Pennsylvania offers several types of driver’s licenses depending on the type of vehicle you want to operate. This guide explains the difference between commercial and non-commercial licenses and breaks down Classes A, B, C, D, and M to help you understand which license you need.
What Are the Different Types of Driver’s Licenses in PA?
PA licenses fall into two main categories:
- Commercial licenses (CDL) – for large vehicles used in commerce or transport
- Non-commercial licenses – for personal or recreational driving
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 or transportation of goods, including trucks and buses.
Non-commercial License Classes in PA
What Is a Non-Commercial License in PA?
A non-commercial license allows PA drivers to operate personal or recreational vehicles that do not require a CDL.
Class A (Non-Commercial)
In Pennsylvania, a Class A non-commercial license is available to drivers age 18 or older.
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 (Non-Commercial)
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: 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 C (Non-Commercial)
A Class C non-commercial license is available to drivers age 16 or older.
This is for vehicles that do not meet the criteria of Class A or Class B; emergency vehicles only (fire trucks or ambulances) when specifically authorized.
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
- an autocycle
Example: A firetruck, ambulance, scooter, or regular 4-door sedan
Class M (Non-Commercial)
Class M non-commercial licenses are issued to drivers 16 and older.
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. These restrictions indicate what types of vehicles a driver is permitted (or not permitted) to operate.
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. Always review your restriction codes carefully so you understand your driving limitations.
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). Within Pennsylvania, some classes are available from age 18.
What Is a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in PA?
A CDL allows drivers to operate large or specialized commercial vehicles such as buses, tractor-trailers, and heavy trucks.
Class A (Commercial)
A Class A CDL is issued to drivers 18 and older.
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 may also operate Class B and Class C commercial vehicles when required endorsements are met.
Example: A truck with a GCWR of 28,000lb
Class B (Commercial)
A Class B CDL is available to drivers 18 and older.
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”
Example: Commercial bus
If you have a Class B commercial license, you may also operate Class C vehicles. Sometimes, endorsements must be given.
Class C (Commercial)
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.
Example: Mini-bus or taxi class C
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 operating 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
These CDL restrictions ensure that commercial drivers only operate vehicles they are qualified to handle safely.
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.
Quick FAQs About PA License Types
Non-commercial licenses (Classes A, B, C, M) and Commercial CDLs (Classes A, B, C).
Age varies: 16+ for non-commercial Class C and M; 18+ for Class A and B; 21+ for interstate commercial driving.
Class A covers heavier combination vehicles; Class B covers single heavy vehicles
Summary Table of PA License Types
Non-Commercial Licenses
| License | Age | What You Can Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | 18+ | Combo vehicles >26,001 lbs; towing >10,000 lbs |
| Class B | 18+ | Single vehicles >26,001 lbs |
| Class C | 16+ | Cars, SUVs, scooters <50cc, certain emergency vehicles |
| Class M | 16+ | Motorcycles, motor-driven cycles |
Commercial Licenses (CDL)
| License | Age | What You Can Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | 18+ / 21+ | Heavy combo commercial vehicles; towing >10,000 lbs |
| Class B | 18+ / 21+ | Single heavy commercial vehicles >26,001 lbs |
| Class C | 18+ / 21+ | Small commercial vehicles; hazmat; 16+ passenger vans |
Ready to earn your Pennsylvania driver’s license with confidence? Our certified instructors make the process smooth, supportive, and stress-free.
Start your driving journey with Driven2Drive today.
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Ronit Tehrani is the Founder and Co-Owner of Driven2Drive, a premier driving and license testing center in Philadelphia. Since 2013, she has been dedicated to providing safe driving education and skills for lifelong success. Under her leadership, Driven2Drive became Pennsylvania’s first privately owned PennDOT-certified testing center, now with six locations.
