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Old 09-07-2020, 03:44 PM   #41
Camp CA
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Carl.....you are correct.....so no test with a motorhome.

dfb.....might be prudent to establish a Nevada residency. I will look into that.
 
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Old 09-08-2020, 07:29 AM   #42
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Got a plan...............downloaded/viewed several youtube videos on alley docking, bought 12 safety cones and 100 foot tape measure. Plan to drive to a large empty parking lot, set these up the cones and practice, practice, practice and practice with my 41 ft fifth wheel.
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Old 09-08-2020, 09:17 AM   #43
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There you go! You'll be able to do it blindfolded, that will impress them!
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Old 09-08-2020, 03:48 PM   #44
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They don't enforce it until they do!

Those of you who say the CHP never enforce the license restrictions when towing are mostly right. Several years ago The CHP decided to set up a check point at Pismo Beach and were forcing those not properly licensed (pulling large toy haulers) to park them and get a properly licensed driver to come get them. You try going to the DMV and most of the clerks have no idea what a restriction 41 or non commercial class A are. It took me several minutes and a supervisor to get the test for a restriction 41. I also have left the state of CA.
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Old 09-08-2020, 03:58 PM   #45
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Those of you who say the CHP never enforce the license restrictions when towing are mostly right. Several years ago The CHP decided to set up a check point at Pismo Beach and were forcing those not properly licensed (pulling large toy haulers) to park them and get a properly licensed driver to come get them. You try going to the DMV and most of the clerks have no idea what a restriction 41 or non commercial class A are. It took me several minutes and a supervisor to get the test for a restriction 41. I also have left the state of CA.
We go there to camp on occasion. I know that the CHP is doing exactly what you are saying. They also pick off the 3/4 tons pulling fifth wheels. Like shooting fish in a barrel on that one. And, my experience exactly in the DMV. Took half an hour just to find the study guide, not to mention testing. And, our house is on the market as we write. Adios CA. We must be living in a parallel universe!
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Old 09-08-2020, 04:24 PM   #46
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Nevada used to have an endorsement, they have no requirements now but for a regular license.
Not true!

https://dmvnv.com/nvdl.htm#rv

They combined the "R" into the "J" endorsement years ago. It's for towing a combination over 10k and less than 26k, not exceeding 70ft in length. Before, the "R" was for towing a combination (non-commercial doubles) and the "J" was for over 10k. You really need a non-commercial Class A in NV if you tow a Montana. They sum the GVWR of the towing vehicle and the trailer even though the pin weight is part of the tow vehicle. However, the 70ft limit doesn't apply according to the wording in NAC 483.110 if your combination is over 26k.

When I took the Non-Comm Class A driving test, I had the NV "J" endorsement and they didn't care that I drove it in by myself. They even questioned why I was wanting to test for the Class A. I had to explain the math.
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Old 09-09-2020, 02:51 PM   #47
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Problem solved......signing up with local trucking company in Haywad, Calif for $2500, use their flat be truck for dmv test and they escort you to the fmv for tests. Now I just need to revise my permit for a commercial class A drivers license.
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Old 09-09-2020, 03:31 PM   #48
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While at the dmv i scored a 100 on the written.. when i went back they said they dont do that on rvs.. truck is under 26k lbs gvwr.. i realize the trailer is 13000 total.. never had an issue..
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Old 09-09-2020, 03:48 PM   #49
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Sounds like a good plan using a trucking company truck, too bad it is $2,500. I was going to advise you not to practice with the cones, because there were no cones when I took the test, and it was hard to see the lines on the ground, and that is why I failed. I wonder if you brought cones if they would let you use them? I mean after all, if you are backing into an alley dock, there are cement walls on each side, that you can see!
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Old 09-09-2020, 03:54 PM   #50
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I know the Commercial Class A (CDL) requires a bi-annual doctor's certified health report. The non-Comercial Class A uses a self certified health report. Should you get a ticket with a CDL there is no option for driver school appeasement. Are there other differences?
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Old 09-09-2020, 04:05 PM   #51
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Since my last post I decided to use the test to get the noncommercial class A license. Will confirm with the trucking company and dmv will be OK.
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Old 09-09-2020, 07:42 PM   #52
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Problem solved......signing up with local trucking company in Haywad, Calif for $2500, use their flat be truck for dmv test and they escort you to the fmv for tests. Now I just need to revise my permit for a commercial class A drivers license.
I'm let down. I thought your plan to practice with cones was good. Failing the dmv test is no big deal, just go back and retest. Protest the alley dock to the examiner explaining it's unfairness to vehicles with less turning radius than a semi. And, that alley docking is not a simulated camping spot anyway. I did and the guy seemed understanding. A full class A is a pain if not needed.
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Old 09-17-2020, 02:33 PM   #53
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Back to getting a non-commercial class A license now that I have found an instructor who has passed the test with a dully towing a 41 ft fifth wheel and can work with me to prepare me for the pre-inspection, safety inspection, skills and driving tests.

Interestingly, when I called the CA DMV commerical division the person I spoke to did not know any specifics about maneuvers are involved with the skills tests but apparently the perpendicular alley docking test is not required according to a truck driving school. I suspect straight and offset backing tests are.
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Old 09-18-2020, 09:18 AM   #54
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I want to find out the straight scoop on the requirements for CA. I just messaged my buddy who has over 35 years with the CHP as a Commercial Enforcement Officer.
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Old 09-18-2020, 06:52 PM   #55
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I want to find out the straight scoop on the requirements for CA. I just messaged my buddy who has over 35 years with the CHP as a Commercial Enforcement Officer.

So, yes if you live in the great State of California and your 5th wheel's GVWR is 15,000 lbs. or more, you need a Class A non-commercial license. If you have a motor home between 40-45' then you need a Class B non commercial license. The CVC section covering all this is 12804.9.
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Old 09-18-2020, 07:05 PM   #56
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So, yes if you live in the great State of California and your 5th wheel's GVWR is 15,000 lbs. or more, you need a Class A non-commercial license. If you have a motor home between 40-45' then you need a Class B non commercial license. The CVC section covering all this is 12804.9.
I don't know about "great" state of CA but the testing manual and requirements are posted within this thread.
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Old 09-19-2020, 10:23 AM   #57
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I don't know about "great" state of CA but the testing manual and requirements are posted within this thread.
I was being very sarcastic with that word GREAT. Looks like I will be studying to get my class A non-commercial.
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Old 09-19-2020, 04:33 PM   #58
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Camp,
90 degree alley dock was required when I took test in Bakersfield last year, had to do it.

It was difficult but they allowed 12 line touches that enabled a pass. I used 7. At each line touch inspector would stop me, I’d have to pull forward clear of the line then resume my alley dock maneuver. Note for the alley dock u have to finish with the 5th wheel within 3 feet of the end line, without use of rear view cameras even if installed. U are allowed to exit the vehicle & survey the situation twice, but save one for the 3 foot completion.

I did not complete the full test, didn’t finish the road portion as it grew dark & DMV office was closing. I did not reschedule prior to expiration of my permit, as my accompanying commercial driver was unavailable, he had to return to work.

DMV doesn’t appear to have Non-Commercial Cl A systemically engrained yet. I had a few discussions, objections & frustrations with my two appearances. I do not recommend going to DMV on a Saturday, it seemed to me that they were mainly interested in clearing the line rather than taking the time to complete the tests - just my opinion based on my experience.

Hope ur testing goes well. Keep us informed.
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Old 09-19-2020, 07:40 PM   #59
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I took my test in Fresno. They never addressed the 12 line touch or any use of backup cameras. Nor did they allow me to get out of the truck during the process. Apparently there is no consistency in testing. The manual calls for a simulated camping spot to back into. I never backed into a 90 degree alley in which to camp. In any case I thought they were fair with their testing.
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Old 10-05-2020, 03:20 PM   #60
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Got some more word from more than one CHP officer, that if your DMV knows what they are doing, you only need to take the Class A Non Commercial written test and not be required to do a behind the wheel test with your trailer. I was told some DMV's are lost when it comes to the Non Commercial Class A testing procedure, but one of my local offices (Fontana) is the one of the ones that is up to speed with the correct testing procedures. I plan on booking a test date in the near future there.
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