Types Of Driver’s Licenses – What You Need To Know
Breakdown Of Common Driver’s Licenses:
Anyone who gets behind the wheel of any vehicle is required to have a license to do so in every state in the United States. In this article, we will cover the most common types of drivers’ licenses.
| License Type: | Purpose: | Class: | Requirements: | Restrictions: |
| Unrestricted License non-commercial License | Most common; general non-commercial license for every day drivers | Varies by state | Driving record free of major infractions, and (in some states) over 18. | In some states, driver must be a legal adult. |
| Restricted License | License subject to specific conditions and controls | Varies by state | Given to individuals who have committed infractions (such as DUI), may also be given to minors. | Varies by state; may include: driving to and from work only, driving during daylight hours, or (for minors) only while accompanied by someone 21 or older. |
| Commercial License | License specifically for commercial purposes | Class A: combination (tractor plus trailer) vehicle of 26,000 lbs.Class B: single vehicle of 26,000 lbs. or more and combination vehicles for commercial use of 26,000 lbs. or lessClass C: vehicles not fitting the other two classes, which are equipped to deal with hazardous materials and carry 15 passengers or less | B:corrective lenses required, C: mechanical aid required, D: prosthetic aid required, E: automatic transmission vehicles, F: outside mirror required, G: only operate during daylight hours, K: intrastate driving restriction, L: cannot operate vehicles with air brakes, M: CDL-B school buses, O: pintail hook trailers, Z: vehicles with Alcohol Interlock Devices, T: 60-day temporary license | |
| Provisional License | Issued to minors, or those who are currently learning to drive (Not applicable in every state) | Varies by state | Issued prior to unrestricted driver’s license | (in applicable states) driver must be accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years or older. |
| Motorcycle License | Issued specifically to operators of motorcycles | Varies by state | Passing of separate test (in some states) | none |
| Chauffer License | Issued to drivers of commercial passenger vehicles, such as taxis, limousines, and vans. | Varies by state | Similar to non-commerical driver’s license, with addition of permit to drive commercial passengers | Must take drivers test specifically for this type of license (not required in every state). |