Presenter: Jack Anderson
Note: This course was offered by Country Coach because of new legislation anticipated in California (and possibly other jurisdictions) that would require a commercial drivers license for RVs which are over 40 feet. The purpose of this class was to provide an overview of what is likely to be required in the driving test which would be required as part of that process
Presenter has been associated with admiminstering CDL programs for the State of Oregon.
We're here basically because of what California has done/is doing. Reportedly CA is going towards a CDL license. Texas has a requirement for Class B license over 26,000 pounds -- written and driving (in your coach) tests. Reportedly fairly easy.
This class will cover CDL issue in California. Here the proposed licensing will be for RVs OVER 40 feet. Will it control out of state vehicles? Answer -- unkown at this time.
Assuming CA passes the CDL, it will almost certainly rewrite the requirements for motorhomes.
Traffic checks are the primary thing the examiner will be looking for -- this means you are making a visual scan for traffic at various locations: Examiner says turn left at next turn. You need to see who's behind you, next to you, etc.; and rate which lane, the "gap" (distance behind car in front of you -- need to see tires on cars in front of you). While turning (in the intersection), again "traffic checks", both hands on the wheels; use of signals; speed through the intersection; cut corners or too far out; correct lane coming out of the turn; and acceleration out of turn (don't unduly hold up traffic). Try to stay in the lane you're in if possible. Often on left turns into multiple lanes, okay to go to right lane.
Starts with "Pre-trip". California' pre-trip is slightly different from all other states. In Oregon, starts with front lights (examiner stands in front and you talk about each light). In Oregon you can take the checklist with you as you go through the process. You "talk through" the general conditions that you observe. Example, talk about "it's not leaning", "lights are clean", "windshield is clean and not broken"; etc. Unlikely that they would require you to go under coach (hazardous), but may explain. Look at wheel, and tell them "we're going to look for cracks in the wheel", and bad pits, or if lug nuts are loose (look for rust). Not just "wheel looks okay". Always look for leaks on the ground; belts looking for cracks and frays. Mention air compressor is inside the engine and not accessible.
Passenger doors -- talk about doors work okay (open and shut fully); fire extinguisher, fuses, reflectors. What's auxilliary equipment? Like tire chains would be the answer. If sign says "chains or traction devices", you'd better have a set of chains with you -- even though CC says don't use them! Checking tires, show 4/32" tread; each tread requires that -- not just "most of the tire". Don't need to measure it, just verbally tell them. It shows you know what's in the book. In checking duals, you'd tell them you'd check between the tires.
Bottom line, you need to verbally express all the things that are contained in the book.
Skills test: When backing, always turn hazard signals on and honk your horn when backing up. In Oregon you're allowed six backups to get parked backing up. Typically examiner is not in the vehicle during backup. You're supposed to do all backing via mirror, but you need to be doing traffic checks all the while as well.
On driving test, they'll use urban and rural roads. Will do lane changes in both places. On a two lane rural road, may ask you to simulate and tell them how you'd pass. Start with traffic check, if clear, will use signals, pass, signal back in. Simulate railroad tracks -- blind crossing, no signals. They may expect you to say you'll stop, open window to see if I can hear a train. Note they'll ask you what sign says AFTER you've passed it -- to see if you're reading them.
Traffic check is every 8 seconds in Oregon. Passing intersections, need to do traffic checks at EVERY one, regardless of whether there is traffic there.
Uphill use of emergency flashers? Unlikely any motorhome would ever be so slowed as to require use of hazard lights.
Don't ever "palm the wheel". When merging into traffic: Use as much of the lane as possible to get up to speed with the traffic (but don't cross fog line). Note: if any examiner command creates a danger -- don't do it -- and say why). When you're merging and have to slow or stop -- do that too!
On downgrade, start with traffic check, note speed limit, go 5mph slower, as it eases up, light service brake use to slow 5 mph. If stop at rest stop: Traffic check, park w/flashers on, brake set, check rig, etc. When stopping keep both feet on the floor. Note: This might be done as a simulation -- e.g., you're on a deserted rural road and examiner tells you to simulate you're approaching a downgrade.
Part of Pre-trip: In cab check: usually with engine running: get a chalk to put behind wheels when you make these checks. Each examiner is different -- some won't care about it. Chock one side of coach. On brake check, in Oregon if you miss any part of it, you fail the test. (See page 80 et seq at 2000 CA CDL book). These are various air brake checks.
Start engine -- "oil pressure is rising"; comment on alternator, then brake checks, leaks, low air. Again, always talking to the examiner explaining what you're doing.
Steering play: You're allowed 10 degrees of play. In a coach, you need to open window and look down to see that wheel is turning.
Recommendation: RVers should start doing this NOW, so it becomes second nature. When you get into the examination, it will be second nature and you'll have an easy time.
Parallel park the motorhome? Usually drive staight through cones, back through cones. CA seems to have a parallel park requirement. Instructor: "That could be a dandy"! It may be a good idea to go to a place where they don't do many trucks -- they don't want to keep big rigs around. Some offices have a reputatation for being tough to deal with.
Killers: If you run curbs, run traffic lights, have an accident -- the test is stopped. You can come back another day...