Noncommercial Class A 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) (PDF) 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.

Minors must:

• Complete the items listed above.
• Meet the additional requirements listed in the California Driver Handbook in the Provisional License section.

Examinations:

• Recreational Vehicles and Noncommercial Class A Trailers law test. You must pass the law test based on the information contained in this booklet. The test may be taken at any DMV field office. You may make an appointment online at www.dmv.ca.gov or by calling DMV at 1-800-777-0133.
• Vehicle Safety Check. Before the pre-trip inspection test, you must demonstrate that the turn signals, brake lights, horn, and emergency flashers are working. This is not part of your pre-trip test. However, if any of these items are not working properly or are missing your driving test will be postponed.
• Pre-trip Inspection Test. The pre-trip inspection test is a knowledge test. You must identify and explain the features and equipment on the vehicle which should be inspected before operating the vehicle. If your vehicle is equipped with air brakes, you must demonstrate and explain how the air brake system works. Inoperable, missing, or unsafe equipment will postpone the driving test.
• Skills Tests. Skills tests are designed to demonstrate your skill in stopping, backing in a straight line, completing a right turn around a cone or marker, and backing into a camping space. These tests are done at low speed and test how well you can maneuver the vehicle.
• Driving Test. The driving test includes entering and exiting a freeway, freeway driving with lane changes, right and left turns into one-way and two-way traffic, railroad crossings, and driving on a grade or steep hill, etc. You may make an appointment by calling 1-800-777-0133. Online appointments are not available for this type of driving test.
• Health Questionnaire. A Health Questionnaire (DL 546) (PDF) form is required and must be given to DMV for review and approval before your license is issued and then every two years after that. The Health Questionnaire expires two years from your signature date. Failure to maintain a valid Health Questionnaire form with DMV will mean that your license is valid only for Class C and, if endorsed, for Class M1 or M2 vehicles. Health Questionnaire forms are available online at www.dmv.ca.gov.

License Classes and Requirements

Noncommercial License Classes:

License classes are based on the size of the vehicle you wish to drive or the weight of the trailer you wish to tow. No passenger vehicle, pickup truck, or RV may tow more than one other vehicle without a Commercial Class A license with the proper endorsement.

You May Drive…	And You May Tow…
You May Drive… With a Noncommercial Class A license: Any vehicle under Class C.	And You May Tow… Travel trailers weighing over 10,000 lbs. GVWR, not used for hire. 5th-wheel travel trailers weighing over 15,000 lbs., not used for hire. If the towing vehicle weighs 4,000 lbs. or more unladen, you may tow a: Livestock trailer exceeding 10,000 lbs. GVWR but not exceeding 15,000 lbs. GVWR if the vehicle is controlled and operated by a farmer, used to transport livestock to or from a farm, not used in commerce or contract carrier operations, and is used within 150 miles of the person’s farm.
You May Drive… With a Noncommercial Class B license: Any vehicle under Class C. Any housecar over 40′ but not over 45′, with endorsement.	And You May Tow… A single vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or less including a tow dolly, if used. If the towing vehicle weighs 4,000 lbs. or more unladen, you may tow a: Trailer coach not exceeding 9,000 lbs. gross. Trailer coach or 5th-wheel travel trailer under 10,000 lbs. GVWR when towing is not for compensation. 5th-wheel travel trailer exceeding 10,000 lbs. but not exceeding 15,000 lbs. GVWR, when towing is not for compensation. NOTE: No passenger vehicle regardless of weight, may tow more than one vehicle. No motor vehicle under 4,000 lbs. unladen may tow any vehicle weighing 6,000 lbs. or more gross. (CVC §21715)
You May Drive… With a Basic Class C license: A 2-axle vehicle with a GVWR of 26,000 lbs. or less. A 3-axle vehicle weighing 6,000 lbs. gross or less. A motorized scooter. Any housecar 40’or less. A farmer or employee of a farmer may also drive: Any combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,000 lbs. or less if used exclusively in agricultural operations and it is not for hire.
You May Drive… With a Class M1 motorcycle license: Two-wheel motorcycle. Motor-driven cycle. Motorized scooter.	And You May Tow…A single vehicle. Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for your motorcycle or scooter to determine the maximum weight it can safely tow.
You May Drive… With a Class M2 motorcycle license: Motorized bicycle. Moped. Any bicycle with an attached motor. Motorized scooter.

Purpose of this Booklet

This booklet contains the information needed to qualify for a noncommercial Class A, noncommercial Class B 45′ housecar, and noncommercial Class B recreational vehicle trailer endorsement.

This booklet is also a handy reference for people who currently drive a recreational vehicle (RV), or pull noncommercial recreational trailers, fifth-wheel trailers including livestock trailers, and motorcycle trailers. It concentrates on the information needed to drive these vehicles safely.

The RV is a mobile living experience which more people are discovering. Trailers, motor homes, campers, and van conversions offer a fun way to enjoy leisure time.

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is concerned with the safe operation of RVs, recreational trailers, and all other trailers. Most drivers have experience in driving passenger vehicles. However, an RV or trailer handles differently. Some of the most noticeable differences are restricted vision and added braking time. Other differences include being aware of bridge heights, buildings with low canopies, space requirement needs, increased following distances, increased turning radiuses, and the additional space needed for lane changes.

The glossary at the back of this booklet defines terms which you may not be familiar with.

Handbooks to Study for Obtaining the Necessary Driver License

• California Driver Handbook which contains basic driver license rules and regulations for safe driving in all situations.
• Commercial Driver Handbook (PDF) which contains the rules and regulations for Class A and Class B commercial vehicles and trailers, multiple trailers, passenger transport vehicles, and commercial Class C vehicles which must be placarded to transport hazardous materials or wastes.
• California Motorcycle Handbook (PDF) which contains rules and regulations for Class M1 and M2 motorcycle operators.
• Various brochures entitled “Fast Facts” or “How To” which provide driver license and registration information for vehicles and trailers.

Other Study Materials

• Owner’s manual for your towing vehicle
• Owner’s manual for your RV or your trailer