Drivers License Wake Up Call

I recently purchased my Marathon coach. It is at the factory, almost ready to go, if I would stop adding stuff to the list, mostly as a result of reading these different threads, now i need new headlights Zenon I guess? Well anyway, as a new Prevost owner I now am getting FMCA magazine again. I received my first copy this week, the Jan. issue. While kicking back and reading the issue, on page 78 I noticed an article on "MotorHome Regulations". I scrolled down to Florida and looked at the Class of License required to operate a motorhome, and noticed that my license, class E allows me to operate motorhomes up 26001 LBS. I guess that means I will only be able to operate the first half of the coach, maybe up to the galley. Nobody ever mentioned the need for a different Class of license to operate this vehicle, not the salesman, the insurance company, this is a first. My last coach, been a while, 2002 was over the 26001 lbs limit as well, and I whistled around in this one with ignorant bliss, wish I had missed this article. Question: What Fl. license do I need, can't seem to get a clear answer on the Fl. DMV sight.

Thanks,

Bruce:confused:

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Originally Posted by 0533

I recently purchased my Marathon coach. It is at the factory, almost ready to go, if I would stop adding stuff to the list, mostly as a result of reading these different threads, now i need new headlights Zenon I guess? Well anyway, as a new Prevost owner I now am getting FMCA magazine again. I received my first copy this week, the Jan. issue. While kicking back and reading the issue, on page 78 I noticed an article on "MotorHome Regulations". I scrolled down to Florida and looked at the Class of License required to operate a motorhome, and noticed that my license, class E allows me to operate motorhomes up 26001 LBS. I guess that means I will only be able to operate the first half of the coach, maybe up to the galley. Nobody ever mentioned the need for a different Class of license to operate this vehicle, not the salesman, the insurance company, this is a first. My last coach, been a while, 2002 was over the 26001 lbs limit as well, and I whistled around in this one with ignorant bliss, wish I had missed this article. Question: What Fl. license do I need, can't seem to get a clear answer on the Fl. DMV sight.

Thanks,

Bruce:confused:

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Bruce, I can't comment directly on what you read, but I was under the opinion that RVs when not commercial are not under the CDL rules in FL..
The law may have changed, but when looking up Florida Bureau of Motor Vehicles "BMV" web site one still finds that to be true. Have a look see and you decide.
http://www.dmv.org/fl-florida/cdl-faqs.php
Look at the FAQs paragraph one and it clearly states what is covered by a CDL.

Even if the motorhome is a non-commercial vehicle some states require the non-commercial class B license because the vehicle is over 26,000 # and/or has air brakes.

It is highly unlikely any of us will be stopped at random, but if we are stopped for an infraction, or are involved in an accident having at least a driver license appropriate for the class will all of a sudden be very important. It is possible an insurance company will refuse to pay claims if you are driving out of license. It is probable that if you are stopped for any reason and the police determine you do not have the correct license, you will be hiring a driver to move your bus to a safe place or paying for a tow.

If you tow a trailer, and it is a large heavy trailer in exess of 10,000 lbs there are some states that will require a Class A license. It is not worth the risk in my opinion. If your state requires a license the best thing you can do is get that license. My insurance company (Interstate, through Explorer) offers a discount for a commercial driver license, and that alone will pay for the license over time.

Hello Jon,

I agree in general with your comments, and like anything else worth doing, the advanced license would be helpful for many reasons including improving ones skill level.
Most states have reciprocal agreements with each other, in other words Illinois accepts a Florida license requirements etc. I can not find a clear answer in the Florida DMV laws that say that I need a commercial (CDL) license to operate a non-commercial vehicle, only a reference to a max weight of 26001 LBS. It appears to be somewhat of a grey area. I want to be legal, but I also want to head out to Oregon and pick up my marathon and have some fun. I would sure like to know the legal Florida answer to this question. On Monday I will call the DMV and hopefully get a senior english speaker who can direct me to the chapter and verse.

thanks,

Bruce

Hello All:

I think I have dodged the bullet this time. I went to a page on the Florida DMV site that exempts motor vehicles from the CDL requirement as long as the vehicle is used for non-commercial use

CDL Exemptions: Florida DMV.

The following persons are exempt from the requirements to obtain a commercial driver license in the state of Florida:

* Drivers of authorized emergency vehicles that are equipped with extraordinary audible warning devices that display red or blue lights and are on call to respond to emergencies;or
* Military personnel driving military vehicles; or
* Farmers transporting farm supplies or farm machinery, or transporting agricultural products to or from the first place of storage or processing or directly to or from market, within 150 miles of their farm; or
* Drivers of recreational vehicles used for recreational purposes; or
* Drivers who operate straight trucks (single units) that are exclusively transporting their own tangible personal property which is not for sale.
* An employee of a publicly owned transit system who is limited to moving vehicles for maintenance or parking purposes exclusively within the restricted-access confines of a transit system's property.

Thanks for your help.

Bruce.

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Drivers of recreational vehicles used for recreational purposes

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Bruce, that sounds like it's the key. The important thing (at least it was in CA), is to make sure it it licensed as a recreational vehicle. If you go in and say "bus" in the DMV, you can sometimes get the clerks confused. In CA at least, ours will specifically say "motorhome" somewhere on the registration.

Ray

ps: As an example, however, in CA if the coach is over 40 ft, then it requires a Class B non-commercial license.

It's my understanding that the state of Florida makes the exemption if it is a recreation vehicle.That seems to be the key.

However, it is probably a good idea to have the appropriate Class license in the event of a legal challenge (read lawsuit).

Well, in ILLINOIS you have:
up to 26001 LBS
above 26001 LBS
and CDL (comercial)
What is the problem, our Prevosts are above 26001 LBS and we need this kind of driver license. You don't want attorneys or insurance companys to explain to us again in case of an accident when they do not pay the claim, because you were driving with out a proper license. Case closed !

As Bruce points out there are states, TN being one of them, that has no requirement for a license other than the one required to drive a car.

That means you can legally own and drive a Prevost anywhere in this country. But the minute you end up rear ending the a$$hole that changed lanes in front of you and then spiked his brakes you can also count on his lawyer making a big deal of the fact you don't have a license to prove you actually know how to drive that big rig. With all respect to Darl, I used the same concerns relative to braking the toad. I was less concerned about the 20 foot shorter stopping distance than I was about the lawyer describing me as irresponsible to the jury.

Either make sure you have a very big umbrella policy or spend a buck or two and get the license you really do not need.

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Originally Posted by Jon Wehrenberg

As Bruce points out there are states, TN being one of them, that has no requirement for a license other than the one required to drive a car.

That means you can legally own and drive a Prevost anywhere in this country. But the minute you end up rear ending the a$$hole that changed lanes in front of you and then spiked his brakes you can also count on his lawyer making a big deal of the fact you don't have a license to prove you actually know how to drive that big rig. With all respect to Darl, I used the same concerns relative to braking the toad. I was less concerned about the 20 foot shorter stopping distance than I was about the lawyer describing me as irresponsible to the jury.

Either make sure you have a very big umbrella policy or spend a buck or two and get the license you really do not need.

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I agree with you Jon, we need to be very careful, and we should all have the CDL in a perfect world, but until the timing is right, the best plan is to learn what the limits are for both the coach and the driver.

In regards to the Florida drivers license, and this holds true from what I am reading in FMCA's Jan issue many states allow a regular license holder to operate a over 26000 LBS, Air brake rigs, and each of these states law enforcement recognize the license. The differences appear to be more toward the overall length, posted speed limits and height. They vary considerably from state to state.

Now liability is another animal all together, and in my opinion it should be separated from all else, like Jon said, when you are sitting in court, its too late to protect yourself and your assets.

Like many of you all, and for this very reason, my coach is in a Montana LLC, its a corporation, I am a member and everything is with an attorney in the Truck capital of the free world. many people use Montana LLC's to avoid the tax man, but the real benefit in my opinion is liability.

Bruce...ask any pilot on this forum if he is able to afford enough insurance to make him feel comfortable giving plane rides to non family members.

The reality is that you can register anything you want in a corporation like my plane is, but as driver or pilot you will be on the lawsuit right alongside the LLC or corporation. There is no legal way to avoid being a part of the lawsuit with 100% of your personal assets up for grabs unless you hire a professional driver, and even then you may have responsibility because you should have foreseen he would have an accident.

We may know our stopping distances, our G forces in lateral acceleration, and our capability in evasive maneuvers, but that does not prevent some jerk from pulling in too close after passing, and then locking his brakes up when he thinks he sees a deer. By the time you mentally calculate you don't have enough stopping distance your headlights are in his glove box and he is on the phone to Johnnie Cochran's law firm.

We are targets. The entire world views us as rich people who got that way because we stole from the little people. It is not bad enough that service techs pad the bill because we can afford it, but anybody involved in a fender bender with us sees us as the path to a life of ease and riches.

Driving defensively is a must, but so is dotting the "I's" and crossing the "Tees" in every other single area we can. They really are out to get us.

If you really need a class A license, then you by all means should have it. If you are getting one just for "yuks" so you are convered for more classes than you really drive, you should bear in mind that in some states, like here in CA, as a commercial driver the point structure for violatioins is different, and sentencing / fine guidelines are different too.

You could find yourself with a suspended license over having too many points for something that would not have been a big deal with a non commercial license.

I believe that the BAC limit for being DUI is lower if you have a commercial license as well, even if you are not operating a commercial vehicle wihen you get caught.

Not that anyone should be DUI anyway, but things happen, and it is a factor.

This came to light when one of our employees that has a commercial got some minor ticket, went to court and the judge was fixin to let him off with a warning unitl the "helpful" clerk pointed out there was a mandatory action on the part of the judge due to him holding a Class A, even though he was not driving a commercial vehicle at the time.

All food for thought.

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Originally Posted by jello_jeep

If you really need a class A license, then you by all means should have it. If you are getting one just for "yuks" so you are convered for more classes than you really drive, you should bear in mind that in some states, like here in CA, as a commercial driver the point structure for violatioins is different, and sentencing / fine guidelines are different too.

You could find yourself with a suspended license over having too many points for something that would not have been a big deal with a non commercial license.

I believe that the BAC limit for being DUI is lower if you have a commercial license as well, even if you are not operating a commercial vehicle wihen you get caught.

Not that anyone should be DUI anyway, but things happen, and it is a factor.

This came to light when one of our employees that has a commercial got some minor ticket, went to court and the judge was fixin to let him off with a warning unitl the "helpful" clerk pointed out there was a mandatory action on the part of the judge due to him holding a Class A, even though he was not driving a commercial vehicle at the time.

All food for thought.

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Good example of what can happen. I did notice that there were different rules, urine tests, and other mandatory regulations. I am happy for now knowing that I am at least legal. I did however figure that in a few states ( FMCA Article, Motorhome Regulations) could trip us up on the following: Combined length: Nj. 53',NC., 60' CT., 60' Il., 60', IN., 60', MD. 60', MA., 62'. Max Speed: IL., 55mph, IN., 55mph, OH., 55mph. I don't think that any of our combined units are 60', possibly a Mini Cooper, not much else.

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Originally Posted by Jon Wehrenberg

Bruce...ask any pilot on this forum if he is able to afford enough insurance to make him feel comfortable giving plane rides to non family members.

The reality is that you can register anything you want in a corporation like my plane is, but as driver or pilot you will be on the lawsuit right alongside the LLC or corporation. There is no legal way to avoid being a part of the lawsuit with 100% of your personal assets up for grabs unless you hire a professional driver, and even then you may have responsibility because you should have foreseen he would have an accident.

We may know our stopping distances, our G forces in lateral acceleration, and our capability in evasive maneuvers, but that does not prevent some jerk from pulling in too close after passing, and then locking his brakes up when he thinks he sees a deer. By the time you mentally calculate you don't have enough stopping distance your headlights are in his glove box and he is on the phone to Johnnie Cochran's law firm.

We are targets. The entire world views us as rich people who got that way because we stole from the little people. It is not bad enough that service techs pad the bill because we can afford it, but anybody involved in a fender bender with us sees us as the path to a life of ease and riches.

Driving defensively is a must, but so is dotting the "I's" and crossing the "Tees" in every other single area we can. They really are out to get us.

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When I met Mango Mike at his restaurant the other evening, that is exactly how he characterized you when I asked who you were.

I do agree, but can't stay home, and life is too short to think about getting sued, anyway Johnny Cochran will not be available this time to help out OJ.

Bruce PS> Next step after the LLC is to place all of it in a trust, or give it all away. We need a good member lawyer to guide us beyond this point.

As usual Jon is able to boil the problem down to basics. We all agree that reasonable caution along with preventive stuff is indeed the best defense against accidents. With that in mind and knowing anyone who has walked the walk to be able to own our marvelous toys, going through the process of obtaining a CDL license is weak tea. The truckers we have in our midst are very special guys indeed, they are very atypical of folks in a trade that doesn't require a degree. It doesn't take much effort to provide yourself with this additional bit of insurance. The written exam can be studied for and passed with a little reading. The driving test for an "A" can be done with the rental of a +26,000lb auto-shifting truck pulling an equipment trailer. Took me a half day and $400.

Additional benefit. When the trooper asks for your license, he thinks twice before writing the ticket. He assumes you're a pro and that the license provides your income. (This may not be the case in Ohio :eek:). Edit: Jello. It was the CHP that gave me a free pass. Maybe the point system worked for me?

Could be Brian. After meeting you I would suspecet a much more likely scenario would be that you were the first person that day who had treated him like a human being, didn't hand him a bowl of crap, and spoke the chosen language...

Most of them spend their days writing tickets to commercial drivers. Just smiling and not being a jerk goes a long ways.

Just my .02 !

I live in Illinois and contacted my attorney on this matter. He states the Illinois says "Non-commericial Use"- recreational vehicle with no limit in weight- normal license is accepted.

I asked if he were sure. He said the Non-CDL study book for the State Of Illinois starts out it's first paragraph to address this issue.

If being used non-commericial- no issues. He is going to mail me this code book with it high-lighted in yellow to keep in my coach. Also, will be mailing me a invoice for his 15 minutes of service.

Tully

Not sure what your endorsements read in the back of your FL drivers licence but mine reads "CLASS E - Any non-commercial vehicle with a GVWR less than 26,001 lbs. or any RV." I never asked for anything special on this but it was there when I updated my old licence for a new one.

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Originally Posted by BENC

Not sure what your endorsements read in the back of your FL drivers licence but mine reads "CLASS E - Any non-commercial vehicle with a GVWR less than 26,001 lbs. or any RV." I never asked for anything special on this but it was there when I updated my old licence for a new one.

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I have a Florida License as well. It says the following:

"CLASS E - Any non-commercial vehicle with a GVWR less than 26,001 lbs.

It did not refer to the last bit about "Any Rv", I wish it did as it gave me a bit of a scare until I read the exemptions on the Florida DMV site, see below:

Florida CDL Exemptions:

The following persons are exempt from the requirements to obtain a commercial driver license:

* Drivers of authorized emergency vehicles that are equipped with extraordinary audible warning devices that display red or blue lights and are on call to respond to emergencies;or
* Military personnel driving military vehicles; or
* Farmers transporting farm supplies or farm machinery, or transporting agricultural products to or from the first place of storage or processing or directly to or from market, within 150 miles of their farm; or
* Drivers of recreational vehicles used for recreational purposes; or
* Drivers who operate straight trucks (single units) that are exclusively transporting their own tangible personal property which is not for sale.
* An employee of a publicly owned transit system who is limited to moving vehicles for maintenance or parking purposes exclusively within the restricted-access confines of a transit system's property.

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Originally Posted by jello_jeep

Could be Brian. After meeting you I would suspecet a much more likely scenario would be that you were the first person that day who had treated him like a human being, didn't hand him a bowl of crap, and spoke the chosen language...

Most of them spend their days writing tickets to commercial drivers. Just smiling and not being a jerk goes a long ways.

Just my .02 !

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Hey Jello Jeep, I often see Brian early in the day AND late in the day, and he ALWAYS treats me like an a;ien, hands me two bowls of crap, and tries out his pidgin english on me......

Actually, if you hold a professional drivers license, even if you do not need one, you may very well be held to a higher standard in a court of law. My state requires nothing more than the license they give 16 year olds to be legal todrive the bus, and that is all I intend to carry. Not to say I should not have the skills and knowledge of a professional. Maybe Brian will teach me. Now, that could take 2 minutes or 2 years depending on your point of view!

Since it took Peter nine months to think of a cheap shot answer to our exchange Warren, I would guess it may take a little longer than 2 years to even get his attention let alone for him to actually learn anything.

Yeah Brian, next thing you know he is going to be talking about the "talkie" movies being in vogue! :D

Bruce,

I can only speak to my experience in NC. When I went to get an upgrade on my license I was looking for a CDL. Our DMV told me, no way with that vehicle - it does not seat 16 or more persons. I even countered but that does not change the nature and technical systems of the vehicle. I wound up with a "twenner" license. Its called a Classified B in NC. I also did not qualify for a Classified A license because I would not be towing a trailer with a GVW exceeding 10,000 pounds.

OK, I know it is not good practice to question a DMV Examiner's knowledge base. However, in NC they were part of the DOT until recently and I work for the NCDOT. I passed the written test, 40 correct out of 50 possible (I had 30 for 30 at one point and then let down my guard against their sneaky way of wording questions). I took the road test the next day. That examiner stated she had never given a test to anyone in this kind of vehicle. She also said it might take awhile to complete the road test - like from here to Myrtle Beach SC. I told her I was operating at her direction with a full tank of fuel so just tell me where to point the bus and we would be off! Well we did not go to the beach, really big disappointment, but I did pass the test. So right now until I get a bus that seats 16 plus I've gone as high up the license scale as I can go.

I've got to go look where I can put in a few more seats - later.

I just read all three pages of this thread and was surprised that there was no mention of what someone referred to once as an "air brake adendem". Now, I have no idea if this is something that even exist but they characterized it as keeping a non CDL license like most of us have now but getting some........."air brake" certification added to it. Maybe this comes automatically with another "class" of license. ??? Seemed screwy to me. What the heck do you need to know about the air brakes except that if the air leaks the bus comes to a stop instead of speeding out of control.

Jeff,

I can't say for other states, but in CA a class -B non-commercial license, required for RV's longer than 40 ft, specficially indicates that an airbrake test is NOT needed, even if the vehicle being tested has airbrakes.

HOWEVER, that being what's in the rule books, the examiners seem to have a different idea, and I've heard from several CA residents who have taken the Class B test, that they've gotten a full-blown Class A (CDL) type of test, including full airbrake test.

The airbrake test in CA has around 5 parts, which test that the compressor is working, that it cuts off at proper pressure, and cuts in at proper pressure. It also tests that your airbrake alarm goes off at a specified pressure. Sometimes they also require that you pump the brakes long enough that you get below the emergency brake threshold, and your emergency brake pops on.

There is no AirBrake Addendum to a Class B in CA.

Ray

Ray do you have a Class A [CDL] ?

Since the Spearfish attendees got up close and personal with 4 state troopers involved with vehicle safety it would seem they would have an interest in our rigs and all the things related to them such as axle weights, driver licenses, lengths, etc.

The short version is we are off their radar. They have no special licensing requirement. Apparently a bunch of other states also allow a 16 year old with a new license to drive our rigs also.

I guess if an owner lives in a state where there is no special license or skills test required, like TN then you need no endorsements or special class licences. The police made it abundantly clear they had zero interest in RVs or enforcing the state's laws regarding weights, or lengths.

I don't agree, but my opinion doesn't count.

Jon and others sorry for my attitude but what does that tell you.

It tells me they really have little regard for safety and rather are just another bunch of bureaucrats that are out for our money.

A gang of programed robots out separating truckers from their wallets. I got a badge and the authority syndrome.

Until recently I always looked at professional drivers as having a lot in common with the DOT. We spend our lives on the road and are judged by our performance behind the wheel.

I do not believe in stereotypes and would be willing to admit there are probably that 10% who are professional but from my experiences almost NEVER am extended that same consideration when encountering them.

Be careful what you wish for Jon ya know truckers are limited to 500 miles a day and have to log 10 hours to do it. Is this the kind of over site you would like for us? Transponders with satellite links to monitor our every move every minute.

Excuse me, but I am confused as to what the air brake test has to do with a CDL. Can someone explain a little more what the issue is/was? Am I missing something. In my experience, the air brake test is part of the inspection for vehicle registration and registration renewal (yearly), along with engine emissions, regardless of the type license being held by the (registered) owner/user.

This test was performed by the inspector, which in NJ used to be done in the DMV inspection station. That changed some years ago and is now performed by private but state licensed and listed truck/heavy road vehicle garages and no longer handled at state run DMV stations (and where it is done in PA., in my recollection).

Also, if possible, can anyone tell me what states require anything special in the way of a driver's license (class) to drive a non-commercial vehicle for non-commercial use that is classified as an RV, and for what weight/GVW?

Thanks.

Hi Ken. I know next to nothing regarding other states. California does not require a air brake certification as far as I have been able to learn. The Class B license in California is what is necessary when operating a Coach 40 feet and larger, as well as over 22,000 lbs. There is no brake test associated with this license although I have heard some examiners may ask questions regardless. Each state have their own license requirements but I understand they honor other states Laws for out of state drivers. Some states have little or no requirements for driving any RV.

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The Class B license in California is what is necessary when operating a Coach 40 feet and larger, as well as over 22,000 lbs.

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Not exactly Gary. The CA vehicle specifically indicates an RV (called a "house car" in CA) 40 feet or less can be operated with a Class C license. It does not matter if it's over 22,000 pounds.

The 22,000 limit applies to vehicles OTHER than RV's, like trucks, etc.

So, with a class C a 40 ft Prevost is legal. A 45 is not.

Ray

Ken if one were to take a vehicle, any vehicle, with air brakes for a behind the wheel exam THAT VEHICLE would have to pass an air brake inspection, period.

When one goes to get a CDL "air brakes" is just one of a few WRITTEN exams that need to be passed for that.

If you are in a state that does not require some additional drivers certifications for your bus (most) you probably will need neither.

If the state does require additional certification on your personal DL then probably both you and your vehicle will need to pass those tests.

For those who would like to unnessessarily cost yourself time and money just because you WANT to have a CDL you will have to pass a written and the bus will have to pass a physical.

Joe,

Personally I don't care if a motorhome driver has a CDL or any special license. Apparently some states agree with my attitude.

But it is my opinion that if a person is going to slide behind the wheel of a vehicle that requires skills beyond those required for a passenger car then I want to be assured that person has skills appropriate for that vehicle. Period.

We have been in campgrounds watching people try to get a camping trailer backed into a site for the better part of an hour. They have their spouse standing behind the camper with a walkie-talkie and they still cannot get it right. We have seen the same thing with big motorhomes. We have watched folks drive over picnic tables. We have seen folks in Prevost coaches and equal sized motorhomes incapable of staying in their own lane in construction zones.

I'll bet there are drivers out there who do not know how to do a pre-trip brake test.

My point is if a person is sharing the road with others, then they have an obligation to possess the skills necessary to drive the vehicle. If enough folks driving large vehicles screw up then it is just a matter of time before it will be necessary to possess a license appropriate for the vehicle.

And that requirement will not come from legislation to start. It will come from insurance companies who will not cover the driver unless he or she has demonstrated those skills, usually by possessing a license that says they do. The reason truckers have restrictive laws is because before the laws were passed there were some that ignored common sense and became hazards. They used "speed" to keep awake or they drove trucks with faulty brakes, or they hauled loads in excess of what was reasonable. Now because of those that constantly pushed the limits, all truckers are heavily regulated and have become a revenue source for some states.

Its only a question of time before motorhome owners will be as regulated. Before that happens however I think the Montana license thing will become a revenue source and will become illegal if it is not already.

Anyone who has sat through one of your airbrake seminars probably came away with more than you could ever get by getting a study guide for a CDL. These guides are available to any who ask at any DMV.

I agree we who do educate ourselves about this aspect are for sure better prepared for breakdowns and emergencies and safer too.

I would like to extend my help to those who have not seen one of Jons seminars and who have never read a CDL study guide. Go and pick one up. If you have any questions about something call me anytime and I will clarify things you may need help with 708-243-7871. Post questions here, all could benefit.

IMO this is a better alternative than subjecting yourself to more regulation.

Aquire the knowledge, screw the official endorsment.

There are many CDL guides available on-line from several states. In theory, they should all be very much alike.

You can download the NJ CDL manual in PDF form from this link...

http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Commercial/CDLManual.htm

I like this quote from the manual....

"2.7.3 – Space to the Sides
Commercial vehicles are often wide and take up most
of a lane. Safe drivers will manage what little space
they have. You can do this by keeping your vehicle
centered in your lane, and avoid driving alongside
others."

Seems most truckers haven't read this 'cause they sure don't mind driving alongside me for miles at a time :eek:

Paul,

The solution could be that one of you has to go faster!

John

Yep,

I usually end up just tapping my brakes to let them by......

Don't like lingering next to those trailer tires in case one of 'em decides to come apart while next to the bus....

Heaven forbid that they should accelerate beyond their cruise control setting!

The more knowledge you obtain before getting behind the wheel of a 45 Ft. 48,000 + pound 102 inch wide vehicle the safer you, your passengers and the other drivers around you are. Please don't think in terms how little you can get by with. Get a commercial drivers license hand book and be prepared to handle any situation that you find yourself in. Be prepared to pass any test be it a drivers license test or actual situations arising on the road.
Here in California we travel in heavy traffic situations most of the time. I am glad I prepared myself for a commercial license and received a class B non commercial license. The examiner did give me the air brake test prior to my driving portion of the test. We have a resposibility to be prepared to handle our busses in the safest manner possible.

Harry, I'm curious ...

I'm sure you read as well as I did that the air-brake test was not required, but I've heard from several people that they were indeed given an airbrake test.

However, Ken mentioned to me he was "talked through" an airbrake test, rather than asked to perform one without any guidance. Ie. the guy gave him the instructions, and Ken performed the test (he could have done it alone as well).

So, I was wondering, in your case, did they "walk you through" an airbrake test, OR did they tell you to perform one, and grade you on it? I certainly don't mind knowing how to do an airbrake test, and I do. However, it bothers me when the rule book they give you specifically indicates no airbrake test, and then the examiner gives one anyway.


Ray