Should RVers who drive or tow long RVs — say those 40 feet or longer — be required to pass a test for a driver’s license to drive or tow them?
In virtually all cases, the towable drivers will have an additional 15 or 18 feet in their cars or pickup trucks to tow the trailer or fifth wheel. Motorhome drivers will often tow a vehicle behind, which can add a similar length. In either case, we’re talking about 55 to 60 feet (at least) of RV and truck or dinghy rolling down the highway. Driving in either situation is a whole lot trickier and demanding than driving a Honda Civic or other passenger vehicle.
So what do you think? Special license or not? Please feel free to leave a comment. We’d love to hear your thoughts, and we suspect many readers would, too.
What do the studies show? Follow the science.
Agree! Are RVers having more accidents than those not RVing? Is this a solution looking for a problem?
I think this is older data, shows less fatalities than average, but more potential for accidents. Given that we now have more RVs on the road….?
https://www.rvandplaya.com/rv-accidents-statistics-facts-to-know/
“Though it is impossible to say exactly how many RV accidents are caused by inexperienced drivers, most studies and reports predict that inexperienced drivers are the number one cause of RV accidents.”
With more newbies, as always, good to be vigilant and careful.
Before suggesting that we need a special license, the DMV needs to get their act together! Start by heavy fines on texting, phone use, etc. I have been driving for over 63 years and zero accidents or tickets. My last RV was overall 70 feet long with a 24 foot trailer in tow. Common sense is what most are lacking! Just my 2 cents worth!
I agree, but try and find a state DOT testing site that is available and open at a convienent time schedule. I live in Pennsultucky. Living here means I can say that!
I have always thought there should be some type of safety course made available to everyone involved in driving or towing an RV. Let’s face it, there are plenty of people
travelling the highways that have no clue.
People need to be more aware of their vehicle limitations. If it takes a skill test, so be it.
Yes,as a retired trucker with over 44 years experience, I have witnessed inexperienced Rvers pulling 5th wheel trailers and motor home operators driving without any consideration for what their driving. If your going to pull something of that length you should be required to prove you can do it safely, via a special license or CDL like those of us who move America, period.
I was an over the road truck driver for 45 years and I agree with you 100%
I have had a Class B license for the past twenty years. The license is not for length but weight. In Texas it is for over unladen weight of over 26,000 pounds or towing over 10,000 pounds. Unfortunately I have many friends who simply ignore the law and operate on a regular license.
I have owned a 43′ motor coach and had no special driver’s training. However, I do believe that there should be a requirement that a special license be required to either drive or pull an RV over 40′ in length. We require truck divers to get a CDL, why not the same for large RV’s, it just makes good sense.
And what about all those 10 and 15 foot long idiots who dart in and out in front of RV’s of all types. I agree for a non commercial class license for rigs of any class over 26,000 gross combined weight in any configuration.
To get a motorcycle license in Fl you must take a test to prove you can handle one safely and there are many courses available to teach you how. On a motorcycle you are mainly a danger to yourself. Inexperienced drivers of very large rigs should not be getting their experience on public roads where they are a danger to themselves and others. There is not only a need for how to handle their rig but also defensive driving, there are a lot of drivers out there with no respect for large tractor trailers and RVs that we have to be on the lookout for.
There’s so much more involved than just ‘driving’ . We’ve towed an rv about 40’ long and driven a MotorHome the same size. Totally different experiences. It’s easier to drive a large MotorHome than tow a large fifth wheel, in my opinion. We decided to take an rv driving course for our own comfort level but also so we wouldn’t be a hazard to others. Not sure what’s involved with getting a special license, but if it doesn’t involve extra training, what’s the point? We get passed often by drivers of larger rigs going the posted speed limit or better and that’s pretty scary.
As another retired truck driver and full-time RV’er, I have to say that after witnessing the lack of skills or possibly knowledge and/or common sense, those who drive the big RVs should be required to pass a knowledge and skills test and qualify for a special license. Something similar to a CDL. Over my 36 years of commercial truck driving, I never stopped saying to myself and to others that even getting a standard motor vehicle license should require at least some sort of training that shows what a commercial truck driver has to put up with and the measures needed to be taken to prevent an accident or avoid what someone in a car does while driving in the vicinity of a commercial truck. I believe that commercial truck drivers are the best drivers on our roads. We are required to get a special license and show that we know the aspects of driving a long heavy vehicle. I have had many a law enforcement officials state the same comment of CDL drivers being the safest and best.
Amen brother! Not only the large rigs, I’ve seen people pulling pop ups run over curbs and other things. People don’t think that adding to the length of their car requires a different frame of mind. I think every RV dealer should be required to perform an instruction class before the customer departs. Every RV I’ve ever bought as soon as I was prepped and had my “walk through” presentation I was safely pointed in the direction to exit without hitting anything and wished happy camping. Not even asked if I had ever driven something this big. As Mr. Voeller said, commercial drivers have to prove they are competent drivers before they’re turned loose on public hiways. Some people drive into a dealer in their Honda and buy a 40’ motorhome, hitch the car behind and run over the curb pulling out!
Yes! how many people in regular cars have we seen dart in front of a semi? Completely oblivious. Would help if everyone was privy to what truckers have to do. Maybe even a simulator during drivers’ training?
Question for all you deniers, how would you like your tour bus driver to have a regular license?
You are mixing “commercial” with “non-commercial”. Would you put 55-60 people inside your 40 foot motorhome or 5ver?
No, but consider the other vehicles on the road.
As a driver of a 45 ft DP, I can testify that the idiot in the car puts far more at risk then we do. The guy who cuts you off then slows down to exit.or just has to get in front of you in a construction zone for example. Ask any commercial truck driver about that.
Agree!
Buyer Beware! You give government a foot in the door for licensing, the next thing you know you will have to stop at all scales, submit to surprise DOT inspections (including interior safety and drug/firearms checks) and more. Ask any commercial driver, they already have that problem. As a retired trucker, if a special license is required (in my opinion) you open the door to a lot of invasive troubles in the future.
Mixed emotions on this, just look at all the professional drivers and you will see some who should not be allowd behind the handle bars of a bicycle and then the majority who operate safely under all conditions encountered. Look at all the cage drivers and you see some examples who Darwin has not caught up with yet, you just have to hope they have not passed on their genetic material yet. When you allow government in just a little bit, you will never know what you have given up. My grand father use to say that in the early days, a drivers license was pushed as a way to keep people safe and you know how that has worked, people are driving with no/suspended licenses all the time and we are no safer from them.
I think both should require a special license. Bus drivers’, including school bus, need a special CDL. I’ve seen many not being able to negotiate a turn because the the length.
Motorcycle drivers, I am one, need a special endorsement.
There are many RV drivers who think they own the road because of the size of the vehicle. It’s the same with commercial tour buses. They travel at least 10-15MPH over the posted speeds in the left lane.
Not pulling into the truck lane when going up hills and not slowing to the posted truck speed downhill.
Also, most of these violators are first time RV’rs. With the proper training they would be much safer to themselves and others.
To nagivate a turn use your rear wheel from the passenger side to turn right based on the inches you are from the curb. You start your turn from the curb just after your rear wheel is at or past the curb. Good luck. I love watching faces when I make those turns.
There are from what I was told over 15 states that require a CDL to drive in their state which I whole heartedly agree with. As a school bus driver I see the stupid things those do do driving one of those things.
Only one I know of requires an actual CDL. That’s Arkansas. The rest are non-CDL with requirements of weight and brakes on the test along with performance testing.
If it is a state issue, then the states differences will be and issue just like anything else. This would be best handled by the insurance carriers. They can demand proven training and/or increased rates of those without to mitigate the existing bad situation. Want to watch something, go to an FMCA rally and watch the variability of driver capability during parking. That was a eye-openner for me personally.
That is not an accurate comparison. There is a big difference between backing up a RV and driving one down the road.
As with motorcycles in most states apparently, it would be much smarter if any one with an rv would have to take some training. Driven or towed of any length. A lot of rv owners aren’t even able to back into a parking spot.
Some states require a special license or certification for RV’s when the combined gross vehicle weight exceeds a certain amount? This includes the tow vehicle & trailer?
Shouldn’t this hold true for all states? I am fully in favor of this action.
Agree with there is no formal training for new to the road RV’ers. These individuals have no idea how to maneuver their rig while towing, especially cornering or backing.
Why not require special certifications for all RV operators in every state when they exceed a certain length or weight (example: – over 26,000lbs & over 60 feet combined length)?
In NYS, you need a different class of drivers license to operate a vehicle over 26,000 pounds, also need an endorsement on a license if the vehicle has air brakes.
I have yet to hear of a salesperson mentioning this to a prospective diesel pusher buyer.
I was also told that I was wrong about this by a few people
NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law section 501
Air brakes pose a different dynamic than hydraulic Braking. A “CDL B” license should be a minimum requirement. This is for “air brakes” only.
Non CDL B license. If you’re not driving commercially, a CDL should never be a requirement.
So we’re all for more government mandates? If new license restrictions are to be imposed on motorhome drivers, there should be similar restrictions for those pulling trailers or fifth wheels. Seems I see far more videos of out of control travel trailer accidents than I see of motorhomes. I’d be against the mandate, but will comply if I must.
Demonstrating your ability to drive while towing is only one element. Everyone who tows, construction (work) landscapers, boats, short trailers, long trailers, motorhomes, (class B and class C also) (as examples) should be required to take a written competency test also. There are different rules when towing. There are awareness issues that drivers need to know and understand. These might include hitching up and unhitching, use of a toad, adverse weather driving (including the use of tire chains) height and weight, restricted roads, low clearance bridges, propane and tunnels, the use of turn signals, speed limit differences and general safety when a breakdown occurs. Just like the motorcycle test, demonstrate actual driving competency and a written test. Additionally the written test should be given again at renewal. Driving competency should be given based on the type of towing (small, medium and large trailers) and Class A, B and C). Endorsements for the largest rig would cov
There are miserable drivers in every type of vehicle, on every road, on every day. Singling out RV drivers is blatant discrimination. Lots of “Commercial Truck Drivers” are idiots too. Insurance companies and government entities have too much control now.
Every time I enter a roadway I assume everyone out there is an Idiot, and I need to defend myself.
Especially for big units with drivers over 70 years old, licenses should require an in person review every two years. I’ve run into people at campgrounds that were obviously driving past their prime.
This is the rule for Pennsylvania non commercial CDL, I think most states will require the same or very close.
CLASS A Required to operate any combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, where the vehicle(s) being towed have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) in excess of 10,000
CLASS B Required to operate any single vehicle with a GVWR in excess of 26,000 pounds or any such vehicle towing a trailer having a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 10,000 pounds.
Example: Motor homes GVWR at 26,001 pounds or more that is not towing a vehicle or is towing a vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs or less would require the driver to have a Class B driver’s license.
to obtain the Non commercial CDL one will first need to be over 18, have a learners permit for the class of vehicle, pass a driving and operation of all controls test and be able to inspect air breaks if so equipped.
If you are in an accident and do not have the required class rating on you drivers license, you may find that your insurance company may not pay. It is up to you to make sure you are current on all required licenses in your state! I suggest checking the requirements for the state you live in. Before driving my 42 foot motorhome I asked the salesperson about a CDL and they told me not required, I however did my research and had someone with a CDL drive it home for me then got the permit. One accident can leave your butt hanging out and you could loose everything including your home because you were negligent.
It’s my understanding that all 48 lower states require a non commercial class A license for any gross combination over 26001 #. The state of Nevada is very much aware if toyhaulers are likely to exceed that amount and regularly pull them over to weight them. If…yourre over, that’s all the farther you can go until you meet the requirements of a class A or unload to meet under 26k. All states should be looking at this. We purchased a heavier pickup to meet the load requirements of the truck…but we were still under the 26000#…so my class C is still good. Class A non cdl isn’t that hard to pass…simple driving test after written test which is designed for rvs. And yes….check it out with your insurance company….I’m sure they will be interested.
This has been an ongoing conversation with my family for well overt 30 years!! Lol
I am a CDL holder and have felt RV’ers should have to have a license tow, 5th or Coach.
You have to have a license to operate a personal vehicle or a motorcycle. To hunt or fish.
A Class A CDL to drive 18 wheeler(not to mention if you need specialized endorsements)
A Class A/B to operate a school bus or Passenger bus(again specialized endorsements}
Besides think about how much revenue the individual states would make just to have that extra endorsement!!
Just for the sake of the discussion: I, for one advocate skills training for large vehicles, motorhome or trailer. Yes, anything over 26k, and 38 or more feet in length. I also advocate the same for boaters with boats 18′ or longer, with special training for boats with engines over 40 hp. That training would cover the difference between outboard, inboard/outboard and inboard motors and handling. Sailboats another whole course.
Now, having said all that, those of us who have been operating any of the above for years should be able to test in on that particular vehicle without having to go through a learner’s permit process which would in effect be a license revocation without cause.
https://www.campanda.com/magazine/rv-special-drivers-license-requirements/
One of the reasons we didn’t choose Texas as our “domicile” state is that they require a special drivers license for any RV with a GVWR over 26000lbs. We’re over double that and I was told that, while it’s not really hard to get, it can take 6 months or more to get. Interesting enough is that the majority of driver fault accidents involving RVs are travel trailers followed by fifth wheels. Most of us driving “behemoths” are well aware of just how big they are.
California requires the same, yet they have a law that says if a vehicle has 3 axles and is over 6000 pounds, you need a special license! 6000# versus a “bus” that weighs 26000. Great government thinking!
Any time you involve the government into a subject they tend to make things cost more, work worse, and serve no real purpose other than give people a false sense of security. Keep the government out of it and have the insurance companies (who are ultimately responsible for the cost of an accident) provide necessary training as part of the way to get a discount on the vehicle insurance. Having a special license does not a better driver make.
Rather than trying to change laws in 50 states AND any applicable Federal laws, I’d recommend trying the “carrot” approach instead of the “stick”. The insurance industry would be better able to develop a comprehensive “Safety Program”. Those who take said program AND pass the rigorous “final exams” (written and road tests) would receive substantial discounts from their insurers. Like the “Drivers Safety” programs for drivers of automobiles, an RV Safety program would require periodic “re-education” to maintain the discount. I believe the RVSEF has such a program in place BUT, many insurers do NOT recognize or offer a GOOD discount for graduates. I don’t believe the RVSEF’s program INCLUDES “on the road” training BUT, said training is often available as an extra cost add on either through the RVSEF or at major RV rallies.
This topic struck a cord with me. I am a woman and I drive our RV 75% of the time. I love to drive and my husband is more than happy to have me drive. I’m 61 years old and have been observing big rig drivers for years. We drove the I44 corridor from St. Louis to Springfield MO for years (18) approximately 42 weekends a year. In those years, traffic was stopped too many times to count for big rig (commercial truck) accidents. Not once for an RV involved accident.There are idiotic drivers in automobiles, RV’s and big rig trucks. I personally have been shoved off the interstate twice by a commercial truck. I did a little research after taking part in this survey. It was difficult to find just a simple Commercial Truck vs Rv accidents. The closest I found was the statistic of fatal crashes per million people for RV’s and Trucks. RV fatality is .44 per 100m, Trucks 1.37 per 100m and a surprising 1.37m for automobiles. It appears RVing is the safest way to travel.We don’t need a gov’t CDL.
I have a 25 class B+, a 22 foot boat, have taken Tactical evasive driving for a police department and qualified to drive an Aerial ladder fire truck as well as heavy duty rescue vehicle. Oh, I also drive a jeep. Tested out on each. That being said, while I feel I do know how to drive safely and defensively, my co-pilot is always telling me what to do and how to drive. While I trust her driving skills (she did chauffeur my kids around), she has admitted that she would never drive the MH unless it’s an emergency. While she hasn’t taken a driver safety course YET, she does know how to break down camp and hook up TOAD an move to safety. I feel everyone should take a course on driving for the vehicle they expect to drive. Whether it’s a boat, airplane, car, motorcycle, 18 wheeler or RV, each has its own quirks and requires training. Yes, there should be some type of exam on the vehicle that you expect to drive, whether by the insurance industry or DMV.
Do not want to see legislation federally to mandate special RV length licenses.
With that said, I wish the RV industry would offer low-cost driver training.
Would love to see fellow RVers get extra training, be it with a company, or with a current/former trucker. Would imagine us gray beards could help new RVers make the transition from a small car or SUV to a 30-42′ RV, especially if trailers or toads are involved.
The fears of other individuals should not dictate my rights and skills.
It would help that regular drivers know that when we turn on blinkers indicating a turn. give us room. We have to plan our movements and when you pull up on a side, it means we are unable to make a lane adjustment. And we may have missed our exit. And I am driving 65 mph because my tires are rated at 65, don’t give me finger as you pass me. I bet most drivers do not know why we drive 65 mph even on interstate. It’s not all our fault.
Driving a rig like that is not like driving a car. Having driven a lot of different vehicles in my lifetime, I think we would all benefit from some training and a road test to get an endorsement on our license to at least show you have the basic knowledge and skills.
A lot of opinions here, but what are the facts? Do drivers of big RVs have so many accidents that additional licenses should be required?
But if not a special license, then at least a few hours of formal training before they are allowed to leave the dealer’s lot with their new purchase. Those claiming to have experience driving/towing can be given a skills test and opt out of the training if they score well enough.
Yes. I need a CDL to drive a truck smaller than my RV
As a retired firefighter, I think there should be at least a few hours of formal training. We are trained through the EVAP (Emergency Vehicle Accident Prevention) which helps understand the laws of speed, inertia, and weight. Along with other things. It was the best backing lessons I’ve ever had! But it doesn’t need to be as extensive. A little good knowledge goes a long way. I’ve seen some fantastic driving and witnessed horrific driving.
Mixed feelings on this subject. I was a commercial driver for many and then retired as a truck inspector for a state enforcement agency. Having a CDL or special license gives you knowledge and questionable skill for the vehicle your operating, however if you’re not going to use the knowledge and skill then all is for naught. Both commercial drivers and noncommercial drivers exhibit are guilty of some questionable behavior regardless of the license they possess. Remember common sense and driving courtesy are now “super powers”. Letting the government, insurance industry or RV industry administrator this will not solve the problem, only we (each driver) have the control over this. Thank you and that’s all I have say about this.
Curt, I concur with your conclusions. No amount of regulation will cause any person or driver to make prudent choices. Gun laws are a good example. If the need for licensing drivers larger RVs was a real issue, there would be a LOT more mayhem on the roads. Let it be and the insurance companies and ol’ Darwin will sort out the really bad ones. IF such requirements became common, the cost of RVing would surely go up even more.
I vote no on this question. Most Rv’ers do a pretty good job of driving their RV’s, whether a maneuverable class B, any kind of tow behind TT, and up to your largest class A’s.
We do “NOT” need another government regulation telling us how, where, when to do things. And, that doesn’t include the additional costs and fees good old Uncle Sam would impose on us. I can’t even imagine what a high-cost state like California would charge.
Look, nothing is perfect and having RV’ers jump through hoops to enjoy the lifestyle doesn’t make it foolproof. To take the polls question in context, people have licenses to drive a Honda Civic yet that doesn’t mean they drive any better, some are just bad drivers period!
I voted yes on the question but, like others, don’t believe it should be regulated on a federal level. I also agree with those that suggest a better solution may be a mandatory training program conducted on the state level.
On a side note: I gather from some of the comments below that when the RV dealerships were questioned if a special license was required that they either didn’t know, they gave incorrect information or they were flat out deceptive. I believe that the RV dealerships should have a legal responsibility or at least have a professional responsibility to inform their clients if a special license is required in their states. I’m from PA and had to ferret out this information on my own after purchasing our motorhome 7 years ago.
I voted yes, but like others I have caveats. Since most of us drive on Interstate Highways, there SHOULD be a national (Federal) standard we all must meet – from Rhode Islanders to Alaskans. That said, I think it should apply to drivers of tandem axle vehicles and those who tow a fifth wheel over 40′ long. It should be similar to a motorcycle endorsement, with emphasis on safety, how to handle a blow out, towing your toad for a Class A or Super C and so on. We all complain about idiot drivers (especially those who cut us off in traffic), so extra training is something we ALL can agree would help.
Who needs the special training? As a group, RVers seem to be pretty safe and exhibit good driving behavior. Problems I see on the road is people in small cars who are in such a hurry they will roar past you to turn just in front of you. They also seem to incur road rage at you for going slower than them. Who needs the training? Maybe we need to study the accidents and really look at who done what.
I just witnessed a dump truck roll over trying to avoid a small car cutting the dump truck off. This could have been tragic but, only minor injuries and the small car escaped the scene. I have held a CDL or chauffer’s license most of my life and have witnessed many accidents and have been involved in several. We really need better training of the average driver and enforcement of the laws.
If you have the $$ for a large RV, then you have the $ to take an RV driving course. We did. I think it’s proper common sense and responsibility as an RV owner. If you haven’t taken a course, you’re nowhere near as knowledgeable as you think you are and that puts the rest of us at risk.
I said yes to both, but in Florida you can drive a truck up to 26000 ” with just a car license, I used to drive a Straight truck that was over 40 ft. Long and had to have a commercial license and had been trained by the Navy and licensed to drive a 18 wheeler, don’t see much difference and really feel after witnessing some accident with motor home and trailers the should have the training, hey you have to get a special license and training to ride a motorcycle.
SC requires a special (class e or f) license if your rig weighs over 22000 lbs. Class f is for those who tow, class e is for those over the weight cut off that don’t tow. License requires a written exam, skills test and road test. Part of the skills test is challenging, requiring you to put front of rig between two narrow parallel lines on the pavement, lines you cannot see once in your blind spot.