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Committee hears DMV analysis of costs, options for possible RV CDL/endorsement bill
Summary
DMV staff reviewed options and cost estimates tied to a proposed bill that would require a commercial driver's license or endorsement for large recreational vehicles, noting equipment, site and instructor costs that could push a multi-site state program into the millions.
Pat, the DMV Education Unit supervisor, told the House Transportation Committee that the agency reviewed a proposed bill that could require either a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a special RV endorsement for people operating large motor homes.
"The way I read the bill is that it is going to require DMV to do the schools similar to our motorcycle program," Pat said, summarizing the committee bill's potential effect. He told members the DMV considered a distributed model with multiple statewide training sites so the program would be accessible to residents outside Chittenden County.
Why it matters: Requiring a CDL or a new state-level endorsement would raise training and equipment needs for the state and private providers. The committee sought basic feasibility and cost estimates to understand the implications for staffing, capital purchases and geographic access.
Costs, equipment and sites
Pat presented preliminary cost estimates and site considerations. He said certain existing DMV and Agency of Transportation (AOT) sites (for example, Colchester) have classroom space but may be active vehicle operations sites that complicate weekday classes. For equipment, Pat told the committee the state would likely have to acquire specialized vehicles to run a DMV-operated training program: a large Class A motorhome or coach (he estimated about $200,000 apiece), a dual-axle pickup for heavy GVWR work (Pat cited $60,000–$90,000 as an example) and flatbed or trailer assets; he also cited utility-trailer costs and other equipment. "With just the classroom, range and the vehicles, you're talking half a million per site," he said, adding that six sites could approach $3 million in capital cost.
Alternatives and out-of-state training
Pat said existing Vermont CDL schools have tractor/trailer equipment and could run large-vehicle training using their own inventory and instructors, but the DMV found no licensed Vermont school currently offering RV-specific training. He also showed a map indicating that some other states require a CDL for certain RV configurations while others require a special endorsement or neither.
Representative Hurd told the committee she would favor pursuing an endorsement rather than mandating CDL for RV operators; Pat said the committee could ask the commissioner to gather more detail on how endorsements are handled in other states. Pat offered to compile a written report on Maryland and other states that use endorsements for motor coaches or large motor homes.
Ending
Pat said the committee would need to consider classroom and range availability, vehicles and instructor training needs before advancing legislation, and he offered to provide further written comparisons of out‑of‑state approaches and more detailed cost estimates.
