Do You Need a Special License to Drive an RV in the US?

Did you know that 1 million Americans live full-time in an RV (recreational vehicle) and love their nomadic minimalist lifestyle? Are you envious of them? Do you wish you could throw off your encumberments and be free again? 

The first thing you will need to know (after buying your new RV) is whether you need a special license to drive an RV around the United States. In the article below, we will give you the lowdown on which RV driver’s license you will need, so keep reading.

You Don’t Need a Special License to Drive Most Motorhomes

The basic gist of it is that you don’t need a special RV driver’s license to drive an RV in America, in most cases. If you have a standard operator’s driver’s license, that should suffice for most motorhomes. 

That is, as long as they are below 26,000 pounds, which most RVs are. The average weight for Class C RVs is from 10,000 to 12,000 pounds. And the average weight for Class A RVs is from 13,000 to 30,000 pounds. 

When you are first getting into the RV lifestyle, you will probably get a smaller RV in any case. This way you can get used to the lifestyle and to driving it around the highways of America. If that’s the case, you won’t need to get a special license. 

As soon as you upgrade to a bigger motorhome, which is more than 26,000 pounds, you will need to get a commercial driver’s license, that truck drivers have. It’s a license required to operate large and heavy vehicles.

Each State Has Its Own Rules

Now you have to be careful because each state in America has special rules on what you need to drive an RV. For example, in Indiana and Wisconsin, you only need a commercial driver’s license if your RV is heavier than 45,000 pounds. 

The best thing you can do if you get concerned that your RV is getting close to that 26,000-pound limit is to contact your local DMV and figure out what your local state laws are. Also, if you know you are going to be traveling to California or some other national park, then make sure to contact that state’s DMV to get the lowdown on their laws. 

Remember that this rule of 26,000 pounds still applies if you are towing an RV, but the weight changes to 10,000 pounds and under in most states. Again, if you are thinking of traveling in your RV soon, make sure with the local DMV about the exact rules.

View this Cougar Half Ton, if you haven’t purchased an RV yet.

Get Your RV License and Be On Your Way

If you are driving an RV that’s heavier than 26,000 pounds, don’t hesitate. Get your RV special license right away and get going. No need to dilly dally over it. 

Did you find this article useful? We have many more fascinating articles on our website, so keep reading!

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