Texas Class B license

[wayne]

I'm studying for my Texas Class B license and was wondering if anyone might have a practice test that I could use to help me prepare.

Thanks!

[Earl Justus]

Wayne,
There is a practice test on page B-6 in the back of the Texas Drivers Handbook. Also there is a skills test for the Class B non CDL.

[Kenneth Brewer]

Wayne,
There is a practice test on page B-6 in the back of the Texas Drivers Handbook. Also the is a skills test for the Class B non CDL.

There will also be vehicle inspection that will include checking the brakes, specifically the air brake system.

[wayne]

Thanks Earl & Ken,
Unfortunately the new Driver's handbook no longer includes the practice test.....but have been studying section 14 and feeling confident....will take the written test later this week.
The bus is still at Pipe Creek....body work has yet to start as the insurance companies have not yet finished with their necessary paperwork. Repair estimate 34K.
Consequently, the vehicle inspection as well as the air brake check will have to wait until the repair is complete.
I carry a print out of Jon's air brake test, so should have that covered as well.

Thanks to both of you for your input.

[Kenneth Brewer]

The inspection and brake test are part of the driving test for the license, if I wasn't clear.

[wayne]

I understood what you meant...thanks again!

[jetart]

I live in a Wisconsin which does not require a special license for Motorhomes regardless of weight (above 26,000 lbs) or brake systems (Air). In the interest of safety I have reviewed the CDL manual and have tested myself and the coach. What are others in Wisconsin doing? What happens if I visit Texas or another state which requires a different class license? Am I at risk of non-compliance?

I'm not opposed to a CDL from a safety or demonstrated knowledge standpoint - but I'm not engaged in "commerce". Wisconsin does not appear to have a structure to separate the two.

Thanks,
Dan
82 Prevost LeMirage XL

[Kenneth Brewer]

I live in a Wisconsin which does not require a special license for Motorhomes regardless of weight (above 26,000 lbs) or brake systems (Air). In the interest of safety I have reviewed the CDL manual and have tested myself and the coach. What are others in Wisconsin doing? What happens if I visit Texas or another state which requires a different class license? Am I at risk of non-compliance?

I'm not opposed to a CDL from a safety or demonstrated knowledge standpoint - but I'm not engaged in "commerce". Wisconsin does not appear to have a structure to separate the two.

Thanks,
Dan
82 Prevost LeMirage XL

Most states require nothing special regarding licenses. No, you will not have a problem in other states because you are legally licensed in your own state, and your vehicle(s) are registered there as well. Otherwise you would have to have the license of the state you enter. You may not have current licenses of more than one state. However, some states do have restrictions on the vehicles they deem too wide, too long, or too heavy on some roads. Maryland is the worst, with the worst history. Perhaps now they have relaxed some requirements, but I have my doubts. 102" wide vehicles, or total lengths with toad over 55', were sometimes ticketed and/or escorted to federally controlled roads, typically an interstate. In fact, Maryland battled with the feds over triples that left an interstate on the way to truck depots, until the feds reserved certain access routes as ICC routes (as I recall). Certain other states had/have similar issues. In this regard, Texas is not a problem.

[Reagan Sirmons]

What is the intent of the Class B and why?
Pres

[Reagan Sirmons]

I apologize . Is the Class B the regular license? I may be confused.
Thank you
Pres

[Kenneth Brewer]

I apologize . Is the Class B the regular license? I may be confused.
Thank you
Pres

No. In Texas a class B license is for vehicles over 26001, but it is not a CDL, though part of the requirements is the same. It is not a commercial license, but it is also not a private passenger car license that everyone has (should have) to drive their personal cars - your 'regular' license. The written test is different, the driving test is somewhat different in that you will be driving a vehicle of a certain size and weight, there is a more extensive vehicle inspection (of the vehicle you will take the driving test with) and, in my one experience taking it, a significantly longer drive test. There is likely to be a waiting line of trucks to take their CDL test by a/the same single inspector (or a few inspectors). My personal opinion is that a newbie (to bus class RVs) might easily flunk the first time. The exact explanation of the Texas class B license can be found earlier in this thread.

[wyle.e.kyote]

My personal opinion is that a newbie (to bus class RVs) might easily flunk the first time.


Out of curiosity, why do you think that?

[Pete]

Doug, don't fret about the test, just study the hand book thoroughly, use common sense during the driving test and pre driving test and you should be fine.
It's not rocket science.

[wayne]

Wayne took his Class B yesterday in Uvalde. He studied section 14 of the handbook and had no problem passing the test.
He has 90 days to take the driving portion of the test, hopefully our bus will be repaired by then.
He is going in to see the judge next week, hoping that the $260 fine for driving without a Class B will be reduced.

Jill

[Kenneth Brewer]

Out of curiosity, why do you think that?

Only because I think individuals who haven't driven very large vehicles where the front wheels are under or behind the driver, where the distance between the front and rear axle(s) invites driving over curbs and wiping out signs and parked cars and, possibly, close guardrails, where the vehicle is the maximum legal width and the tires are right at the outside edge, in narrow construction lanes, and/or where making turns in traffic, especially right hand turns at an intersection where there are cars waiting at the light to continue in their left lane to go straight across straight at right angle to the coach, potentially causing the coach driver to wait in the intersection for room to complete the turn. 35' or 38' is one thing, 45' with tag down can be another.

I guess the point is (my opinion) experience is always advantageous. Particularly when under pressure when being given directions by the examiner in unfamiliar surroundings, and in traffic populated by the usual percentage of idiots.

Others may disagree. Comments (keeping in mind I am frail and sensitive)?

[Don]

I passed on the first try with the bus and was complimented for doing a good job by the inspector, (I do not consider myself good) just lucky. my suggestion is to be relaxed and have confidence in yourself.
I know of a person who failed the class C test 5 or 6 times and had driven across the USA several times over 1 year on a lerners permit.That person has never had an accident in 30 some years but could not drive under the pressure of being watched by an inspector. Again relax
I also know of a person who had a motorcycle license for many years and never fell off. he decided to take the motorcycle beginers cource and fell off and broke his leg You figure