Texas RV Drivers License

[Pete Masterson]

This has been Texas law for some time -- and I've seen it in two or three places online as well as (I think) seeing it mentioned on one or more of the WL lists...

I believe I've cautioned that many states have extra license requirements depending on weight or length. I'm not saying that these rules necessarily make sense but since almost all the WLs of all years exceed 26,000 lbs, it's wise to check with your state's DMV to ensure that you're properly licensed. Fortunately, if you're visiting from out of state, thereciprocityrules require that your driver's license be honored if it is the valid license for your vehicle in your home state.

Those with a class A CDL don't need to worry, but for the rest of us, there may be some requirement.

For example, in California, the weight isn't an issue. A driver with a standard "class 3" driver's license can drive any RV up to 40 feet in length and tow (one) vehicle behind, so long as the maximum 65' length isn't exceeded. (Some roads might have other restrictions.) Note that you would still need a Texas license with the correct 'level' or endorsement (for over 26,000 lbs) to be legal in CA, even if CA did not require any special licensing -- but it is also unlikely that a CA patrolman would catch the discrepancy unless you were in an over 40' unit.

However, my WL is 42'6" in length (bumper to bumper). Any "house car" over 40' but no more than 45' requires a "non commercial class B license." Apparently, these are not often issued. It took the clerk and supervisor in my nearest DMV office some time to find all the rules and entry system to enter my application into the computer system (apparently, it goes into the system with the same entry screens as a "fire truck driver's license"). I was finally able to take my written test (which I passed). I then had to schedule a driving test with one of a hand-full off DMV offices authorized to administer the test. Arriving for my scheduled appointment, the examiner said he would meet me at my vehicle "in a few minutes." When he finally appeared, he apologized and explained that he had to look up the rules to see specifically what he was supposed to test for. We then proceeded with the test, which included "demonstrate skill in handling the vehicle on hills" -- unfortunately all the DMV offices close to my home that are authorized to give this test are in very flat areas. The one I was at (near the OaklandColiseum) required driving across the city of Oakland to get to some hills. So, I ended up driving the coach through crowded, city streets. At least, I didn't have to cross the central business district. <sigh> Ultimately, the test took about 2+ hours and I'd passed.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Mar 30, 2009, at 4:28 PM, Wallace Craig wrote:

In the April issue of FMCA magazine at page 70 there is a brief article that purports to set forth that motorhomes weighing in excess of 26,000 requires that the operator have a Texas Class B noncommercial license. It requires a written and driving test and cost $10. Normally, one might entertain the idea of simply taking ones chances; however I am concerned about the legal ramifications on ones libality insurance coverage. I can imagine that an insurance carried would take the position that the vehicle was being operated without a proper license and that such is a violation of the policy terms and would void the policy. I am unaware of the case law (if any) in Texas on this issue but would not care to test the law with the insurance carrier in case of an accident. A spokesperson for the Texas DPS Wallace Craig 95 WLWB 42 Azle, Texas