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Thread: New York / CDL

  1. #1
    ken&ellen Guest

    Default New York / CDL

    I spoke to a friend in New York State recently and he told me that the state is requiring a " type rating " to use a aircraft term for units 40' or over. He signed up and they, the state, gave him a road test which he passed. He now has a notation on his drivers license. Upon further review, checking with FMCA, this is not mandatory as of yet; however it can reflect positively on your insurance. While I feel there are folks who should not be driving oversized vehicles, I am concerned that states could make life difficult with increased regulation and fees. I understand that some states require motorhomes to go through the scales process, but I am not clear as to which states they are.

    Ken

  2. #2
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    The rules regarding CDLs is changing all the time. As an example, if you drive a 45 footer in CA you need a license to do so. In 1992 or thereabouts when the CDL was listed in NY as a requirement for coaches over 26000 lbs with air brakes I know the NYSP near us were pulling out of staters over and the RVs remained parked until someone with at least a class B with air brake endorsement was available to drive them.

    Then for whatever reason all of the requirements were relaxed.

    I have recently seen elsewhere that more and more states are requiring appropriate non-commercial Class B licenses.

    I think everybody driving a Prevost at the very least should get a non-commercial class B if for no other reason than to be legal no matter where you drive. It won't make you a better driver, but it will make a lawyer work harder to point a finger of blame at you if you are involved in a fender bender.

  3. #3
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    I agree with Jon. I have had a commercial chauffeurs license since I was just out of high school and then grandfathered it into a CDL when that became the law of the land. It is not really that hard to get one as you can get a tape to study for the written and then take your coach and do the driving part.

    The only hard part about the test is renewing the hazardous materials part and only MangoMike would need that part as I am sure there are toxic items in the Mothership. Oh, Jon probably already has that along with the doubles, tanks and coach endorsements, ratings whore that he is.

  4. #4
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    CDL A, with a "P" endorsement.

    That way if I fall on tought times I can drive truck, drive bus, and with my ATP fly a plane. But I'd rather maintain my currently unemployed status.

  5. #5
    lewpopp Guest

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    Ken

    I was the first to get the state required endorsement for over 26,000 lbs. Unless they have required another endorsement for over 40', it must have come out recently because I have an "in" with that dept. and I would have had the notice.

    Many more states are requiring some sort of endorsement because of so many old farts getting behind the wheels of the big rigs and "away they go". Salesmen don't care who drives, just as long as they get thier commission.

  6. #6
    ken&ellen Guest

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    Group, I had looked into getting a CDL/B here in Chesapeake, VA. The only rating that is offered is the complete CDL for tractor trailer purpose. According to the companies I spoke to the " B " is offered by bus operators to their prospective employees; therefore it would not be profitable to provide this training commercially.

  7. #7
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    Lew, Around 1992 (I think this is when the CDL became required for commercial drivers) there was a window of opportunity to get the class B in a motorhome. Since no CDL B was required until mid year I think, if you took the written and scheduled a road test you could take the test without a learner's permit or a licensed driver to accompany you because it wasn't going to be required in NY until later in the year.

    Then because of the outcry, NY dropped the requirement and only required an R endorsement, which you could get merely by affirming you drove a motorhome prior to the requirement.

    Now, recently various states are starting to require the non-commercial B. I have no clue about a non commercial A for the folks driving RV trailers. I do think it should be a requirement.

  8. #8
    lewpopp Guest

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    I agree it should be a requirement.

    When the testing officer approached me on getting the first endorsement for over 26,000 lbs, he had me study a manual and take a test. He was in the office when I was taking the test andhe was on the phone with Albany DMV. He told me to rip up the test and said all he had to do was t give a road test. He even had to run the computer for the clerks to get the endorsement to appear on my license.

    Oh well, he just wanted a ride in my coach.

  9. #9
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    Default violations-tickets?

    Has anyone been pullled over for a violation or ticket while driving the bus? Inquisitive minds would like to know. I usally run about 73 - 75 except Va. and it's 69 mph tops.
    Roger

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    If I get pulled over it will be for driving too slow. 63 MPH. The world out there is full of crazies and we are targets because we are "rich". The bus will go fast, but it stops slow.

    If I need to get somewhere fast I'll take my plane.

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