Driving Assistance

[CookFamily]

Hello All,

I live in Maryland and I recently found out that I am required to have a Class B Non CDL license to drive my coach. I have taken my knowledge exam at the Glen Burnie MVA but I still need to take my driving skills test. The problem is that I am not allowed to drive there myself. They are very strict and will require someone with the approved license such as a Class B or a CDL to get me there and prove that they are properly licensed. So, I am looking on this forum for anyone in my area of Columbia Maryland that would be able to accompany me or meet me near the MVA of your choice in Maryland so that I can complete my test. I would be happy to pay the person for their time. Let me know please. BTW, my coach is a 2001 Monaco Windsor 34 PBS. 

[Chuck B 2004 Windsor]

Several years ago I posted that this would be coming.  Many on this group said I did not know what I was posting about.  

In addition to having the correct drivers license, I also posted in that same post that motor homes will evidentially be required to be weighed when entering a state.  Being over weighed would require paying a fine which would be additional revenue for the state.  I saw that when I was in Northern California staying at Red Bluff RV park.  

At that time they were zeroing in on fifth wheelers being towed by under sized pick up trucks heading north into Oregon.  I remember several times a 3 axle fifth wheel RV would spend the night next to me.  I would warn the driver as to what he might be dealing with.  He would go north into Oregon the next morning.  Several hours later his rig would return pulled by the correct size tow vehicle.  The Oregon highway petrol would be waiting at the state line to escort the 5th wheel into their weight station.  Many of them would return being towed by the correct size pick-um- up truck.   The owners wallet was a lot lighter.

I predict that once states realize there is fine revenue is available from overweighed motor homes, they will zero in on that revenue.  

FWIW, Chuck B 2004 Windsor

I forgot to add that there would be required to have a air brake endorsement.  Chuck Boros 2004 Windsor

[MyronTruex]

It would be interesting to find out if they would accept an out of state license. That is, in Florida you do not need the endorsement. In Calif over 40 ft you need it but they cannot properly define a forty footer. Trust me, I spent months trying to nail them down on this and they came up dry. No bumpers on an RV so it cannot be bumper to bumper.  I do not want to derail this thread and talk about it more. After a lot of head scratching they managed to give me a written test based on two different parts and said ok, but to get a driving test was going to be over six weeks out. Never got the license. 

But a legally licensed person in Florida should be able to driver it. That should throw a knot in their knickers. 

Call a local RV dealership that sells Motorhomes. They should have drivers they can refer you to. 

 

[JDCrow]

Do you have to have a physical to get the license? 
 

 

Edited April 5, 2022 by JDCrow

[BradHend]

Are you required to have the non CDL license as a result of the vehicles weight, because it has air brakes, or both? 
pardon my not knowing, Canada has different rules.  
I do know I was quite surprised to learn I didn’t need any special license for my Cayman even though it has an air parking brake.   
Thanks in advance.  

[CookFamily]

Hey Brad, So, Maryland requires anyone driving a vehicle over 26K Lbs whether it has air brakes or not to be Class B licensed. I could simply take the test and be done with it but also have air brakes, I will be required to do the air brake test which is simple but the whole reason why I am doing this is because I heard that in Canada you are required to have a special license if you are driving a motorhome with air brakes. Since my wife and I are travelling to Canada this year, I didn't want to risk trying to cross over the border and find out that the Canadian government refuses my entry because I am not properly licensed. I am not even sure that they will check it but I am not taking any chances. Hope this answers your question.

Tom

4 hours ago, myrontruex said:

It would be interesting to find out if they would accept an out of state license. That is, in Florida you do not need the endorsement. In Calif over 40 ft you need it but they cannot properly define a forty footer. Trust me, I spent months trying to nail them down on this and they came up dry. No bumpers on an RV so it cannot be bumper to bumper.  I do not want to derail this thread and talk about it more. After a lot of head scratching they managed to give me a written test based on two different parts and said ok, but to get a driving test was going to be over six weeks out. Never got the license. 

But a legally licensed person in Florida should be able to driver it. That should throw a knot in their knickers. 

Call a local RV dealership that sells Motorhomes. They should have drivers they can refer you to. 

 

I was told when I was in NY last year that driving with air brakes was illegal but most State troopers would never bother to pull you over. My worry would be driving without the proper license and getting into an accident and then finding out that your insurance refused to pay for settlement because I was not properly licensed. Also, in addition to the skills driving test, they require that I do an inspection of the vehicle which requires going over lights, brakes, checking brake pads, air pressure in tires. tread wear. Serpentine belt wear. Power steering fluid level. Gas tank and whether its attached correctly and not loose on the welds. They are very strict and they will deduct points if things are off. I personally think that its a good thing because the last thing you want is for someone who is clueless driving one of these beasts without knowing proper driving and/or maintenance. 

2 hours ago, JDCrow said:

Do you have to have a physical to get the license? 
 

I ask as I had my commercial CDL for over 25 years. A few years ago the NTS board came up with new rules that barred all people with epilepsy from ever having a CDL. I was diagnosed with epilepsy 15 years ago, haven’t had a seizure beyond the first 2, but they are unwavering on their rules. 

I do not have to have a physical. Only an eye exam.

[JDCrow]

Your coach is super cool by the way. Love the look with the colors 

[CookFamily]

1 minute ago, JDCrow said:

Your coach is super cool by the way. Love the look with the colors 

Thanks, I love it. What year is yours?

 

[JDCrow]

Just now, CookFamily said:

Thanks, I love it. What year is yours?

 

Mine is an 02, 34’ 

[BradHend]

Thanks for clarifying, Tom. I figured as much but thought it was worth asking.  
And you would be correct with the special license for a motorhome in Canada with airbrakes.  I would be required to have a “Z” endorsement if my coach had airbrakes.  One of a few reasons I went with the smaller Cayman model when I was in the market.  I know for a fact my wife wouldn’t be getting her airbrake endorsement.  😂
Thanks again and safe travels!

[Mike B in TN]

22 hours ago, myrontruex said:

It would be interesting to find out if they would accept an out of state license. That is, in Florida you do not need the endorsement. In Calif over 40 ft you need it but they cannot properly define a forty footer. Trust me, I spent months trying to nail them down on this and they came up dry. No bumpers on an RV so it cannot be bumper to bumper.  I do not want to derail this thread and talk about it more. After a lot of head scratching they managed to give me a written test based on two different parts and said ok, but to get a driving test was going to be over six weeks out. Never got the license. 

But a legally licensed person in Florida should be able to driver it. That should throw a knot in their knickers. 

Call a local RV dealership that sells Motorhomes. They should have drivers they can refer you to. 

 

Tennessee is the same. No special license or endorsement (air, weight, or length) and tags cost the same for my cars and the motorhome. No inspection in 95% of the state that I know of, I believe a couple counties in middle and maybe west TN does vehicle inspections but that's all.

To answer original poster question, call an RV dealership about delivery drivers in your area, or do a Google search. Would cost a little bit they could drive you to the testing center. 

There is driving schools, I remember Lazy Days in Florida has one, but I'd say there's one close to you if you do a Google search 

[eddie4ne]

I will escort you, pm me. I live on the MD pa line

 

Edited April 5, 2022 by eddie4ne
Oops

[CookFamily]

3 hours ago, eddie4ne said:

I will escort you, pm me. I live on the MD pa line

 

Hello Ed, Thanks for this. I will definitely let you know. I have someone else who lived closer to me that is not sure if he will be in town but if he doesn't then I will definitely take you up. What model is your Monaco?