The license class you need depends on the RV's weight, not what it looks like
Most RVs under 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) can be driven with a standard Class C driver's license — the one you already have or are working toward. If your RV is heavier than that, or if it's a motorhome or travel trailer with certain towing setups, you'll need a Class B or Class A commercial driver's license instead. The weight of the vehicle itself, not its length or how many people it sleeps, is what determines which license you need.
Your state's DMV will tell you the exact GVWR by looking at the manufacturer's plate on the RV — usually found inside a cabinet or on the driver's side doorframe. You don't calculate it yourself; the builder assigns it when the vehicle leaves the factory.
Key Takeaways
- A Class C license covers RVs and motorhomes under 26,001 pounds GVWR, which includes most travel trailers and smaller Class B and Class C motorhomes.
- A Class B commercial driver's license is required for single motorhomes between 26,001 and 33,000 pounds GVWR.
- A Class A commercial driver's license is required for any motorhome or RV combination (vehicle plus towed trailer) over 26,001 pounds combined GVWR.
- You can find the GVWR on the manufacturer's plate attached to the RV itself, not in the owner's manual or registration.
- Some states have additional rules about towing capacity and fifth-wheel trailers that may require a commercial license even under 26,001 pounds.
Class C License: Most RVs under 26,001 pounds
If your RV's GVWR is 26,000 pounds or less, you can drive it with your regular Class C driver's license. This covers the majority of travel trailers, fifth wheels, Class B motorhomes (the van-sized ones), and many Class C motorhomes (the larger box-shaped ones you see on highways).
You do not need any special endorsement or additional testing. Your current license is valid as long as you meet your state's age and vision requirements. If you're a new driver working toward your first license, you'll get your Class C when you pass the written and road tests — no separate RV endorsement exists for this weight class.
The catch: just because you're legally allowed to drive it doesn't mean you're prepared to. RVs handle differently than cars, have larger blind spots, and require different braking techniques. Many states offer RV safety courses through organizations like the Family Motor Coach Association, but these are educational, not required by law.
Class B Commercial License: Motorhomes 26,001 to 33,000 pounds
A Class B commercial driver's license is required if you drive a single motorhome (not towing anything) that weighs between 26,001 and 33,000 pounds GVWR. This typically applies to larger Class C motorhomes and some Class A motorhomes.
To get a Class B, you must pass a written knowledge test specific to commercial driving, a pre-trip inspection test, and a road test in a vehicle of that class. You cannot take the road test in a car and then drive an RV; the DMV requires you to test in an actual Class B vehicle or one very similar to it. Many people rent a motorhome for a few hours to take the test, or work with a commercial driving school that has one available.
The process takes longer than a standard license renewal. You'll need to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam, which checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and other health factors. This exam is valid for two years, and you'll need to renew it when your license comes up for renewal.
Class A Commercial License: RVs over 26,001 pounds or towing combinations
A Class A commercial driver's license is required if you're driving any motorhome or RV combination where the combined GVWR exceeds 26,001 pounds. This includes large Class A motorhomes, or any motorhome towing a trailer, even if each vehicle individually weighs less than 26,001 pounds.
For example: a Class C motorhome weighing 20,000 pounds towing a 10,000-pound trailer requires a Class A license because the combined weight is 30,000 pounds. A single Class A motorhome weighing 35,000 pounds also requires a Class A.
The Class A testing process is similar to Class B but more rigorous. You'll take a written test covering air brakes, combination vehicles, and hazmat (if applicable), plus the pre-trip inspection and road test. The road test must be performed in a Class A vehicle — typically a motorhome or a tractor-trailer combination. You'll also need the DOT medical exam.
How to find your RV's GVWR and determine your license class
The GVWR is printed on a metal or plastic plate attached to the RV by the manufacturer. Look for it on the driver's side doorframe, inside a cabinet near the entrance, or on the exterior near the hitch. The plate will say "Gross Vehicle Weight Rating" or "GVWR" followed by a number in pounds.
Write down this number and compare it to the chart below. If you're buying an RV and the seller doesn't have the plate visible, ask them to locate it before you commit to the purchase — you need this information to know what license you'll need.
Do not rely on the RV's length, sleeping capacity, or class name (Class A, B, or C) to determine your license requirement. A "Class C motorhome" can weigh anywhere from 15,000 to 33,000 pounds depending on the model and year. Only the GVWR matters.
| RV Type & GVWR | License Class Required | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Travel trailer or fifth wheel under 26,001 lbs | Class C | None |
| Class B motorhome under 26,001 lbs | Class C | None |
| Class C motorhome under 26,001 lbs | Class C | None |
| Single motorhome 26,001–33,000 lbs | Class B Commercial | Written test, pre-trip inspection test, road test in Class B vehicle, DOT medical exam |
| Single motorhome over 33,000 lbs | Class A Commercial | Written test, pre-trip inspection test, road test in Class A vehicle, DOT medical exam |
| Any motorhome towing a trailer (combined GVWR over 26,001 lbs) | Class A Commercial | Written test, pre-trip inspection test, road test in Class A vehicle, DOT medical exam |
State variations and additional rules
Most states follow the federal GVWR thresholds, but some have their own rules. A few states require a commercial license for fifth wheels or travel trailers above a certain weight even if you're not driving the RV itself — you're just towing it. Others have different GVWR cutoffs or additional endorsements for air brakes.
Before you buy an RV or schedule a license test, contact your state's DMV and describe the exact vehicle you plan to drive. Give them the GVWR and ask which license class you need. This takes five minutes and prevents you from getting the wrong license or discovering mid-purchase that you need a commercial license you don't have.
If you're moving to a different state, your commercial driver's license transfers, but you'll need to get a new one issued by your new state within a certain window. The rules are the same, but the testing process and fees vary.
Getting a commercial driver's license for an RV
If you need a Class B or Class A, the first step is to visit your state's DMV website and read the commercial driver's license manual. Read it thoroughly — the written test covers material not on a standard license test, including air brake systems, vehicle inspection, and safe driving practices specific to large vehicles.
Schedule your DOT medical exam with a certified medical examiner before you take the written test. Some DMVs require proof of the exam before you can test; others let you take the written test first and then provide the exam results. Check your state's rules.
Find a vehicle to test in. If you own the RV, you can use it. If you don't yet, contact a commercial driving school in your area — many offer motorhome-specific instruction and will let you use their vehicle for the test. Expect to pay $100 to $300 for a few hours of instruction and test prep.
Schedule your road test with the DMV. Bring your written test passing score, your medical exam results, proof of identity, and proof of residency. The examiner will watch you perform a pre-trip inspection, then drive the vehicle on public roads for 30 to 45 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive an RV with a regular license while I'm getting my commercial license?
No. If the RV requires a commercial license and you don't have one, you cannot legally drive it on public roads. If you're stopped and the officer checks your license against the vehicle's GVWR, you can be cited. Some insurance policies also won't cover accidents if you were driving without the proper license class.
Do I need a commercial license to tow a small travel trailer with my car?
Not if the combined GVWR of your car and trailer is 26,000 pounds or less. Most cars and small trailers stay under this threshold. Check both the car's and trailer's GVWR plates to be sure. If the combined weight exceeds 26,000 pounds, you need a Class A commercial license.
What happens if I fail the commercial driver's license road test?
You can retake it, usually after waiting a few days. There's no limit to how many times you can test, but you'll pay the test fee each time. Many people take a commercial driving school course before their second attempt to practice the specific skills the examiner is looking for.
Is there an age requirement for a commercial driver's license to drive an RV?
You must be at least 18 years old to get a Class B or Class A commercial driver's license in most states. Some states allow 17-year-olds with parental consent, but this varies. Check your state's DMV website for the exact age requirement.
Do I need a commercial license if I'm retired and only drive my RV a few times a year?
Yes. The frequency you drive doesn't matter — only the vehicle's weight and your license class. If your RV requires a Class B or Class A, you need that license every time you drive it, whether it's once a month or once a year.