How do I get non-commercial Class B California license without a 45' coach?

[Kevin Warnock]

I am thinking of buying a 45' coach, but I can't figure out how to get the required non-commercial class B license in California.

The coach I like is for sale in Texas, which also requires a non-commercial class B license.

I asked the dealer in Texas, and they said to ask my insurance company if I can drive without the non-commercial class B endorsement until I get back to California. This makes me nervous.

The biggest issue I see is I have read I have to take the California DMV driving test in a 45' housecar, and I can't drive such a coach to the DMV without a person with me that already has a non-commercial class B license. I don't know anyone with a 45' coach or RV. I live in San Francisco.

I tried to search this issue on this forum but got an error saying all words have to be at least two characters long, so 'class b' can't be searched.

I ruled out the Gillig coach I asked about yesterday. Thanks for your feedback.

I am now considering a late 1990s era Prevost, MCI or Newell.

This is to travel the country with my wife and our two young kids. I was going to convert a coach, but then I realized my family is growing up fast and we want to start traveling sooner rather than later.

There just are so few late 1990s 40' coaches for sale, but lots of 45' coaches, so that's why I want to get the license endorsement.

How are people getting their non-commercial Class B housecar endorsement in California?

Thanks,

Kevin

[luvrbus]

Don't know about CA but in AZ it is written test and vision test if you have valid driver's license, it is  weight upgrade speak with a body at DMV they will probably wave the driver's test  and all you do is answer the 50 dumb questions without missing over 10,You will be fine driving the bus or RV back with just regular license if you are private hauling no passengers for revenue>I don't know of anybody that pays attention to the over 26,000 lb law it is hard to find even a converted GM bus that weighs less than 26,000lbs 

[rusty]

Don't remember all that went on. A friend tried to get the proper license in california.  I think it is a full blown commercial license.  I remember he had to do a walk around pointing out all the parts of the brakes and lights, and do a drive test with backing around a bunch of cones. He didn't  do well and gave up and registered his bus in Arizona
Wayne

[freds]

If the bus has a bed toilet and kitchen it can be registered as a RV and you dodge all that stuff.

[windtrader]

For some reason, it seems 45' in Cal is supposed to have some extra kind of license.
The DMV provides the details here: Here is the link https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/recreational-vehicles-and-trailers-handbook-2011/noncommercial-class-b-45-housecar-requirements/
Mine is 40' so i drive it on regular auto license with nothing additional required.

[Kevin Warnock]

Yes, and getting this special license is difficult. Apparently if you show up for the driving test alone, you will fail because you didn't have the special license to drive to the test to get the license.

So, you need someone with a non-commercial Class B license to sit next to you while you practice driving and on the way to the test.

How would I find such a person near San Francisco, CA? I would pay them of course. I have years of experience driving 35' and 40' bus conversions, so I am not too worried, but I have read the DMV driving test takes two hours and is rigorous, with only one chance to back into a parking place accurately, for example.

Are there RV driving schools where they provide the 45' coach for learning and to take the DMV test?

If so, I could sign up and get my endorsement before I buy a 45' coach. Since I'll need to drive it over a thousand miles to get home, I need to be properly licensed.

Thanks,

Kevin

[luvrbus]

For years 45 ft Rv/s and buses were illegal in CA,we had a BCM rally planned years ago that was called off because of the law.I have saw many 45ft entrainer and Nascar  buses hauled on Landoll's  loaded and unloaded in Needles because of the law,all states have the 26,000lb law but most exempt a RV

[RJ]

So, you need someone with a non-commercial Class B license to sit next to you while you practice driving and on the way to the test.

Kevin -

Check with your local charter bus outfits and see if you can get together with their safety/driving instructor. Have him work with you to obtain a regular CDL B/P license because with a CDL B/P you can drive a 45' coach in CA. Now go pick up your 45' conversion, bring it back home (where are you going to park it in SF???), then make an appointment with the DMV to have your CDL B/P downgraded to a non-commercial Class B.

You can't be cited for driving a 45' RV with a CDL B/P.

This is a little convoluted, but it would work.

FWIW & HTH. . .

RJ

PS: You might find the Fresno Commercial Driver's License office a little more accommodating than anything in the Bay Area. . .

[richard5933]

RJ beat me to the suggestion of contacting a local charter company. You could also contact a place that sells used buses. They might have someone able to help you out or to make suggestions.

Or, join FMCA and then contact people in the local chapter. There will be lots of members in your area with 45-ft coaches who have gone through the same thing, and likely you can find one willing to help you out. It might be worth joining FMCA for one year just to get the connection to someone to make this happen.

There used to be lots of bus conversion owners in FMCA (it was founded by some) but nowadays it's mainly regular class A rigs, but you might even find a bus conversion chapter near you.

[RichardEntrekin]

Your question about licensing was answered nicely by Steve Vance on another forum where you asked the same question.

http://newellgurus.com/showthread.php?tid=7126