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Reading Time: 8 minutesLast Updated on August 14, 2025 by Paul Clayton
Table of Contents
Learning How to Drive An RV via 3 RV Driving Schools
Learning how to drive an RV is not just about getting from point A to point B, but also about ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey for you and your loved ones.
Key Takeaways:
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- RV Driving is Unique: Driving an RV is significantly different from driving a standard car due to its size, weight, and handling characteristics. It requires a distinct skillset and has a steeper learning curve.
- Benefits of RV Driving Schools: Although not mandatory, RV driving schools are highly recommended, especially for new RV owners. They provide comprehensive instruction that extends beyond just moving, covering maneuvering, pre-trip inspections, controls, and handling in various conditions, which significantly boosts confidence and safety.
- What to Look for in an RV School:
- Reputation: Check reviews and seek recommendations from other RVers.
- Quality Training: Ensure the curriculum is well-structured, up-to-date, and includes a mix of in-class, group, and one-on-one practical lessons.
- Certified Instructors: Look for schools with experienced and accredited instructors.
- Facilities & Equipment: The school should have modern RVs for practice and provide appropriate training tools and areas.
- Pricing: Compare costs from different schools to ensure fair pricing.
- Online Learning Options: For those unable to attend in-person classes, online platforms and DVDs from reputable sources (e.g., RV Education 101, RV Masters) offer valuable theoretical knowledge.
- Post-Training Safety Practices: Even after school, it’s crucial to practice safe RV habits. Don’t speed, be aware of increased blind spots (consider installing cameras), and know your RV’s dimensions (height, width) to avoid obstacles like low clearances.
- Easiest RV to Drive: Class B RVs are generally considered the easiest for beginners to drive due to their compact size and maneuverability, which resembles that of a large van.
Buying an RV is life-changing. It’s usually the start of an adventurous life for most RVers.
On the other hand, driving an RV is a matter altogether different. Note that driving and maneuvering an RV differ from driving a standard car. It has a steep learning curve and takes some time to get used to.
Of course, many RVers drive around without expert training and do just fine. But driving such a massive rig comes with plenty of responsibility you shouldn’t take lightly.
A great way to understand an RV is to enroll in a driving school. Owning an RV is much more enjoyable when you truly appreciate every detail of your rig and how to best handle and travel in it.
What’s An RV Driving School?
An RV driving school is a course or lesson designed for individuals who want to learn about RV driving. The lessons are presented both in class and on the road.
The RV driving course is more than just the actual driving. Instead, it consists of actionable tips for managing an RV, including maneuvering an RV, pre-trip inspection, learning RV controls, and much more.
In a nutshell, the lessons capture the ins and outs of RV handling, inspiring more confidence to enjoy driving your rig.
From experience, taking advantage of the resources and information from RV driving schools can put you at the top of your RV driving game.
Experienced and steady RV drivers can also pick up a thing or two by returning to an RV driving school. For example, it may help licensed car drivers break from undesirable driving behaviors and improve their driving skills.
Do I’ve to Attend an RV Driving School to Drive an RV?
No rules require you to attend an RV driving course or school. Some RV drivers have opted not to attend driving school.
However, just because you must doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.
Attending an RV school is even more crucial if you’re new to RVing or driving large vehicles. Even experienced RV drivers can still benefit from attending RV driving schools.
The only category I would exempt from RB driving schools is that of experienced long-haul bus or truck drivers. Everyone else needs RV driving school.
Why Attend an RV Driving School?
If you’re feeling nervous or need some RV driving practice, attending an RV driving school can considerably improve your RV driving & handling skills and confidence.
Signing up for an RV school isn’t mandatory, but from experience, you can gain more from your RV instructor than you would discover on your own.
Some of the general aspects you’ll learn from an RV driving school include:
- How to operate your RV safely and ensure you have an enjoyable ride
- How to perform a safety inspection routine before hitting the road
- How to handle your RV in different weather conditions and situations, such as icy roads, poor weather conditions, traffic, or complex terrains
- How to make the correct turns, how to back up, how to reverse, how to park, and other RV driving skills
Find an RV School Near Me
Today, there are numerous RV driving schools located in various states. While most schools are on a permanent site, some are seasonal or temporary.
If you think you could benefit from RV driving schools, look them up online. A simple search, such as “RV schools near me,” will bring up several RV schools in your locality to pick from.
That’s not the only option. You could also ask friends or family with RVs for recommendations. It should provide you with firsthand information about the best school and what to expect.
RV schools also appear at RV events and shows. Attending some of these RV shows can help you easily identify an RV school.
How Do I Identify the Right RV School
If you’re in a major city, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the number of RV driving schools to pick from.
Additionally, be aware that all driving schools in your city will have their pros and cons. None is perfect.
However, you can always use my litmus test to determine which school is the ideal fit. Let’s see how to identify a good RV driving school:
1) Reviews and Recommendations
While Google search may provide overwhelming RV driving school options, it also provides the good, the bad, and the ugly.
RV driving school reviews are usually my first step to identifying a good school. I typically eliminate schools that consistently receive negative reviews and those that fail to meet customer expectations.
However, it would be helpful if you didn’t overly rely on online reviews. Ask around and talk to friends, acquaintances, and relatives about a particular school.
2) Quality and Up-to-Date Training
Service delivery is also crucial when selecting the ideal RV driving school. Inquiring how a driving school has set up its course outlines is essential.
Their manuals and training sessions should be sorted, straightforward, purposeful, and approved by the relevant bodies.
The ideal RV driving school should also incorporate in-class, group, and one-on-one lessons to provide you with a comprehensive understanding.
It’s also worth noting that the training should be updated to provide you with the most current regulations and accurate information.
3) Certified Drivers
Certified instructors are a valuable asset to the RV driving school, as they possess in-depth knowledge and familiarity with driving RVs.
More importantly, they’re responsible for imparting knowledge and the right skills to students before they get behind the wheel.
4) Check the Facility
An ideal RV driving school should be fully equipped with all the training materials and tools. They should also have modern training RVs and a designated area for practice.
5) Pricing
Finally, the cost of RV training should be within a reasonable range. The best way to know what’s reasonable is to get quotations from different schools in your area.
This ensures that you don’t pay more than enough for the training.
Choosing the best RV driving school can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. With a bit of research, it’s easy to identify a school that will provide value for your money and ensure you become a competent driver.
What’s The Best RV Driving School?
There are numerous RV driving schools in the US, but some names consistently appear when the term ‘driving school’ is mentioned.
These RV driving schools are popular for a reason.
While they may not be the perfect choice for you, they’re usually the go-to schools for most RV students.
My RV School is a highly regarded and respected institution for RV training within the RVing community. It often provides RV training at major rallies and shows, an excellent opportunity for out-of-state customers.
RV School has a team of professional instructors who develop training courses and teach you everything you need to know about driving. Their training is to ensure you arrive safely at your next destination.
RV Basic Training is yet another excellent resource for learning to operate your RV confidently. Their training program typically consists of one-on-one sessions with trained instructors.
Online Education
You could take advantage of online learning if you don’t have the time, resources, or flexibility to attend a physical RV training class.
There are numerous online education platforms available for RV driving schools. You can learn safe driving techniques through RV driver DVDs and downloads from reputable sources, such as RV Education 101 or RV Masters.
How Hard is it to Learn to Drive an RV?
Learning how to drive an RV isn’t overly complicated. However, it requires practice and patience.
As I mentioned earlier, driving an RV is different from driving a standard car, and you can’t expect to get behind the wheel of an RV without prior experience and become the best driver.
Failure to take an RV driving lesson will endanger you, your family, and other motorists. That’s why I strongly suggest you take one.
Practicing RV Safety
Even with an RV driving school certification, it’s still crucial to be mindful when driving an RV.
Here are some of the crucial details to keep in mind after training:
- Don’t speed: As with a regular car, the ability to turn, stop, or react in dangerous situations is greatly hindered by your speed. It’s essential to drive your RV slowly.
- Watch out for blind spots: RVs may have more oversized windows and side mirrors than cars, but they have more blind spots. Invest in blind-spot cameras for guidance when reversing or changing lanes.
- Know your RV: RVs are generally taller and broader than standard cars, so be cautious when driving in a garage with low-hanging wires and overpasses.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to RV Masters
What is the most accessible RV to drive?
It’s essential to consider factors such as size, maneuverability, and overall handling. Generally, a class B RV is regarded as the easiest to drive, especially for new RVers.
These models are compact and nimble, providing a driving experience similar to that of a large van. Despite their smaller size, they still offer all the essential amenities for comfortable living on the road.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to drive an RV is a comprehensive process that involves several critical steps. Understanding the size and dimensions of an RV is crucial to ensuring safety while on the road.
This knowledge enables you to navigate the journey with ease. Before hitting the road, conducting a thorough pre-drive check is essential. This includes checking the brakes, tires, and lights, as well as ensuring all systems are functioning correctly.
Mastering the RV’s controls, such as steering, brakes, and mirrors, is another integral part of learning how to drive an RV. This mastery improves your vehicle control, reducing the chances of accidents.
Moreover, practicing maneuvers in open spaces, such as parking lots, can significantly enhance your driving skills and build confidence.
Understanding the RV’s systems, such as electrical, plumbing, and gas systems, is also essential, as it helps prevent potential issues and enhances convenience during the trip.
Attention to weight distribution within the RV is crucial for ensuring safe handling and maintaining a balanced driving experience. Lastly, if you tow additional vehicles or trailers, learning safe hitch connection and driving techniques is key.
In conclusion, learning how to drive an RV involves combining technical knowledge and practical skills for a safe and enjoyable experience.
