Operating a Recreational Vehicle in Maryland
January 17, 2013 1:17 pm
Nothing says freedom like hitting the open roads of Maryland in a recreational vehicle. That’s why so many find themselves considering the consignment RV sales on the lots of various dealers. However, before you can hit the road in your new RV safely and legally, you must demonstrate your ability to safely operate your recreational vehicle and obtain the appropriate licensing through the Maryland Department of Transportation.
I own an RV: Do I Need A Commercial License In Maryland?
Recreational vehicles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and operational complexities. While Maryland doesn’t require a commercial driver’s license to specifically operate motorhomes and recreational vehicles, it should be noted that these vehicles fall under different weight classes that need to be considered. Various weights can require different restriction codes, etc.
In order to obtain a non-commercial class license to operate your motorhome, you will first need to obtain a learner’s instructional permit for the class of vehicle you will be operating. You must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to safely operate such large vehicles on the roadways as well as pass a vision test prior to receiving a license for the appropriate class of RV.
License Classes
You need to understand the classes of licenses to determine if you need a different class license for the operation of your recreational vehicle:
• Class C: non- commercial driver’s license authorizing drivers to operate any GVWR vehicle under 26,001 pounds with the exception of commercial vehicles and motorcycles.
• Class B – non-commercial driver’s license authorizing drivers to operate GVWR vehicles 26,001 pounds or larger, pulling trailers under 10,000 pounds, and any vehicle that the C license gives authority to operate with the exception of commercial motor vehicles and motorcycles.
• Class A – non-commercial driver’s license authorizing the driver to operate Class F (tractor), Class G (trailers over 10,000 pounds and GCWR vehicles 26,001 lbs. or larger), and all vehicles that a non-commercial B class license gives authority to operate with the exception of commercial vehicles and motorcycles.
If your recreational vehicle falls under the same class as your current license, then your existing license will suffice. If it doesn’t, you will need to obtain a Learner’s Instructional Permit and then appropriate licensure for the operating of your specific RV.
Testing: What To Expect
You must keep your Learner’s Instructional Permit for at least two weeks before the DMV will allow you to schedule your skill test. The skill test is divided into three parts:
1. Pre-trip Inspection of the vehicle – you will demonstrate that your vehicle is safe to be driven. The tester will ask you to go around the vehicle and identify items to explain what it is and why it’s being checked.
2. Skill maneuvers and basic vehicle control skills – in a controlled test course, the tester will ask you to demonstrate your ability to operate your RV by performing a number of common maneuvers and skills necessary to safely drive such a large vehicle.
3. Public road test – on the open road, you will drive a test route. The tester will see if your general driving behavior and maneuvers in a variety of traffic situations demonstrate safe and responsible driving.
Testing Tips:
• Thoroughly study the Maryland Driver’s Handbook and Motorhome/RV Vehicle Guide before scheduling your test.
• Keep in mind that the DMV doesn’t provide a testing vehicle. You will be required to provide a safe, appropriate vehicle for the class test you’re taking.
• In addition to the above testing parts, you will need to complete the portion of the test concerning air brakes if your RV is equipped with air brakes.
• Electronic-assist devices of any sort, such as back-up cameras, can’t be used during the skill maneuver and road test.
• Remember that RVs come in a variety of weights; if you purchase a different RV than the one you were licensed for, you will need to ensure that the weight of the new RV is congruent with the specifications of the license you were granted.
Tags: consignment RV sales, hit the road in your new rv, operate your motorhome
Categorized in: RV Info
1 Comment
Ben / February 19, 2013 at 1:13 pm
Even if your state doesn’t require you to get a specialized license for RV travel, you really should test yourself to make sure that you are safe on the road before you take off. You’ll hate to figure out that you aren’t capable of backing out or making a three point turn when you’re in an unknown area, there are other vehicles waiting on you to get it done and you don’t have a veteran RV driver there to help you out.