The Quest for the "D" - Day 2 in the Truck

We both did very well today.  Over the past week, Bettyann rewrote the pre-trip check list and we both did a good job memorizing it.  In spite of that though, there are a few things (not major) that we forgot and we took longer then we should to go through it in the truck.  A couple of things we learned today helped.

It is important to know and remember where each of the 3 check procedures (Cold Engine check, Brake check and Circle check) start and stop.  For example: the Brake check starts with the yellow button and ends with the yellow button and you are then onto the Circle check.  Doing each check in a particular sequence also helps.

Bettyann is still having difficulty climbing in and out of the cab, even with the ladder, and with her knees as she does the "Fanning of the brakes."   

We did the checks twice - once before we leave and then again after the drive.  I really think we have them down now.  We'll know on Monday when we get our 3rd training session. 

And for you other RVers, No, the checks don't include raising the Jacks, bringing in the slides or securing the toaster and the bedroom TV so they don't hit you in the head if you have to stop quickly.

The Quest for the "D" - OMG

I have been thinking more about the D-Licence requirement for RVers.  It seems to me that virtually every member of the OTT will need a "D."  Taking a look at the Winnebago web site, even the smallest Class A motorhome with a gas engine approaches the "D" weight limit of 11,000 kg (24,200lbs).  Even though these coaches don't exceed the limit by themselves, as soon as you attach a tow vehicle, and we all do, you immediately exceed the limit.  Here is the link:

http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/pubs/recreational-vehicles/part2a.shtml

This is the acutual text:

"A motor home towing a trailer and/or a motor vehicle:

Class "G" if the combination weighs 11,000 kg (24,250 lbs) or less,

Class "D" if the combination weighs more than 11,000 kg, or

Class "A" if the weight of the towed vehicle or the combined weight of the towed vehicles exceeds 4,600 kgs (10,141 lbs)."

Here is and example:  Checking out the Winnebago web site, the smallest Adventurer (gas engine, hydraulic brakes) has a GVRW of 22000lbs and a small car (e.g. my Honda Element) @1657kgs  and you are at 25645lbs.  You have now exceeded the limit requiring you to have a "D"

Now you have some big problems that will cost you about $1,000:

1.  To get a "D" licence you need to pass a medical.  You can't get a "D" without it.

2.  Even if you only have a gasoline chassis with standard brakes you will need an Air Brake (Z) endorsement - you can't write the test without it.

3.  You then need to write and pass a D-Licence written test.

4.  Now, you need to take a driving test.  My guess - it will be the first driving test you've had in 50 years.  This test must be done on a truck that looks, feels, and in reality is not in anyway related to the motorhome you own.  The truck is a diesel with air brakes!

The good news is that after you get the "D" you will be able to get a job as a furniture mover.  Oh, I forgot, you're retired!

Bettyann and I are sure glad that Durham College is there to help.  Target date for our "D" is July 14th.

The Quest for the "D" - First Day in the Truck

First, let me say that the Durham College Driver Trainers, Dale and Don, are doing a great job preparing Bettyann and me to pass the test. This was day 1 of 3 - 2 hour driving days included with the course.  So I'll post more as we go.

I find it difficult, though, and have to remind myself that I only have to do this once.  So, for us RVers it is important to keep a positive attitude during this process.

Having been though the first day of pre-checks, I have to wonder what would happen if you showed up at the DriveTest Centre in your motorhome because most of the things they are testing for are not doable on a motorhome.  When is the last time you crawled under your motorhome and checked your Frame for cracks or that your brakes are in adjustment?

The pre-trip involves getting in and out of the truck 4 or 5 times before you drive.  I have pictures of Bettyann crawling in and out and I think that everyone will appreciate that the pictures have no audio.  It is a little different than entering the motorhome with the automatic steps;  Durham Colllege does have a ladder that makes it somewhat easier.

Part of the pre-test is the documentation.   Apparently, they will be looking for documents like the "Schedule 1", the CVOR,  annual Inspection sticker and the pre-trip inspection book which you have to sign.  Good Luck with those.  They also want the licence, registration and insurance which would be no problem.


No RVer should have difficulty driving the truck or backing up between orange cones, although, Don is there to remind you how far you should stop behind the car in front, what lane you are supposed to be in and to constantly check your mirrors.

Day one is now complete and we are going home to review that pre-test checklist.  Great job Don - Thank you.

The Quest for the 'D"

As RVers with a large motorhome it has been unclear exactly what licence you needed to drive.  When we purchased our Winnebago Vectra in 2004 the dealer prompted us to get an Air Brake Endorsement.   We picked that up with a course at Durham College in September 2004 and have been happily driving it, all over North America, ever since.

About a year ago at an Ontario Trillium Travellers (OTT) outing someone brought out that to drive a motorhome  over 25000LBs GVW (11000KG) you needed a 'D' Licence.  We debated this on and off for a few days and came to the conclusion that we really didn't know.  A quick search of the MOT web site provided absolutely no additional insight.   This all changed at the OTT's May outing this year.

Again, we debated the issue.  One of the members reported that he had talked to an MOT friend who had explained that a 'D'  would be and is necessary.  So ... back to the MOT web site.

This time it was very clear.  Here is the link:  http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/pubs/recreational-vehicles/part2a.shtml .

Armed with this new knowledge., Bettyann and I parked the motorhome and searched out the best way to proceed.  Unfortunately, we had to miss the June outing.  Barry B.  suggested a guy who would do the training and allow you to use your motorhome for the training and the test - it was only a few (about $300) hundred.  Not bad considering...

Bettyann and I had taken our Z-Endorsement at Durham College back in 2004 and that was a great experience given that most of the information you study is useless except to pass the ministry's test.   We went to class, they provided a truck and the same day we had passed the test.  That was good for 5 years.

So we searched the Durham College site for more than a 1/2 and hour and couldn't find anything on driver training but eventually found the exact link:  http://www.corporatetrainingservices.ca/driver-training/licensed/ 


At $775 ($1550 for both of us) it was a little expensive but, given our earlier experience, we enrolled for the June 17th course.  At least they didn't charge us for parking!


There are a few prerequisites, though, before you can attend.  You must pick up a medical form at Service Ontario, take it to your doctor and pass the medical (only $40 each).   It's not covered by OHIP.  You need that form to write the 'D" test.  Then, you need a driver's abstract ($12 each) - also available at Service Ontario.


Now, armed with all this documentation, Bettyann and I show up at Durham College classroom 1-9 at 8AM on the 17th.  The lecture part of the course is 4 hours and that prepares you for the written test.  After that, if you've had a Tim's, were half awake during the lecture, and can fog a mirror you are going to pass the written test.


We finished at about 11:30AM, drove to the Driver testing location and by 12:30PM we had passed and were on our way to a patio to have lunch and a beer.   Oh a couple of more things - when we arrived at the Drive Test location, in Oshawa, we had to get an eye test and pay $85 each to actually take the test.   


So far, we haven't learned anything more we can actually use and we are out-of-pocket $1824 - thank you Dalton McGuinty! 


Now, with the driving test scheduled for July 11th, on to Driver Training in a 24' straight truck....