Motorcoach License Requirements?

[Colby Phillips]

WHAT KIND OF LICENSE IS REQUIRED TO DRIVE A COACH, (I.E. FOR MY SELF OR FOR SOMEONE ELSE).

THANKS

[TechTalk]

Typically, an ordinary motor vehicle driver's license is all that is required. A couple of exceptions we are aware of: California's new regulations extending the legal length limit to 45 feet has some special requirements for an endorsement allowing the operation of vehicles in excess of 40 feet. This requirement extends only to operators carrying California motor vehicle licenses. Out-of-state drivers can operate coaches up to 45 feet in California without special licensing. In addition, in all states, if a coach is being operated commercially, such as a corporate hospitality coach, a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) may be required. However, under most circumstances, a valid basic operator's license is all that is required. In addition, we have never seen the CDL requirement enforced. Attempts to require additional special licensing have been consistently defeated based primarily upon the excellent safety statistics for large coaches, with much lower accident and fatality rates than passenger cars. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

[John Clark]

If you are a Texas resident you will need a Class B non-CDL (over 26000 lbs). It will require a short drive and an RV related written test (plus $24) The examiner is checking to see that you can handle a 40' vehicle, without climbing onto sidewalks and backing into buildings.

[larrynjeri]

Dito for Ca. We have to take the class B,C and M1 or motorcycle at the same time. My driving test lasted about 40 minutes, my wife just had to back into a spot with two red cones. I know the CHP has checked some of the 45's pulling stackers,so far I havnen't been stopped.

[chockwald]

larrynjeri......my rig is only 36', so I'm assuming the test is for 40' plus rigs, right?

Clarke

[fulltiming]

You are correct Clarke. In California, regardless of the weight, a housecar (motorhome) can be privately operated with a standard auto drivers license as long as it is NOT over 40' in length.

[larrynjeri]

Chockwald, I didn't think about the length. Leaving Ca to go to Indy, we were pulling our stacker, the CHP at Flying J asked how long the unit was, I told the truth, he laughed said have nice trip and be safe. How cool. Maybe we can meet in Redlands for lunch, there are more Newelles in your area, we live in Hemet.

[fulltiming]

Larry, you are fortunate. The CHP will at times ticket for exceeding the 65' combined length in California. Many do it 'all the time', but even towing a Suburban behind a 45'er is illegal in California and a number of other states since the overall length exceeds the 65' limit.