Do You Need a License to Rent an RV in California?

Renting an RV for a scenic road trip through California is a terrific idea. However, while planning your trip, you may have heard that some RVs require a special license to drive them in California.

When considering an RV rental, it’s important to know that there are different types of RVs available for rent in California, each with its own features and benefits.

We’re here to give you a van life guide and help you plan RV trips effectively. In this article, we’ll explain everything you should know about RV rentals in California and what licenses you need for different types of vehicles.

Do You Need a Special License to Rent an RV in California? 

A special license is required to rent and drive larger RVs in California. The need for a special license is based on the size of the vehicle you wish to drive. You need a class A license to rent an RV that weighs 10,000 pounds or more and a class B license to rent an RV that’s more than 26,000 pounds or longer than 40 feet.

Class C RVs typically weigh between 10,000 and 12,000 pounds, so you’d often need a class A license in California to rent and drive one. Class C motorhomes and Class C RV’s are popular due to their comfortable handling and user-friendly design, making them a great choice for families and casual drivers.

Class A RVs are the largest type of RV, with some weighing up to 30,000 pounds or being longer than 40 feet. Some require a class B license to drive, and almost all class A RVs require at least a class A license.

It’s important to know the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your RV, as exceeding this weight can lead to fines and accidents, and it helps determine if a special license is needed.

Large class A and C RVs are harder to drive than smaller RVs, such as class B RVs, so many states like California want to ensure you have enough knowledge and skill to operate them safely, which is why specific licenses and training are required.

For larger RVs, a commercial driver’s license (CDL) might be required depending on the state regulations and the vehicle’s weight and size.

Can You Drive an RV with a Regular License in California? 

You can drive smaller RVs, such as a class B motorhome, that weigh less than 10,000 pounds with a regular license in California. Most class B RVs (also called camper vans) only require a regular driver’s license since they’re much smaller and easier to drive.

To rent and drive these smaller RVs, you must have a valid driver’s license, as a standard driver’s license is required. This ensures you meet the necessary legal requirements and age restrictions.

Usually, Class B RVs are the best choice when you want to drive an RV on a road trip. They’re much more compact, weighing between 6,000 and 8,000 pounds on average, and about 17 to 25 feet long. A standard car is about 15 feet long, so they’re slightly longer but easy enough for the average person to adjust to quickly.

Class B camper vans come with all the essentials most people need for camping trips or other types of road trips. They usually include things like sleeping space, basic kitchen equipment, seating space, and extra storage. Therefore, most travelers opt for class B RVs rather than jumping through the hoops to get a special license for a larger vehicle.

What Is the Largest RV Without a Commercial Driver’s License?

The largest RV you can drive without a CDL or other special licenses in California is anything under 10,000 pounds, according to the state’s license requirements. Class B camper vans are the most common option you could drive without a special license.

The CA DMV NON-Commercial Class A Handbook isn’t super specific on the maximum length RV you can drive without a CDL or special license since it can vary and is more dependent on weight. However, most RVs that are 26 feet or longer usually weigh enough that you need at least a Class A license. Anything over 40 feet will mean you need a class B license.

Vehicle weighing is crucial in determining the need for a special license. For instance, Class A RVs can weigh between 13,000 and 30,000 lbs, and in California, a specific license is needed for driving a vehicle weighing over 26,000 lbs.

What Are the Steps to Get a Class A or B License in California?

To get a class A or B license in California, you must enroll in classes or certified behind-the-wheel training. A lot of technical colleges in California will offer the necessary courses and training to get you prepared. 

In total, you need a minimum of 15 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a certified instructor and to submit a California Commercial Driver Behind The Wheel Training Certification (DL 1236) to the DMV as proof of completion. 

Then, you’d need to pass a vision, skills, and driving test at the DMV to officially qualify for the license you’re going for. 

What Is a Class B License in California? 

A class B license in California is what you need to drive vehicles that are larger than 26,000 pounds or longer than 40 feet. Class B driver’s licenses can be considered commercial driver’s licenses (CDL), contractor’s licenses, or non-commercial housecar licenses. Driving RVs that are this big is a tough learning curve, which is why California enforces specific driver’s license requirements for safety.

It is important to note that a driver’s license is required to operate RVs, and in some states, a non commercial license may be necessary for RVs that exceed certain weight or length specifications.

While this is called a class B license, the name doesn’t correlate with the names of the different RV classes. Therefore, while some people think you might need a class B license to drive a class B RV, that actually isn’t the case since most class B camper vans will come in under 10,000 pounds.

Find Class B RVs You Don’t Need a Special License for at Escape Camper Vans

When you don’t want to jump through all the hoops of getting a special license to drive an RV in California, there are still many smaller options you can choose from that only require a regular driver’s license. That includes our camper vans, which we have available for rent at Escape. Before taking possession of the vehicle, it is important to sign a rental agreement as part of the necessary legal documentation.

For your convenience, we have locations in San Francisco and Los Angeles, California, as well as nine other pickup and drop-off spots across the U.S. Understanding the different RV class types is crucial, especially for new RV drivers, as licensing requirements can vary based on the size and type of the RV.

Our camper vans come equipped with helpful features like:

• Queen size beds
• Propane stove
• Refrigerator
• Sink with a water tank
• Extra storage
• Foldaway tables and benches
• And more

You can reserve yours today or contact us with any other questions.