There are several licenses for different driving types available in Pennsylvania. We’ll take a look at commercial vs. non-commercial licenses and classes A, B, C, D, and M.
Classifications of Licenses in PA
Non-Commercial
You may only drive private vehicles (with some exceptions – including those for trucks, vans, and SUVs).
Commercial
For those driving vehicles for work purposes, such as trucks.
Non-commercial License Classes in PA
Class A
A class A non-commercial driver’s license is given to over 18’s.
It allows the operation of vehicles with a gross weight of 26,001lb or more, where the vehicle(s) being towed is/are in excess of 10,000 pounds. Example: Recreational Vehicle (RV), when the towing vehicle is rated at 11,000lb and the vehicle towed is rated at 15,500lb (total combined weight of 26,500lb).
Example: Motor home, recreational vehicle
Class B
A class B non-commercial driver’s license is given to over 18’s.
This is required to operate any single vehicle rated in excess of 26,000 pounds.
Example: Motor homes or other vehicles rated at 26,001 pounds or over.
Class C
A class C on a non-commercial driver’s license is given to over 16’s.
This is for vehicles that do not meet the criteria of Class A or Class B; emergency vehicles only (fire trucks or ambulances) as or when authorized by the head of that department. If you hold a Class C license, you are also authorized to drive a motor-driven cycle with an automatic transmission and cylinder capacity of 50 CCs or less, a 3-wheeled motorcycle with an enclosed cab, or an autocycle.
Example: A firetruck, ambulance, scooter, or regular 4-door sedan
Class M
A class M non-commercial is given to over 16’s.
This license is for motorcycle or motor-driven cycle vehicles only.
Endorsements and Restrictions
Sometimes non-commercial vehicle use needs to be authorized or restricted for certain situations.
If you test on a motor-driven cycle, an “8” restriction will appear on your driver’s license that prohibits you from operating a motorcycle. If you test on a 3-wheeled motorcycle, a “9” restriction will appear on your driver’s license that prohibits you from operating a 2-wheeled motorcycle.
PennDOT might apply certain restrictions to the license’s ability, as well as to restrict the addition of mechanical parts or special equipment to the vehicle, to assure safe operation as they deem fit.
If you have any kind of medical condition, you should also note the driving restrictions listed here.
Commercial License Classes in PA
Commercial licenses are for large vehicles involved in commerce, such as goods transportation. You must be 21 years of age or older to operate a commercial motor vehicle interstate (all classes).
Class A
A class A commercial driver’s license is given to over 18’s.
As defined by the DMV:
The driver must demonstrate their qualifications and ability to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001lb or more, provided the gross vehicle weight rating of the vehicle or vehicles being towed is in excess of 10,000lb
Owners of this license also have permission to operate Class B and Class C vehicles. Sometimes, endorsements must be given.
Example: A truck with a GCWR of 28,000
Class B
A class B commercial driver’s license is given to over 18’s.
As defined by the DMV:
Drivers who have demonstrated their qualifications to operate any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001lb or more or any such vehicle towing a vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating of not more than 10,000lb
If you have a Class B commercial license, you may also operate Class C vehicles. Sometimes, endorsements must be given.
Class C
A class C commercial driver’s license is given to over 18’s. The class C weight limit is 26,000 pounds.
This is for:
Any combination of vehicles, except combination vehicles involving motorcycles, that does not meet the definition of a Class A or Class B vehicle. Where required, appropriate endorsements must be obtained.
Commercial Driver’s License Specialized Restrictions for Safety
- L Restricts the driver to vehicles NOT equipped with air brakes
- B/M Restricts the driver from a class A bus
- C/N Restricts the driver from a class A or B bus
- E Restricts the driver from driving manual transmission commercial vehicles
- O Restricts a driver from driving a truck tractor/semi-trailer combination
- Z Restricts a driver from driving a full air-brake equipped vehicle
The Correct License in PA for You
Ensure you qualify for the kind of vehicle you’d like to drive, whether that be a commercial vehicle for a career choice or a standard license to make travel easier. If you’re wondering how to get a non-commercial Class A license in PA or any other kind, call us now on +1 610-664-7400. We’d like to make our PA driving experience as easy as possible and help you pass that driver’s test.
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