A Class 5 license is the standard license most people get after passing their driving test, and it covers regular passenger vehicles up to a certain size.
In most provinces and states, a Class 5 is what you use to drive a car, pickup truck, or small SUV on public roads. The exact rules about weight limits and passenger capacity vary by location — some places cap it at vehicles under 11,000 pounds, others at 14,000 pounds — so check your local motor vehicle office for the specific numbers that explore where you live.
The key thing to understand is that a Class 5 does not cover commercial driving, towing heavy trailers, or operating buses or large trucks. If you want to drive any of those, you need a different class of license and usually additional training and testing.
Key Takeaways
- A Class 5 license covers passenger cars, small pickups, and small SUVs, but weight and size limits vary by province or state.
- You cannot use a Class 5 to drive for commercial purposes, tow a heavy trailer, or operate a bus or large truck.
- Most people get a Class 5 after passing a written test and a road test with a licensed examiner.
- Restrictions on a Class 5 — such as no driving between certain hours or no passengers under 25 — depend on your age and whether you hold a learner's permit or probationary license.
What vehicles you can and cannot drive with a Class 5
A Class 5 covers most everyday vehicles: sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, minivans, small to mid-size pickup trucks, and small to mid-size SUVs. The weight limit is usually between 11,000 and 14,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), depending on where you live. If you are unsure whether your vehicle falls under that limit, you can find the GVWR on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb or in your vehicle's manual.
You cannot drive a Class 5 to carry passengers for money, deliver goods commercially, or tow a trailer heavier than a certain weight — usually 4,000 to 7,000 pounds, depending on your location. You also cannot operate a bus, a heavy truck, a motorcycle, or a vehicle designed to carry more than 15 passengers. If you need to do any of those things, you will need a different class of license.
Age restrictions and probationary rules
Many places impose temporary restrictions on new drivers under a certain age — often 18, 19, or 21, depending on the province or state. These restrictions might include no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., no passengers under a certain age (often 20 or 25), or no use of a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. These rules usually stay in place for one to three years after you first get your Class 5, or until you reach a certain age.
Some jurisdictions use a graduated licensing system, where you start with a learner's permit, move to a probationary or Class 7 license with restrictions, and then graduate to a full Class 5 with no restrictions. The timeline and rules differ by location, so check your local motor vehicle office to understand what applies to you.
How to get a Class 5 license
The process usually starts with a written knowledge test covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You study the driver's manual provided by your motor vehicle office, then take the test at a testing center. Most places let you take it on a computer, and you typically need to score 80 percent or higher to pass.
After you pass the written test, you move to the road test. You book an appointment with a licensed examiner, bring your vehicle (which must be in safe working order), and drive a set route while the examiner watches and scores your performance. The test usually lasts 20 to 40 minutes and covers basic skills like parking, turning, stopping, and following traffic rules. If you pass, you get your Class 5 license.
Before you can take either test, most places require you to hold a learner's permit for a certain period — often three months to one year — and to log a minimum number of supervised driving hours. During this time, you can only drive with a licensed adult in the passenger seat.
Renewing and maintaining your Class 5
A Class 5 license is valid for a set period, usually five to ten years depending on your location and age. Before it expires, you can renew it at your local motor vehicle office. Renewal usually involves paying a fee, providing proof of identity and residency, and sometimes passing a vision test. You do not normally have to retake the written or road test unless your license was suspended or revoked.
If you move to a different province or state, you may be able to transfer your license or exchange it for a license in your new location. The rules vary, so contact the motor vehicle office in your new home to find out what documents you need and whether you have to take any tests.
What happens if you break the rules
Driving outside the scope of your Class 5 — for example, driving a heavy truck or carrying passengers for money — is illegal and can result in a fine, points on your driving record, or suspension of your license. Even minor violations, like speeding or running a red light, add points to your record. Accumulate too many points and your license gets suspended for a set period.
If you are caught driving with a suspended or revoked license, the penalties are much steeper: fines, possible jail time, and a longer suspension. If you lose your license, you will have to reapply and may have to retake the written and road tests before you can drive again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tow a trailer with a Class 5 license?
It depends on the weight of the trailer. Most places allow you to tow a small trailer (usually under 4,000 to 7,000 pounds) with a Class 5, but the exact limit varies by location. Check your local motor vehicle office or your license document to see what weight limit applies to you.
What is the difference between a Class 5 and a Class 7?
A Class 7 is usually a probationary or intermediate license for new drivers, with restrictions on age, passengers, and driving hours. A Class 5 is the full, unrestricted license you get after you meet the requirements and pass all tests. The exact names and rules vary by province or state.
Do I have to retake my road test if I move to a different state or province?
Not always. Many places have reciprocal agreements that let you exchange your out-of-state or out-of-province license for a local one without retesting. However, some places do require a new road test. Contact your new local motor vehicle office to find out what they require.
What happens if I drive a vehicle that is too heavy for my Class 5?
You can be fined and receive points on your driving record. If the violation is serious or repeated, your license may be suspended. It is your responsibility to know the weight limit of your license and the GVWR of any vehicle you drive.
Can I drive for a rideshare service like Uber with a Class 5?
No. Driving for any rideshare or taxi service is commercial driving and requires a commercial license, usually a Class 4 or higher depending on your location. A Class 5 is for personal use only.