Do You Need A CDL To Drive An RV In Texas? | Whats That Outside (2024)

In this blog post: we will answer the question: “Do you need A CDL to drive an RV in Texas?” We will discuss the commercial driving license requirements and the tests to be taken for RVs. We will also list out the States that require a Non-Commercial Special Driver’s License and the States that require a Commercial Driver’s License.

Do you need A CDL to drive an RV in Texas?

No, you do not need a CDL to drive an RV in Texas. A commercial driving license is not required to drive an RV in Texas. The only thing you will need is a Non-CDL special license. A Class B license is required if you are driving an RV that weighs more than 26,000 pounds. In case of driving multiple vehicles, you will need to have a Class A license.

Each state in the US has its own set of rules when it comes to licenses and driving an RV. If you plan on towing with a weight of more than 26,000 pounds, you will still have a Class license. A commercial driving license is usually used for those who carry cargo. These are applicable for transport vans, buses, and other trucks that carry cargo.

Commercial Driving License for RVs

There are three types of commercial driving licenses. These licenses are issued according to the vehicle and the weight. The three types of commercial licenses are Type A, Type B, and Type C. The license also depends on the gross vehicle weight. This is one of the most important factors. Obtaining the type of license will require several endorsem*nts.

Before obtaining a commercial driving license, some tests need to be taken. Many people tend to fail these tests for the first time. It is also important to know what kind of category you fall under to take the right test. Here is the list of tests that are taken before successfully obtaining a license.

• Road test.
• Skills assessment.
• Brake test.
• Knowledge tests.
• Vehicle inspection.
• Exams according to the endorsem*nts that need to be obtained.

These tests cannot be avoided and are essential, especially if you are planning on driving an RV. The driving test might be required to get done with a state examiner. In most cases, you will need to do an air brake test. These tests might seem tedious or annoying, but they are made for you and the safety of others on the road.

Non-commercial special driver’s license State list

There are two types of licenses and anyone will be required depending on the state. These requirements can also vary according to the gross weight of the vehicle. There are a few other factors that are taken into consideration. Here is the list of states that require a non-commercial special driver’s license.

California

Vehicles more than 40 feet and 26,000 pounds will require a Class B license. In case of towing more than 10,000 pounds, a Class A license is required.

Maryland

More than 26,000 pounds will require a Class B license.

Michigan

To tow a fifth wheel and a trailer, a recreational double “R” endorsem*nt will be required.

North Carolina

A single vehicle that is more than 26,000 pounds will require a Class B license.

Multiple vehicles that have a combined weight of 26,000 pounds will require a Class A license.

Nevada

A single vehicle that is more than 26,000 pounds will require a Class B license. Multiple vehicles that have a combined weight of 26,000 pounds will require a Class A license. Towing a vehicle more than 10,000 pounds and if the combined weight is less than 26,000, a “J” endorsem*nt will be required.

New York

Vehicles more than 26,000 pounds will require an “R” or recreational vehicle endorsem*nt.

Pennsylvania

A single vehicle of more than 26,000 pounds will require a Class B license.

Multiple vehicles of more than 26,000 pounds will require an “R” or recreational vehicle endorsem*nt.

South Carolina

A single vehicle of more than 26,000 pounds will require a Class E license. Multiple vehicles that have a combined weight of 26,000 pounds will require a Class F license.

Texas

A single vehicle of more than 26,000 pounds will require a Class B license. Multiple vehicles that have a combined weight of 26,000 pounds will require a Class A license.

Wyoming

A single vehicle of more than 26,000 pounds will require a Class B license. Towing below 10,000 pounds will also require a Call B license. A single vehicle has more than 26,000 pounds and towing over 10,000 pounds will require a Class A license.

Commercial driver’s license State list

Arkansas

Commercial driver’s license for vehicles over 26,000 pounds.

Connecticut

Class B Commercial driver’s license for vehicles over 26,000 pounds. Multiple vehicles that have a combined weight of 26,000 pounds require a Class A Commercial driver’s license.

Hawaii

Class B Commercial driver’s license for vehicles over 26,000 pounds. Multiple vehicles that have a combined weight of 26,000 pounds require a Class A Commercial driver’s license.

Kansas

Class B Commercial driver’s license for vehicles over 26,000 pounds. Multiple vehicles that have a combined weight of 26,000 pounds require a Class A Commercial driver’s license.

New Mexico

Class B Commercial driver’s license for vehicles over 26,000 pounds. Multiple vehicles that have a combined weight of 26,000 pounds require a Class A Commercial driver’s license.

Washington DC

Class B Commercial driver’s license for vehicles over 26,000 pounds. Multiple vehicles that have a combined weight of 26,000 pounds require a Class A Commercial driver’s license.

Wisconsin

A commercial driver’s license is required for vehicles more than 45 feet.

Those are the states that require commercial driver’s licenses and non-commercial special driver’s licenses. The type of license also changes accordingly to each state. Apart from these, you will need to get the required endorsem*nts and take up the required tests to get the right license for each state to drive an RV.

States that do not require a special driver’s license

While there are states that require commercial driver’s licenses and non-commercial special driver’s licenses, here is a list of states that do not require a special driver’s license. Driving an RV in these states is more hassle-free due to these requirements. The following states are mentioned below.

• Alabama.
• Alaska.
• Arizona.
• Colorado.
• Delaware.
• Florida,
• Georgia.
• Idaho.
• Illinois.
• Indiana.
• Iowa.
• Kentucky.
• Louisiana.
• Maine.
• Massachusetts.
• Minnesota.
• Mississippi.
• Missouri.
• Montana.
• Nebraska.
• New Hampshire.
• New Jersey.
• North Dakota.
• Ohio.
• Oklahoma.
• Oregon.
• Rhode Island.
• South Dakota.
• Tennessee.
• Utah.
• Vermont.
• Washington.
• West Virginia.

Now that we have covered every state and every type of license required per state, it is clear that each state has its laws. A commercial driving license is not required in Texas. Thousands of people own RVs in Texas and getting the required type of license based on the type of vehicle is not too difficult.

The law in Texas is straightforward. The driver’s license is determined by the type of vehicle operated in the state. The gross vehicle weight and gross combinations of attached vehicles are also considered. The passenger capacity of the vehicle is also one of those factors that are taken into consideration.

An alternative method

One of the easy ways out is the get a smaller vehicle. Many people opt for a Class C vehicle to play is safe. It is also easy to acquire a license for a class C vehicle or a Class B campervan. Smaller RVs are also a better option if you are trying it out for the first time. Handing a huge rig directly is not going to be easy.

Conclusion

In this blog post: we have answered the question: “Do you need A CDL to drive an RV in Texas?” We have discussed the commercial driving license requirements and the tests to be taken for RVs. We also listed out the States that require a Non-Commercial Special Driver’s License and the States that require a Commercial Driver’s License.

Citations

http://www.aboutrving.com/rv-topics/moving-to-texas-and-passing-the-motorhome-driving-exam/