CA Non-commercial Class Driver's License

[Camp CA]

Not sure if this the appropriate thread to post but will give it a try. Just received the permit for the above after 5-1/2 months since the California DMV offices were closed. Just scheduled a driving test with my F350 dually towing a 41 ft Montana fifth wheel trailer for October 7 at 12 noon in Mountain View, CA but need an escort with a commercial or non-commercial class A driver's license. If you can recommend one I would be very appreciative. I am happy to pay for the time, gas/diesel and lunch. Other test locations could be scheduled at Stockton and Salinas, which are with a couple f hours from my home in the San Francisco Bay area, if more convenient.

I have been towing 36 - 41 ft fifth wheels for 16 years but to ensure I pass the driving test I plan to schedule a session with a fifth wheel driving instructor to go over the vehicle safety check, pre-trip inspection test, skills test and driving test. My biggest concern is the "skills test" because I heard it is tricky with a long bed supper duty truck and long fifth wheel trailer.

[wiredgeorge]

Wow, time to move to Texas! Best I can do is hope no one around as a witness when I back up my camper. I did pass the Class B exempt test here in Texas to be able to drive a big firetruck and we were required to back that thing up but it didn't require a trailer so was more a long pickup. Main thing in the Texas test was two hands on the wheel, look in the rear view mirrors constantly, ekep the driver's side of the truck close enough to the center line so you were not hanging the passenger side wheels over the road edge and most important, make a big show of stopping at RR tracks and craning your head in both directions. There was also a written test that included some of the things you might see on a CDL; mostly marker lamps and safety cones and flares and such. It has been awhile. I doubt I would own an RV if I had to take any type of driving test.

GOOD LUCK!

[Javi]

Can't help with the escort driver in California but good luck.. I drove semi's for years so the Texas test was easy..

[Camp CA]

Originally Posted by wiredgeorge

............Main thing in the Texas test was two hands on the wheel, look in the rear view mirrors constantly, keep the driver's side of the truck close enough to the center line so you were not hanging the passenger side wheels over the road edge and most important, make a big show of stopping at RR tracks and craning your head in both directions. There was also a written test that included some of the things you might see on a CDL; mostly marker lamps and safety cones and flares and such. It has been awhile.

I know what you mean as a few years ago I took the United Kingdom written, hazard recognition and driving tests, which were very tough since the passing rate is 50 but passed the first time.....AND we had to demonstrate everything you mentioned and MORE. Took the written and eye tests this morning and have all the required California pre-inspection checklist like the ones you mentioned above.

[QCMan]

Ask the driving instructor you are going to use to be the "escort" most commercial driving schools provide that service.

[Camp CA]

Originally Posted by QCMan

Ask the driving instructor you are going to use to be the "escort" most commercial driving schools provide that service.

Great recommendation!! That is one option I am considering as no one in our rv club has a non-commercial class A or commercial drive's license. This is a long shot BUT I plan to ask the CA DMV what the "smallest" trailer I can take the test on and if suitable will borrow my old tandem ski boat trailer OR rent a smaller tandem trailer.............that will be easier than backing a 41 ft fifth wheel trailer during the skills test.

[Javi]

If the law is 26,001 pounds GCWR as it is in many states; then the trailer will need to be at least 12,001 GVWR assuming your truck is 14,000 GVWR; length is not a factor.

[flybouy]

Originally Posted by Camp CA

Great recommendation!! That is one option I am considering as no one in our rv club has a non-commercial class A or commercial drive's license. This is a long shot BUT I plan to ask the CA DMV what the "smallest" trailer I can take the test on and if suitable will borrow my old tandem ski boat trailer OR rent a smaller tandem trailer.............that will be easier than backing a 41 ft fifth wheel trailer during the skills test.

I've had everything from 19' boat on a trailer, 23' boat on a trailer, pop-up, current 35' 6" camper and a small 5'X8' utility trailer. I'd prefer the current, longest trailer for backing any time. JMHO

[Camp CA]

Originally Posted by Javi

If the law is 26,001 pounds GCWR as it is in many states; then the trailer will need to be at least 12,001 GVWR assuming your truck is 14,000 GVWR; length is not a factor.

I hope to find out tomorrow with a call to the VA DMV. Worst case I will take the test with my truck and 41 ft fifth wheel trailer. I am confident I can pass the test.

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by Javi

If the law is 26,001 pounds GCWR as it is in many states; then the trailer will need to be at least 12,001 GVWR assuming your truck is 14,000 GVWR; length is not a factor.

Calif has some different rules for fivers based on trailer GVWR:
Under 10,000 lbs- class C license ( regular every day)
10,001 -15,000- class C with a “travel trailer endorsement”
15,001 - non commercial, commercial license.

[QCMan]

Don't sweat the test! I was not the greatest driver when I went for my CDL A but in about two weeks they had me parallel parking a semi with a 53' box trailer. Be confident as it seems you have the experience and do not over think it. Take it with the 41' trailer as you know it, own it and will do everything you can to not damage it. Read and perform the pre-trip inspection as much as you can for a couple of days and you will have it aced. Just do not touch a curb with any wheels! Also remember that you have to take the room you need for maneuvers.

[QCMan]

Too bd you are not a bit closer or I could help you practice and drive you there. Apparently I am one of few in this county that drive doubles and tripples as long it is not for pay. I move a lot of units for people that can't, won't or are afraid to take on the responsibility of driving their unit to its destination. I make nothing but I have a home I can use for the trip as long as I supply food. Return trip can be tricky but I have a good reputation and most times there "happens to be a flight that someone paid for but could not use. I come home with a little less money than when I left but I pay all expenses I make. So far bartering is working as there is no net gain. They make the c/g reservations and have no part in that. I find out about the requirements when I arrive at the final spot.

[Camp CA]

Problem solved......signing up with local trucking company in Hayward, Calif on Monday for $2500, use their flat bed truck for dmv test and they escort you to the dmv for the test. After passing the test, I will have a noncommerical class A driver's license.

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by Camp CA

Problem solved......signing up with local trucking company in Hayward, Calif on Monday for $2500, use their flat bed truck for dmv test and they escort you to the dmv for the test. After passing the test, I will have a noncommerical class A driver's license.

Bam!!! Let us know when you pass.

[Javi]

Sounds like a plan... good luck

[tomd]

Good luck on your test, but regarding "41 feet" 5th wheel; Is your vehicle California registered? I thought limit was 40 feet. Maybe 5th wheel is measured differently? I just looked up and found:

RV Size Limitations: Height, 14'; Width, 8'6"; Trailer length, 40';


Perhaps you are actually 40 feet.

[Camp CA]

Originally Posted by tomd

.........Is your vehicle California registered? I thought limit was 40 feet. Maybe 5th wheel is measured differently

California registered.. It is.41 feet end to end. The trigger for a CA noncommercial class A license is towing a fifth wheel trailer > 15,000 lbs gross vehicle weight. I have an endorsement to tow up to 15,000 lbs so now need the noncommercial. Class A OR commercial Class A license.