If you’re interested in investing in an RV, you’re probably doing your research to learn more about this type of vehicle. One of the questions that may have come up for you is whether or not you need a special license to drive an RV? Typically, the answer will be no. A special license is not required. However, there may be some requirements that you should be aware of in regards to the weight of your vehicle where you’re going to be driving.
Your Current Driver’s License
The license that you already have as a registered driver in the U.S. is adequate for driving an RV that is a normal size. If you have an RV that weighs in at over 26,000 pounds or houses more than 16 passengers, special licensing may be required. In this special case, you may need a commercial license. Yes, that’s the same kind of license that bus drivers and truckers need. Regardless if you’re driving a private vehicle, you may need a CDL in certain states.
What States Require a Special License?
You can contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles if you want to find out more about the individual states with stricter license guidelines. The ones that you need to learn more about in regards to a commercial license include:
- Arkansas
- Hawaii
- Connecticut
- New Mexico
- Kansas
- Washington D.C.
- Wisconsin
States that require a special license that is different from a CDL includes:
- California
- Maryland
- Michigan
- New York
- Nevada
- Texas
- South Carolina
- Wyoming
- Pennsylvania
All other states that aren’t listed here should be fine with the license that you have. If you’re heading over the border to Canada, you are required to follow the requirements for the state that you live in. If you’re nervous about license requirements, the smartest thing that you can do is invest in a smaller RV that doesn’t come close to the 26,000-pound threshold. If you would like to learn more about the different RVs available, you can contact us here at Reliable RV.
