Just like any other state across the country, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a range of types of driver’s licenses available. Most people will only have to deal with one or two types, but it is helpful to know the range available and the purpose of each different type of license. Here, we briefly want to review the different types of driver’s licenses available in Pennsylvania.
Non-Commercial Driver’s License Classes in PA
There are several types of non-commercial (personal, not for business purposes) driver’s licenses available in the Commonwealth, including –
Class A (minimum age 18) – This driver’s license is required for operating vehicles with a gross weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, provided that the combined weight rating of the towing vehicle and the vehicles being towed exceeds 26,000 pounds. For example, this class is necessary for driving recreational vehicles when the towing vehicle has a weight rating of 11,000 pounds and the vehicle being towed is rated at 15,500 pounds, resulting in a total combined weight of 26,500 pounds.
Class B (minimum age 18) – A Class B driver’s license is mandatory for the operation of a single vehicle rated at over 26,000 pounds. This includes vehicles like motor homes with a weight rating of 26,001 pounds or higher.
Class C (minimum age 16) – Individuals aged 16 or older can obtain a Class C driver’s license if they meet the qualifications to operate various vehicles, excluding those requiring Class M classification. This class is versatile and suits drivers who don’t fit the criteria for Class A or B. Additionally, firefighters or members of rescue or emergency squads with a Class C license can operate fire or emergency vehicles registered to their respective departments for emergency use only. This class also covers the operation of motor-driven cycles with automatic transmissions and cylinder capacities of 50 CCs or less, 3-wheeled motorcycles with enclosed cabs, and autocycles.
Class M (minimum age 16) – The Class M driver’s license is issued to individuals aged 16 and older who have demonstrated their ability to operate motorcycles or motor-driven cycles. If someone is qualified to operate only a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, they will receive a Class M driver’s license. If they are tested on a motor-driven cycle, their driver’s license will carry an “8” restriction, which prohibits them from operating a motorcycle. If the test is conducted on a 3-wheeled motorcycle, a “9” restriction is placed on the driver’s license, prohibiting them from operating 2-wheeled motorcycles.
Commercial Driver’s License Classes in PA
Pennsylvania makes commercial driver’s licenses available to those who have a need if they are 18 years of age or older. The different classes of commercial driver’s licenses in PA include –
Class A (minimum age 18) – A Class A driver’s license is available to individuals aged 18 or older who have proven their ability to operate combinations of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. This includes cases where the GCWR of the towing vehicle and the towed vehicles exceeds 26,000 pounds, with the towed vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds. Holders of a Class A license are authorized to operate vehicles that would require either a Class B or Class C license. Additional endorsements are required for specific vehicle types.
Class B (minimum age 18) – Individuals aged 18 and older can obtain a Class B driver’s license if they can demonstrate their capability to operate single vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or such vehicles towing a trailer with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less. Holders of a Class B license are qualified to operate vehicles that would typically require a Class C license. Specific endorsements are needed for certain vehicle categories.
Class C (minimum age 18) – A Class C driver’s license is issued to individuals 18 years of age and older who have shown their competence in operating single vehicles with a GVWR of less than 26,000 pounds or combinations of vehicles, except for combinations involving motorcycles, that do not meet the criteria for Class A or Class B vehicles.
No matter what kind of license you have, if you are involved in a car crash, speak to a car accident lawyer in Philadelphia today to review your case.