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:

As part of a nationwide effort to enhance the issuance of secure identification credentials,
Pennsylvania requires the following documentation from U.S. Citizens applying for a Pennsylvania
Driver’s License, Learner’s Permit or Identification (ID) Card or U.S. Citizens transferring an out-ofstate Driver’s License or ID Card.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are applying for a REAL ID product please refer to the REAL ID
Document Check List located on PennDOT’s website at https://www.dmv.pa.gov/REALID for
more information.
Age Requirements for U.S. Citizens
Individuals applying for a Non-Commercial Driver’s License must be at least 16 years of age.
Individuals applying for an Identification (ID) Card must be at least 10 years of age.
Individuals transferring a Non-Commercial Driver’s License must be at least 16 1/2 years of age.
Individuals applying for a Pennsylvania Learner’s Permit must be at least 16 years of age.
Out-of-state Learner’s Permits can not be transferred to Pennsylvania.
Individuals applying for or transferring a Commercial Driver’s License must be at least 18 years of
age for intrastate driving or 21 years of age or older for interstate driving.
Residents of Pennsylvania
If you are under the age of 18 and are a resident of Pennsylvania you will need to show:
q one form of identification from List A, and
q your Social Security Card.
If you are 18 years of age or older and you are a resident of Pennsylvania you will need to show:
q one form of identification from List A,
q two forms of proof of residency from List B, and