Driver’s License Classes in California

In California, there are five categories of driver's licenses: A, B, C, M1, and M2.

The first three categories (A, B, C) are further divided into subcategories:

• А: Commercial and Noncommercial

• B: Commercial and Noncommercial

• С: Commercial and Basic

Thus, the complete list is as follows:

1. Commercial Class A Driver License

2. Noncommercial Class A Driver License

3. Commercial Class B Driver License

4. Noncommercial Class B Driver License

5. Basic Class C Driver License

6. Commercial Class C Driver License

7. Motocycles Class M1 Driver License

8. Motocycles Class M2 Driver License

BASIC CLASS C DRIVER LICENSE

With a basic Class C driver’s license, you can operate:

1. Two-axle vehicles with a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) or GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) of 26,000 lbs. (11,793 kg) or less

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can safely carry, as specified by the manufacturer. This includes the weight of the vehicle itself, passengers, cargo, fuel, and the tongue weight of a trailer. This information is typically found on the Safety Compliance Certification Label inside the driver's door.

GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) is the actual weight of the vehicle, including its unladen weight and the weight of any cargo being carried.

2. Three-axle vehicles weighing 6,000 lbs. (2,721 kg) or less

Vehicles with three axles, such as certain small trucks.

3. Motorized scooters

Motorized scooters are two-wheeled devices with a motor, handlebar, and platform for standing. They may only be used on bike lanes, paths, or routes and are prohibited on sidewalks. The speed limit is 15 mph (24 km/h), and no registration is required. Any driver’s license, regardless of class, permits operating motorized scooters.

4. Housecars up to 40 feet (12 meters) in length

5. A farmer or their employee may operate a combination of vehicles with a GCWR of up to 26,000 pounds (11,793 kg), provided it is used exclusively for agricultural purposes

GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating) is the maximum allowable weight of a fully loaded towing vehicle (such as an SUV or truck) and a fully loaded trailer that your vehicle can safely tow without risk. This rating is determined by the manufacturer. GCWR can be approximately calculated by adding the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of the towing vehicle and the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW). It’s important to note that GVWR does not include the tongue weight, passengers, or cargo. GVWR covers only the weight of the vehicle itself, including all standard equipment and a full tank of fuel.To calculate the total weight, you need to consider the weight of luggage and passengers. For an exact GCWR, you can use public scales, which are often found at truck stops or loading facilities. Exceeding the towing weight limit is extremely dangerous and can result in accidents.

Drivers of the vehicles mentioned above may tow trailers. Trailers may include:

1. A single vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg) or less, including a tow dolly if used

Tow dolly is a device towed by a motor vehicle, designed exclusively for transporting another vehicle. The front or rear wheels of the towed vehicle are placed on the tow dolly, while the other wheels remain on the ground.

2. Trailer coaches and fifth-wheel trailers with a GVWR of up to 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg), provided they are not used for commercial purposes

Trailer coach is a type of trailer designed for living accommodations. In simple terms, it’s a small house on wheels that can be towed by a vehicle. It may include amenities like a kitchen, sleeping areas, a bathroom with a shower, and a living area. When traveling or going on vacation, a trailer coach is used as temporary housing. This type of trailer is subject to weight restrictions and can only be used for personal purposes, not for commercial activities (e.g., rental or cargo transport).

Fifth-wheel trailer is a larger type of trailer that attaches to a tow vehicle (typically a pickup truck or a truck) using a special hitch mounted in the truck bed, directly above the rear axle. This connection is called a "fifth-wheel hitch." Fifth-wheel trailers are usually larger and more spacious than standard trailer coaches, making them suitable for long trips or permanent living. Like trailer coaches, fifth-wheel trailers are intended for personal use only. They cannot be used for commercial purposes unless otherwise stated in the regulations. If you want to travel across the country in comfort but don’t want to buy a full motorhome, a fifth-wheel trailer is an excellent option. It offers more space and amenities for extended stays than a standard trailer coach.

3. A fifth-wheel travel trailer with a GVWR of over 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg) but not exceeding 15,000 pounds (6,804 kg) is allowed, provided it is not used for commercial purposes and requires a specific endorsement on the driver’s license

If the unladen weight of the towing vehicle is 4,000 pounds (1,814 kg) or more, it is permitted to tow a trailer coach with a total weight not exceeding 9,000 pounds (4,082 kg).

In addition to a driver’s license (DL) of the appropriate class, drivers transporting passengers or hazardous materials must have a certificate or an endorsement on their license allowing them to do so. The endorsement is added to the driver’s license.

Endorsement is an extension of driving privileges for operating specific types of vehicles or performing specialized tasks. Examples include:

• H (Hazardous Materials): Transportation of hazardous materials

• T (Double / Triple Trailer): Towing double or triple trailers

• N (Tank): Operation of tank vehicles

• P (Passenger): Transportation of passenger vehicles designed to carry 16 or more people, including the driver

• S (School Bus): Operation of school buses with passengers

• X (Combination): A combination of endorsements N and H for operating tank vehicles or transporting hazardous materials

Important! No passenger vehicle, regardless of its weight, may tow more than one trailer. Vehicles with an unladen weight of less than 4,000 pounds cannot tow a trailer weighing 6,000.

COMMERCIAL CLASS C DRIVER LICENSE

This category includes operating the following types of vehicles:

1. Buses (excluding trailer buses) with a GVWR or GVW of up to 26,000 pounds (11,793 kg), provided the driver has the appropriate endorsement on their license

A bus is defined as any vehicle, including a trailer bus, used to transport more than 15 people, including the driver. A vehicle designed to carry more than 10 people, including the driver, is also considered a bus if it is used for transporting passengers for compensation or profit or operated by a nonprofit organization or group. However, a vanpool vehicle (a multipassenger vehicle used for ridesharing) is not considered a bus.

2. Any Class C vehicle transporting hazardous materials (HazMat) requiring special placards, provided the driver holds a HazMat endorsement on their license

Hazardous materials include any substance, material, or device that poses an unreasonable risk to health, safety, or property. Examples of hazardous materials include explosives, hazardous waste, and medical waste.

3. A single vehicle designed to transport liquid or gaseous materials in one or more tanks, where: the capacity of an individual tank exceeds 119 gallons (approximately 450 liters); the combined capacity of all tanks is 1,000 gallons (approximately 3,785 liters) or more; the tanks may be permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle or chassis; the GVWR or GVW of the vehicle does not exceed 26,000 pounds (11,793 kg); operating such a vehicle requires a specific endorsement on the driver’s license

Holders of this license may tow the same trailers as those allowed under a basic Class C driver license, as outlined above.

COMMERCIAL CLASS B DRIVER LICENSE

This category includes the operation of:

1. A single vehicle with a GVWR or GVW of more than 26,000 pounds (11,793 kg)

2. A vehicle with three or more axles, weighing more than 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg)

3. A bus (excluding trailer buses) with a GVWR or GVW of more than 26,000 pounds (11,793 kg), provided the driver has the appropriate endorsement on their license

4. A vehicle used to transport agricultural workers, with the required endorsement

5. Any vehicles falling under the Class C category

Trailers Allowed for Class B Licenses:

• A single vehicle with a GVWR or GVW of 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg) or less

• Any vehicle classified under Class C

NONCOMMERCIAL CLASS B DRIVER LICENSE

This license allows for the operation of:

1. All vehicles that qualify under the Class C category

2. Housecars that are between 40 feet (12 m) and 45 feet in length, with the required endorsement

Trailer use for noncommercial Class B licenses follows the same rules as those for a basic Class C license.

COMMERCIAL CLASS A DRIVER LICENSE

This category permits the operation of any lawful combination of vehicles, including those under Class B and Class C.

Trailers Allowed for Class A Licenses:

• A single vehicle with a GVWR or GVW of more than 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg)

• A trailer or bus, provided the required endorsement is present on the license

• More than one vehicle, with the appropriate endorsement

• All vehicles qualifying under Class C and Class B

NONCOMMERCIAL CLASS A DRIVER LICENSE

This category allows for the operation of:

1. All vehicles qualifying under Class C

2. Housecar that is between 40 feet (12 m) and 45 feet in length

Trailers Allowed for Noncommercial Class A Licenses:

• A trailer coach with a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg), not used for commercial purposes

• A fifth-wheel trailer with a GVWR of more than 15,000 pounds (6,804 kg), not used for commercial purposes

A livestock trailer with a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg) but not exceeding 15,000 pounds (6,804 kg), provided the following conditions are met:

• The vehicle is operated by a farmer and used exclusively for transporting livestock to or from the farm

• It is not used for commercial or contract transportation

• It is operated within 150 miles (241 km) of the owner’s farm

MOTORCYCLE LICENSE CATEGORIES

Motorcycle license categories M1 or M2 are added to other license classes after passing a written knowledge test and a skills test for motorcycle operation. Alternatively, you may complete a specialized motorcycle training course and receive a certificate in lieu of the skills test (completion of the course is mandatory if you are under 21 years old). The Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL 389) confirms that you have completed a course approved by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This certificate is valid for 12 months.

An M1 license allows you to operate any two-wheeled motorcycle, motor scooter, or motorized scooter. This category includes all privileges of an M2 license.

An M2 license is limited to operating motorized bicycles, mopeds, bicycles with motors, and motorized scooters.

Motorized bicycles are similar to mopeds, require registration and a license, and may or may not have pedals. Electric bicycles are bicycles equipped with a motor that assists with pedaling. They do not require registration or a license. To rent an electric scooter in California (e.g., Bird), you must hold a valid driver’s license. Anyone with a California driver’s license can temporarily (up to 48 hours) operate a rented motorized bicycle without taking a test or holding an M2 license. Drivers with a Class C license are permitted to operate three-wheeled motorcycles or motorcycles with sidecars without needing an M1 or M2 license.