Motor vehicles differ greatly in size and complexity. A motorhome/recreational vehicle provides temporary living quarters for recreational use and is exempt for requiring a commercial driver’s license in Maryland. Please note: Motorhomes/recreational vehicles can be different weight classes. Your license must reflect either the appropriate weight class for the vehicle you are operating or must have the appropriate motorhome/recreational vehicle restriction code noted on your license.
Knowledge and skills testing are required to demonstrate your ability to safely operate these large vehicles on our highways. In order to assess those skills and ensure that the driver can safely operate the vehicle, the driver must obtain a non-commercial learner’s instructional permit of the appropriate class. Successfully completing the required knowledge and vision tests is required.
Again, you must have the appropriate non-commercial class license to operate a motorhome/recreational vehicle. Please refer to the Maryland Driver’s Handbook and the Motorhome/Recreational Vehicle Guide for study materials to assist you in obtaining the appropriate license.
If you currently hold one of these classes of licenses you are not required to obtain the motorhome/recreational vehicle restriction for the same class. A Class “A” non-commercial license driver’s license authorizes the licensee to drive combinations of Class F (tractor) and Class G trailer (over 10,000 lbs.) vehicles (GCWR 26,001 lbs.) and any vehicle that a non-commercial Class B driver’s license authorizes its holder to drive, except: A Class “B” non-commercial driver’s license authorizes the licensee to drive any single vehicle GVWR 26,001 pounds or more. Allows pulling a trailer under 10,000 lbs. (GVWR). Any vehicle that a non-commercial Class C driver’s license authorizes its holder to drive, except: A Class “C” non-commercial driver’s license authorizes the licensee to drive any vehicle or combination of vehicles with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds, except: The Maryland Driver’s Handbook will provide information necessary to pass the required knowledge test along with the Motorhome/Recreational Vehicle Guide.
Once an individual has obtained their Learner’s Instructional Permit they must maintain it for a minimum of two weeks before scheduling an appointment for their skill test at a full service MVA office. The skill test consist of: Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection: During your pre-trip inspection, you must show that the vehicle is safe to drive. You will be required to walk around the vehicle and point to each item and explain to the tester what you are checking and why. Please refer to the Maryland Driver’s Handbook and the Motorhome/Recreational Vehicle Guide for study material.
Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test (Skills Maneuvers): The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) uses its test course as a controlled environment for administering the skill maneuvers, which demonstrates an individual’s ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control of a large motor vehicle. The straight line backing and offset backing to the right portion of the test is administered to assess an individual’s ability to judge the dimensions of the vehicle he or she operates as well as the driver’s ability to maneuver the vehicle in confined spaces by utilizing their mirrors. Electronic devices such as back-up cameras are not authorized and must be turned off during testing. Please refer to the Maryland Driver’s Handbook and the Motorhome/Recreational Vehicle Guide for study material.
On Road Driving Test: You will be required to drive over a test route that has a variety of traffic situations. At all times during the test, you must drive in a safe and responsible manner. You will be tested on specific driving maneuvers as well as on your general driving behavior. Please refer to the Maryland Driver’s Handbook and the Motorhome/Recreational Vehicle Guide for study material.
Individuals must provide the appropriate vehicle. If the vehicle is not equipped with air brakes a restriction “L” (vehicle without air brakes) will appear on your Learner’s Instructional Permit and Drivers License. If your vehicle is equipped with air brakes you must complete the air brake portion of the test. If you wish to upgrade to a commercial license at a later date you are required to obtain the appropritate learner's permit for that class license.
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