CA Non-commercial Class Driver's License

[Montana Man]

I believe your sources are partially right. If your gvwr is over 15k then yes, a skills test is required. Under that, a driving skills test isn't required, just a written test.

[Carl n Susan]

I don't hear so good, but I read real well! Without an on-the-road test there is no difference between the ""Restriction 41" and the "Non-Commercial Class A' licenses.

From the CA DMV Recreational Vehicles and Trailers Handbook

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbo...-requirements/

To obtain an original noncommercial Class A license –

Adults must:

• Complete an application for a driver license (DL 44).
• Pay the application fee.
• Submit a Health Questionnaire (DL 546) dated not more than two years prior to the date of your application.
• Pass the basic Class C law test, unless you renewed your Class C license within the past 12 months.
• Pass the Recreational Vehicles and Noncommercial Class A Trailers law test.
• Pass a vision test.
• Pass a pre-trip inspection test.
• Pass the skills test.
• Pass a driving test while towing the type of vehicle you wish to be licensed for.

[Camp CA]

Please let us know how ALL the tests worked out.

I have my permit and waiting to schedule a pre DMV practice test the DMV test.

[Camp CA]

Update.........I passed the pre-inspection, safety check, straightline backing but failed a text-book alley dock with my 41 ft Montana and F350 Crew Cab long bed DRW due to the rear ladder protruding onto the rear line....I mistakedly lined up the trailer box rear within the line but did not consider the ladder protrusion. By the way, to alley dock I had to pull forward to straighten the truck and trailer perpendicular to the alley within a 50 ft space then perform the alley dock.

So scheduled a retest on September 1st for the alley and for ther offset parking and drive around.

[Montana Man]

Congrats on passing what you did. That alley dock is a joke for rv'ers. It is supposed to be a simulated rv spot maneuver. Sorry I can't help you, we moved out of state.

[Daryles]

I know I could not pass anything backing up. I always ask for a pull through. If thats not available I go for a 45⁰ back in. If that's not available I ask for a site with a road in front of it (T) so I can back in straight. I have been fortunate so far even having to 90⁰ back in a few times with LOTS or front room. We were in Sunshine Key last March and we were assigned a space 45⁰ back in. The neighbors very kindly (wisely) moved their vehicles. There was one neighbor who had lots of chatskis (garden knomes) encroaching on the road and into my target space. I made 2 attempts under the watchful eye of the Campground worker. After my second attempt he was on the radio to get me another site. Good idea...
Anyway, you mentioned you had 50' of head room approach to the alley?
In the diagram it shows 70'.
Have they changed the course?

http://image.slidesharecdn.com/cdlco...?cb=1412610608

Lucky I'm in Missouri, we have no driving restrictions regarding RVs. Although having many near misses (other careless drivers) I'm beginning to think maybe there should be.

[Camp CA]

I measured the head room at the DMV test facility on google earth and practiced over and over with 50 ft space in front of a 40 foot alley with my 41 ft trailer and long bed crew cab dually in preparation for the test. That pracrice has made me really good at both driver and passenger side alley docking within this space constraint without hitting cones.

[432bartman]

I commend you on doing this.......such a pain for the RV owner to track down someone with a commercial license and drive their truck and trailer to a DMV office that actually does this test. I hope you pass this last phase of your test.

[Camp CA]

Thanks for those kind words. I just confirmed a non-commercial class A licensed escort from Gold Country Driving School for the re-test in the event the DMV asks for one.

[Carl n Susan]

Member mtheo earlier in this Thread offered to help. Perhaps a PM to him is in order?

[Camp CA]

You are correct and I spoke to him but did not want to inconvenience him since he lives in Merced and just confirmed a Jacksn RV driving school owner to escort me.