License Classifications
- 1/20Driving a combination vehicle over 26,001 Pounds (lbs) with trailer over 10,000 lbs
A Class A commercial license is for combination vehicles with a GCWR(Gross Combination Weight Rating) of 26,001 Pounds (lbs) or more, where the towed unit exceeds 10,000 lbs. It allows driving all lower classes (B, C, D).
Driving a single large vehicle over 26,001 Pounds (lbs) without large trailer
A Class B license is for heavy single vehicles with a GVWR(Gross Combination Weight Rating) of 26,001 Pounds (lbs) or more, towing less than 10,000 lbs. It includes buses and dump trucks.
Driving a vehicle for hazardous materials or 16 above passengers
Class C licenses are needed to drive vehicles that transport hazardous materials or carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
Driving a car, van, or Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) for daily travel
The Class D license is the standard drivers license for most personal vehicles, including sedans, family vans, and small trucks.
Operating a two wheeled motorcycle on public roads
A Class M license is for motorcyclists, including mopeds and scooters that meet motorcycle definitions. A separate exam and road test are required.
Applying for a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) to operate trucks or buses
You must be 18 or older to apply for any commercial license class (A, B, or C). Driving across state lines requires being 21+.
Carrying passengers with a Class C license endorsement
Transporting 16 above passengers requires passing additional written and skills tests and obtaining the proper endorsement on a CDL(Commercial Drivers License).
Applying for a permit to drive a passenger car at 16
At 16, you can apply for a learners permit for Class D. Driving alone is not allowed until after passing a road test at 16½.
Turning 16½ and finishing driving school with permit in good standing
Junior Operator Licenses are for 16½ to 18 year olds. They must hold a clean permit for 6 months and complete approved training.
Operating a vehicle between 12:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. under 18
Junior Operators may not drive during those hours unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. This is a criminal offense if violated.
Applying for a Class A license to drive tractor-trailers
To get a Class A license, you must pass the General Knowledge Test, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicle, and road skills exams.
You want to tow a horse trailer exceeding 10,000 Pounds (lbs)
Towing any trailer over 10,000 Pounds (lbs) with a combined vehicle weight over 26,001 lbs falls under Class A requirements.
You drive a school bus with more than 16 children
Driving a school bus with over 16 people including the driver requires a Class C CDL(Commercial Drivers License) with a school bus (S) and passenger (P) endorsement.
Applying for a REAL ID for flights and federal buildings
A REAL ID is not required for driving but is needed for flights or federal building access starting May 7, 2025.
You operate a family van with a gross weight under 10,000 Pounds (lbs)
Class D allows operation of personal and light commercial vehicles not requiring Commercial Drivers License (CDL) level permits.
Getting motorcycle license without a drivers license
To ride motorcycles, you need a Class M license, which involves passing written and road tests, even if you do not have a Class D license.
You are transporting chemicals with a hazard placard
Drivers carrying placarded hazardous materials must hold a Class C Commercial Drivers License (CDL) and complete a hazmat endorsement process.
You just moved to MA(Massachusetts) with a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) from another state
New Massachusetts residents must transfer any valid Commercial Drivers License (CDL) license and meet MA(Massachusetts) CDL documentation and testing standards.
Driving only within Massachusetts for commercial purposes
If you drive only within the state, you may be issued an intrastate Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with “K” restriction, limiting operation to MA(Massachusetts).
Applying for a commercial learners permit
You must already hold a valid Class D MA(Massachusetts) license and pass the Commercial Drivers License (CDL) written test to receive a commercial learner’s permit.