By Cheri Sicard
Do you need a special RV driver’s license? The short answer is, it depends.
In the video below, Jason Epperson of RV Miles takes on this sometimes complicated question.
Jason did some research as he was in the process of moving to another state. He discovered that different states have different rules. For instance, in Iowa, a standard driver’s license is fine unless your rig is more than 26,000 pounds, which some large motorhomes are.
However, Jason points out that the state then neglects to give any advice about the licensing you do need. When he started to take a deep dive into this for his viewers, he found a lot of murky legal information concerning RV driver’s licenses on state websites. Researching this was not as easy or straightforward as he thought it would be. Add to that a lot of message boards and comments on the internet of RVers’ sharing their often inaccurate options, and you will be wondering where the truth is.
Well, it is in this well-researched video.
You will have to look it up for your state, but before you do, watch Jason’s informative video as he will help you navigate the sometimes confusing waters surrounding RV driver’s license requirements. He also gives some great examples from states where the RV driver’s license rules are particularly confusing. Different states have different licensing classes, so it is important to know what your state requires for your rig.
To be sure, these restrictions apply to people driving large rigs, but if that’s you, the information Jason shares is invaluable. One bit of good news: Most states have reciprocity, meaning as long as you are legal in your home state, you will be fine if you cross state lines into a state with different regulations.
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Nevada licensing requirements are some what complicated. I’m towing a 11435lb 5th wheel with a RAM 2500. Because my 5th wheel is over 10k lbs yet the combined length of my truck and 5th wheel combined is under 70 feet, I need a J-Endorsement on my driver license. To get the endorsement I had to take a written and driving test by the DMV. If I had a large motorhome I’d need a Non-commercial Class A driver’s license.
Thank you for calling attention to the video, Cheri! Tennessee lets one drive whatever sort of RV you have so long as your driver license is current. Nothing special required. Have a great weekend and safe travels! 🙂
We’ve towed our 5th wheel through 49 of the 50 states and 8 provinces. (the toll to Hawaii is outrageous). Never had any issues as we are properly licensed in our home state.