not needed to pull a trailer, until I suggested he checks with his supervisor. On the driving day, I just had to drive around on the highway for about 15min then back to the testing center.
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    Site Sponsor Steven@147's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by chemist308 View Post
    This one starting to make me wish I kept the three-quarter ton as the tow vehicle. For those who have done it, how hard is it to get a Texas class a license? Do you have to test with the RV? If so, what sort of maneuvers are required?
    They got you covered, a little time involved but its a piece of cake.
    From this Texas Class A Non-CDL Exempt licensed driver.
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    I just have my driving test to complete in December (first appt available at a CDL hub near me). Although I hold a Class B CDL for bus driving, it won’t cover my newer GVWR for my combination (rated over $26k, but never realized). The only reason I’m obtaining a Class A is to make dang sure that if I ever had an at-fault mishap while towing the Solitude, my Insurer could not withhold any coverage because I was not properly licensed in my state.

    That alone makes it worth the hassle.
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    Setting Up Camp
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    This is why I’m going to domicile in Florida 😌

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