Class A License – California Requirements & Thing to Know
A Class C license is the most common license on the roadways. This license allows you to drive a motor vehicle legally. But there is also a Class A license. There are different requirements to get a Class A license. You should know what a Class A license is for first before you try to get one.
Class A License – California Requirements & Thing to Know
There are different types of driver’s licenses in California and a Class A license is one of them. But what is it and why would you want it? There are two types of Class A licenses in California. The Class A Commercial license allows you to drive any legal combination of vehicles under Class B and Class C.
The Class A noncommercial license allows you to drive any vehicle under Class C and any housecar over 40 feet but not over 45 feet. If you plan on driving a semi-truck you will need a commercial license. That is really the only reason to get a commercial Class A license.
But if you want to drive a truck with a house trailer you will need a Class A non-commercial license. A trailer home is a trailer that looks like an RV and it attaches to your truck. These licenses are also known as CDL or Commercial Driver’s License.
How to Know if You Need a CDL
It would be incomplete to tell you that you need a CDL for semi-trucks. There are many different types of semi-trucks and you can tow a number of things that would require a CDL. The best way to determine if you need a CDL is to figure out the weight of the vehicle you are driving or are towing.
The weight is known as the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or GVWR. If the load being towed is over 10,000 pounds, you will need a Class A.
How to Apply
Only people who are over the age of 18 may apply for a Class A. But that will only apply to California. You will need to be 21 years old to apply for an interstate license. They will also pull a ten-year driving record as part of the process. You must also pass a medical evaluation done by a qualified examiner in order to apply as well.
Everyone will need to pay the application fee. After you have submitted all of your forms, passed the written test, and have been recognized as qualified you will get your permit. You have to complete a few tasks in order to move onto the licensing stage.
You will need an appointment to take the skills test. Be sure to bring the vehicle you plan on driving with your Class A license in order to take the skills test. You will be given a temporary license which is good for 90 days while you wait for your plastic license to arrive.
If we have a flat bed trailer being towed by a pick up do we need a class A? Does it matter how long it is or is it just by weight?
Should I take a class or just study non commercial classA?
if you have a class A license and do not pass your medical do you need to notify DMV to let them know?
Can I take my class a liceancing test in my f550 and 14kgvw trailer.
What ever vehicle combo you test with is all you can drive . In other word’s if you want to drive the big trucks you have to test in one
If a Class A non-commercial license is only to drive a motor coach why is there a physical? What are the elements of the physical? I have a bad back but otherwise I have a solid driving history. I’m about to turn 60 and haven’t had a citation and probably 30 years or so? I do take non-narcotic medication to help with my back such as ibuprofen and so others. At one time I had a flight physical to become a pilot and had to do dexterity tests and whatnot which I could pass them but I’m not sure about now.
The physical is for the safety of others not you they are making sure you are not a risk to others while operating a 80,000 Lb
So under 40 foot motor home needs only a class c licence
Do you offer lessons for a non commercial class a license?
Im interested in getting my class a license but do not have a job at this time do I have to have a job to get my class a
For more information about applying for a commercial driver’s license, please refer to the DMV website. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/commercial-driver-licenses-cdl/
I”m interested in getting my class A license.
I”m interested in getting my class A license. Need more information
interested in getting a class a cal license
I currently have a C license, I own a 43 ft motor home, will i need a permit to allow myself to drive the motor home to DMV for the application process? Is it possible to come in for this process?
My client has a class A license and they recently was arrested for a possible dui. How will this possible conviction affect his/her ability to drive? They own and drive an 18 wheeler for work.
I am pulling a noncommercial horse trail with total weight of 14000 lbs. Will class a noncommercial work?
The motor home I want to get is a 30 foot one. I don’t need a class A ? Right?
Do I have to take a class A driving course for a license in California? I am finding different answers everywhere.
Hi,
My husband is interested to get a class a license and was wondering is this a online school for that and if so how long is the course and how much is it? I am in N. California.
Thanks,
Carolyn
Thank you for considering Varsity Driving Academy for your online driver’s education. We do not offer commercial driving lessons at this time.
My stepson is going through class A testing for a county job, he is also wanting to get his motorcycle license. The local dmv here in ca told him he couldn’t do both at the same time or he would have to start completely over with the class A if he took the M license test too. This seems like bs. Is it?
We do not offer legal advice on personal situations. To take your online driver’s education or purchase behind the wheel training, please visit https://varsitydrivingacademy.com/product-category/orange-county-driving-school/
I have a boat on a 3 axle trailer under 10,000 lbs, and is 8’10” wide 38 ft long. I now that I need a wide load permit in CA, but what license class is required, an A, or is a C ok?
Thank you for coming to Varsity Driving Academy! You can refer to the DMV licenses and requirements page for more information. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/recreational-vehicles-and-trailers-handbook-2011/license-classes-and-requirements/#:~:text=With%20a%20Basic%20Class%20C%20license%3A&text=A%203%2Daxle%20vehicle%20weighing,gross%20or%20less.
If the minimum age is 21 but you have to possess a 10 year driving record, how can anyone who got their license at the minimum age of 16 qualify at age 21?
Hi Matt, thanks for that catch. The text has been edited to reflect that the DMV states on their website, “Submit a completed 10 Year History Record Check (DL 939) (if you have been issued a DL of any kind in another state or jurisdiction in the last 10 years).” You can find more information on how to apply for a commercial driving license here: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/commercial-driver-licenses-cdl/