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.
I’m not sure that 40 feet is a magic number. There are plenty of other considerations.
Smaller RVs experience handling issues in high winds or from passing trucks.
Some RVs built on truck or van chassis have extended rear overhang (tail swing) that are as long as a big class A.
Many RV accidents are caused not by length or weight, but by height and drivers not paying attention to low clearance warning signs.
In most cases where special license requirements exist, they are based on weight, not length.
Here in B.C. Canada, you require an air brake endorsement before you can legally drive a unit with airbrakes. It requires both textbook and practical (under a logging truck adjusting brakes). It took 2 weekends but was interesting (my 40-footer didn’t allow you to adjust the airbrakes but at least I understood the concept.)
Should be some consideration given to an RV Class license that is uniform across the Nation. Class B should be exempt, except for normal drivers licenses
I just towed a bumper pull 40 ft destination trailer 1700 miles behind my 1 ton HD diesel dually with absolutely no issues. NONE folks. Not even in the 35-40 mph crosswinds. In fact with the dual sway control set up it handled better than the 40 ft 5th wheel. Now I’ve been towing camper trailers since I was 16 and the worse towing experience was with a 20 ft hybrid camper. Big Class A’s and busses would push me all over the road. I also drove a full sized Sunday School church bus (which oddly didn’t require a special license). Once you get behind the wheel, either towing a long trailer or driving a long bus, it takes little time to get familiar with controlling that bigger vehicle.
But!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. My State- Pa.- does not make it readily available or staff it with non grumpy, helpful testers. Pa. wants us to have a “special”- Non commercial class B with an air brake addendum. I get it, I agree but, I am still running a full time service company and if I am not working I don’t get paid. We need more test sites with more available testing days.
By the way. This requirement is due to weight- over 26,000 lbs. gross weight and towing under 10,000 lbs. towing. Otherwise a CD is required.
I agree. It took me over a month to get scheduled for a class “A” drivers test.
Not sure as I’ve observed many impressive RV drivers out there traveling around then I have observed some that shouldn’t be driving a car. I believe experience is key. I wouldn’t jump into a 40′ motor with no experience and head down the road. I’d start smaller and over time work my way up in size and the same holds true with towing. I started with a 12′ tag along, moved to an 18′ tag along and to a 28′ 5th. Each handle different with it’s own pluses and negatives. And don’t exceed your comfort zone. You’re supposed to enjoy your travels.
I voted “no” because I’m in that group towing at more than 40′. I don’t have a special license and don’t prefer to have to have one mandated. However, I do believe education for these longer tows and bigger MHs should be encouraged. I witness too many going too fast, weaving in and out of traffic, among other things.
Absolutely, proper training should be required for any rv. 8’ to 60’. Not a license but perhaps a certificate of competence for what one is towing, driving.
I know it’s not a popular position these days but I think more government oversight and legal liability in RV production and sales is needed. I think it should be illegal to sell a trailer to someone who doesn’t have a vehicle that has the specs to safely tow it. I think it should be illegal for a dealer to hook up a trailer to a vehicle without a properly installed and adjusted hitch, including leveling and sway control. I think it should be illegal to manufacture an RV with “TONS OF STORAGE!!” but with a CCC nowhere near what you’d be led to believe said RV can carry. And don’t get me started on the F53 chassis on entry-level motorhomes.
(cont.) I think all RV drivers should be required to take an entry-level class specific to their RV. I don’t think the problem is the length of the setup but the setup, couple with the experience of the driver. It is the job of the manufacturers to build and sell RVs. It is the job of sales people to sell RVs. Whose job is it to see that both groups do their jobs SAFELY? We need to stop relying on personal ethics and innate competency of anyone. Our roads suck, our highways are crowded; let’s stop setting people up to fail.
your problem is you think the government has knowledgeable and intelligent people, they do not hire the best and brightest, if best they might have a high school diploma (which is not much these days). Most RV’s have lot more knowledge than most government employees.
I don’t think that you can pick a length and say an endorsement is needed for your license. Either you know how to drive pulling a trailer or 5er etc. or you don’t. I believe if an endorsement is required, it should be required for any vehicle longer than a standard car length, I’ve seen some drivers of class b’s & c’s that should not be driving them.
I voted “Yes” but with mixed feelings.
It seems like a “solution” in absence of an actual problem.
Of the thousands of RV’s on the road, is there a high percentage of 40’+ rigs that are involved in driving accidents? If so, is there any evidence that shows differentiated licensing rather than higher loss of equity would reduce that?
If not, what’s the itch we’re trying to scratch here? More regulation, more fees, “justification” for higher insurance premiums or higher taxes based on what? An opinion that the longer you are, the more you should pay the government for your license?
If you’re an unsafe person, a plastic card after taking a test won’t change that.
In my opinion: Each State should have some type of test for people who want to tow, whether it be a travel trailer, boat, or utility trailer.
Why 40′ why not 30′? How about towing anything? What about over 10,000# GVWR? Maybe some sort of upgraded licensing would be good. I’m required to have special training and licensing to ride a motorcycle.
This has been asked before. Am I starting to see numerous posts?
Texas requires a special license based on weight, not length. It’s probably a good idea, however, most inconvenient to schedule an appointment and then plan a trip around an out of the way testing location. Additionally, staff at the facility gave my husband the wrong written portion of the test which necessitated a second appointment. My husband also had to parallel park our 5th wheel during the test. We full time and have never seen a campground that requires this! Seems like the politicians once again found another way to agree on something and avoid the bigger issues!
I voted yes . As a workcamper I’m tired of having to fix fences, gates sewer plugs , electric hookups and just about everything else because big rigs cut too close .
And a piece of paper is going to change that? I have seen many so called professional drivers run over stuff.
No, a piece of paper will not change that, B-U-T taking mandatory classes and passing driving tests with your rig will ensure there are educated drivers of large vehicles. After all, what’s the difference between your rig and an 18-wheeler?
The difference between my rig, and an 18 wheeler? 60,000 lbs., and 25’ in length! Thats a BIG difference!
I not only firmly believe there should be a skill and knowledge test required I believe all rver’s should be required to go across highway commercial scales. Far too many flying on Americas highways and byways with tow vehicles far less than adequate for the task,
Training and licensing has never made a careless person careful. Just look at all the bad drivers on their phones who have valid driver licenses. Just look at post-DUI required classes. Or “sensitivity” or “diversity” training that employees or cops get.
All they are, for the most part, are money generation methods.
Ohio requires nothing. Do Ohio drivers have more RV accidents, towed or not? I doubt it.
Stop giving the government more control over you!
A “license” isn’t going to make people any smarter or capable. I’ve driven over 100K miles with 65’+ of RV on a basic driver’s license. Experience has shown me 30% of “Licensed and trained” truck drivers, perhaps a greater number of auto drivers, shouldn’t be on the road. You’re dealing with people. People will make mistakes/be stupid. Be defensive at all times. Some corrupted government license isn’t going to save you.
Riiiight….just like the “wild west”. Anybody can do anything. Let me know how THAT works out, eh? Aircraft, too, right?
Let’s see your data that RVs of specific size are an issue. Facts, not conjecture.
Richard, people learn from being tested on mandatory studies. After passing those tests you are awarded a license for retaining that knowledge and giving you the “right” to apply it in practicality. For example, hunting. You have to know what to shoot, when to shoot and where to shoot. Or operating a locomotive, you need to be knowledgeable about weights, braking and distances, signals and connecting and disconnecting and all the laws that go with it. I agree the government is corrupted, but I disagree that a “license” isn’t going to make people smarter. People ain’t gonna get smarter if they don’t study!
Taking a CDL test is no different than taking any driving test except for the extra extra particulars you must learn. In Pa you must take a special knowledge test to get the license, and are limited to 26,000 lbs.
Of course this does not mean they are actually able to drive them.
Lack of common sense is the biggest problem anymore…along with no ethics,morals or respect. Leadership in this country proves it.
Yes to both. Just like a truck or bus driver must have, because that what it is.
Drivers who don’t know how to pull trailers of any size or use sway bars or check tires and axles can be just as dangerous.
People who purchase motorhomes don’t know the ins and outs of driving them. They should have to have a CDL license to purchase. I have seen drivers get out who need a walker or other mobility units to just walk.
I’ve owned RVs since I was 17 yrs old. I’ve had 2 truck campers, 3 trailers, and am on my 4th motorhome. Now at 61 yrs old, I’m pretty sure I “know the ins and outs of driving them.”
There has to be some form of testing a person’s ability to maneuver the many large RVs out there including how to park them. As a retired professional driver I’ve seen many dangerous situations. Even some car and pickup truck drivers have a hard time just staying in their lanes and judging the position of their vehicle in their lane. Have had to help some RVers park their unit at the campground after they tried for 1/2 an hour or more to park it. It’s not about government control. It’s about safety for everyone’s sake. Show some respect.
I voted yes but most importantly motor homes with air brakes they need to know the ins and out about them!
When talking about 40 foot on length do you mean what the manufacturer say is 40 feet or the truth that most so called 40 foot motorhomes are actually 41 feet 4 inches.
Based on the questionable quality of many professional truck drivers, we experience on our RV trips, I don’t think more government involvement, more licenses more fees, and more regulations, is going to change much at all.
There are requirements in many states for regarding 26k lb and larger vehicles, as well as towing less than 10k, regardless of length. Parking in campgrounds is generally pretty safe, although maybe annoying to others.
A thorough written test would go a long way to improve safety through awareness. Most states are not equipped to handle the driving competency tests. CDL requirements are excessive in time and cost for most RVers.
( non-CDL class B licensed)
It might help turn more campgrounds into permanent residency parks. To add to the fun, why not add mandatory vehicle inspections, equipment inspections, driver competency tests, drug tests, etc. After all, drivers licenses effectively prevent car accidents, don’t they? If we provide enough regulation, we can drop traffic fatalities to zero, right? (At least, that’s what the city of Portland thought, a few years ago.)
There should be testing to tow. Different endorsement for different types of rigs, Class A, Class B, Class C, Fifth Wheel, Travel Trailer and include boat and utility (even rental trailers). A written test including speed limits, general lane travel, stopping and starting, driving under adverse weather conditions (tire chain requirements in states that may require them), general safety when towing and backing. A skills test tailored to the type of vehicle (based on the endorsement) (so no parallel parking requirement). The skills test should include a demonstration of unhitching and hitching the trailer (or toad). Use of safety chains (when that state requires them).
A special drivers license isn’t going to provide any new driving skill and is more red tape. Simply driving for a very short time will be much more valuable.
case in point. My mother was a very nervous individual and in my Torino with her as a passenger and passing a semi truck, she would say it was going to suck us under.
the point it is much more about perspective than any real to life Experience or situation.
I agree. From what I see on today’s highways across most all vehicle types, including commercial big rigs, having a license, even a class A, doesn’t equate to obeying the law or being a courteous or skilled driver. So what’s an additional license going to do?
Next…what data does the majority of respondents have that feels we need special licenses to show that there is a problem that needs fixing? Let’s see facts…actual data…that substantiates a material issue that another license will fix.
RVTravel…you asked the question, so how about you do the research and provide data to base a judgement on.
I actually got my CDL so I could drive School Buses. Not for fun but to pay our bills after a business merger cost me my job/income. While learning the trainer asked if I’ve driven bus before. I have not and nothing like that, not even a motorhome, but I did admit that I was dangerous because I didn’t know to be afraid and just drove. I realized that there must be lots of drivers who just don’t know to be afraid or more so to be worried. I watched my f-i-l buy a motorhome and drive off and I knew he didn’t have the skills needed. My point is that with a short training lesson even if it’s just a screen exam, most key points could be brought to light and make us more aware of the dangers ahead.
I saw someone at a gas station pulling a 5 foot Uhaul trailer hitting the pump on exit.
Most aggressive driving, and speeding, I see comes from people towing RVs that are less than 40 feet long. The ones towing bigger RVs are on average slower drivers, keeping to 60/65 mph as opposed to 75/80 on smaller RVs.
I also see many big commercial trucks being aggressive on the road and they had training.
Common sense, better depth perception and more caution is what we need, not spending more money for tests people will forget about, and ignore, after getting their license.
We see the opposite. Those huge 5th wheels pass us at 70-85 mph. Rarely passed at 62 mph by a small camper and then they might be going 65, 70 tops.
Thank you, RV Travel! 🙂 I voted for both. However, being a resident of Tennessee currently requires that I only have a valid driver license. Voting was costless unless I do not get “grandfathered-in” with the passage of such a rule in Tennessee. 😉 I have taken an advanced RV driving course, but it only reduced our insurance fee for the first two years after the course was completed. Thanks again, have a great week, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
If you are a good -very good normal driver you’ll do fine driving your motorhome regardless of length. It doesn’t matter where, who, or what you drive, some get it and some don’t. A CDL for motorhome drivers doesn’t make you a better driver. It’ll only give the insurance industry another tool to deny claims.
As a CDL holder, I can vouch for the need for special training to drive large vehicles. Especially those equipped with air brake systems. Most large RV owners don’t understand how air brake systems work, and they should. For people towing long RV’s there are special considerations that need to be understood, thru training and certification. I think there needs to be a MODIFIED CDL (specialized training) for people driving these large vehicles on public roads to increase safety for all who share the roads with them.
In Texas you have to pass the driving test to get your CDL. My husband took the course and passed, he has been driving motor homes 38, 40, now 45 feet with a tow makes us 56 feet for 24 years. Our new one has the adapt cruise control as well, I think this is a must driving anything over 30 feet. Yes to the course and yes to adapt cruise control.
Voted for both, our 5th wheel is 35′ connected to a 20′ pick up. Oops almost took out that fuel pump, not sure a special license is required but one wonders if that should change. Age might be a better gage as to the need of additional license endorsements. Experience is a great teacher, just watch other’s back up, grin.