What license is needed to drive an RV in Canada?
By
Elaine Knight
In this blog post, we will answer the question: “What license is needed to drive an RV in Canada?” We will list out the types of RVs that can be driven with a standard driver’s license. We will also look into the types of licenses and requirements for driving in Canada. Furthermore, we will discuss the license requirements for RVs with air brakes.
What license is needed to drive an RV in Canada?
You will need a standard and unrestricted driver’s license to drive an RV in Canada. There is no need for any special license to drive an RV in Canada. If you are from another country, the license will need to be at least a minimum of 12 months and it must use the Latin alphabet. On the other hand, you will need to be over 21 years old to drive an RV in Canada with a valid license.
If you are based out of Europe, you are required to have a Class B license to drive an RV. Likewise, for Swiss residents, you are required to have a pink license. Note that you must carry your original license if you are from another country. Here are the types of RVs that you can drive with the standard driver’s license.
- Class A motorhomes (without air brakes).
- Class B motorhomes.
- Class C motorhomes (without air brakes).
- Travel trailers.
- Toy Haulers.
- Fifth wheel travel trailers.
Your standard driving license is more than enough for you to drive an RV in Canada. However, air brake RVs are excluded from the list. As long as you have the appropriate license for your province, you are permitted to legally drive an RV in Canada. Remember, that you will need the original international license if you are required to drive an RV in Canada.
Types of license and requirements for driving in Canada
There are certain requirements when it comes to driving some vehicles in Canada. You will need to fall under the right driving license category if you want to drive certain vehicles. However, for driving an RV in Canada you just need to have a valid and standard license. Here are the types of licenses listed below and the vehicles you can drive.
Class A license
The Class A license is the highest that you can get and you will be able to drive any type of tractor or trailer combination. If you hold a Class A license, you are also permitted to dive Class D and Class G vehicles.
Class B license
The Class B license allows you to drive any school bus and you are also permitted to drive in Class C, D, E, F, and G.
Class C license
Class C license allows you to drive a regular bus and also drive vehicles in Class D, F, and G.
Class D
A Class D license is for motor vehicles that are more than 11,000 kilograms of gross weight. In the case of towing any vehicle, the weight must not be more than 4,600 kilograms. Class D license holders are allowed to drive vehicles in Class G.
Class E license
Holding a Class E license in Canada allows you to drive any school bus that can carry a maximum of 24 passengers. You will also be permitted to drive vehicles in Class F and Class G.
Class F license
Class F license allows you to drive a regular bus with a maximum passenger capacity of 24. You can also drive an ambulance and drive vehicles in Class G.
Class G
With a Class G license, you can drive a truck, van, and any car. You can have to tow a vehicle that is not more than 11,000 kilograms and the towing vehicle is not supposed to be more than 4,600 kilograms. The total combined weight of both vehicles should not exceed more than 11,000 kilograms.
Class G1
The Class G1 driving license is the level one graduated license. Those who have a Class G1 license will need to have a fully licensed driver along with them.
Class G2
Class G2 holders are allowed to drive Class G vehicles without an accompanying driver.
Class M, M1, and M2
Class M allows you to drive a motorcycle and drive a Class G vehicle under the conditions that apply to a Class G1 license holder. Class M1 is for level one licensing under certain conditions and Class M2 license holders can drive a Class G vehicle under the conditions that apply to Class a Class G1 license holder.
There are different classes of licenses in Canada and each type of license allows you to drive a particular vehicle. Canada has their own rules and regulations that need to be followed, especially while driving an RV. Be sure to follow all the rules and instructions as you are not allowed to drive any vehicle if you do not have the right license.
Exceptions to driving an RV with a standard license
There are a few exceptions to driving an RV with a standard license. In most cases, you will not need more than a standard driving license. Yet some situations can change. In the case of driving a vehicle that is more than 26,000 pounds or a Class A motorhome with an airbrake, you will need an airbrake license to operate.
The best thing to do is to check all the requirements beforehand. Before purchasing an RV in Canada you can check with the registry in the particular province about the special licenses that are required to operate a vehicle. In Canada, you can also rent an RV even if you are from another country.
License requirements for RVs with air brakes
- Be sure to remember that you will need more than the standard license if you want to drive a bigger vehicle.
- RVs that have air brakes will require a special endorsement that needs to be added to your standard driver’s license. This is also applicable to motorhomes that weigh more than 11,000 kilograms.
- Diesel Class A RVs usually come with air brakes. Some models have hydraulic brakes, but most of them prefer air brakes due to the compressed air and reliability.
- Air brakes are always good for stopping heavy vehicles. Hence you will need to be qualified to handle an RV that has an air brake.
Driving an RV with a Canadian license in the US
The good news is that a full Canadian license is valid in the United States. It is legal for people who have a Canadian license to drive in the US since both countries have removed the need for international driving permits. However, the law can change and it is better to find out in advance if you are eligible to drive in the US with a Canadian license.
- Driving an RV in Canada is just like driving an RV in any other country.
- You must abide by the rules and regulations and follow all the signs and driving etiquette.
- Be sure to carry your license along with you at all times, this is crucial.
- Failing to carry your license along with you is sure to attract a fine.
- Be sure to have valid insurance for your RV and always purchase an RV that is just enough to suit your needs.
- Purchasing a luxury RV will be expensive and you will need to pay more tax.
- The most important thing is to follow the safety rules while on the road at any cost and avoid causing any property damage.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we will answer the question: “What license is needed to drive an RV in Canada?” We will list out the types of RVs that can be driven with a standard driver’s license. We will also look into the types of licenses and requirements for driving in Canada. Furthermore, we will discuss the license requirements for RVs with air brakes.
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