A regular driver's license is the standard license most people get when they first learn to drive
In most states, a regular driver's license — sometimes called a Class D license — lets you drive passenger cars, pickup trucks, and small vans on public roads. The exact weight and passenger limits vary by state, but the basic idea is the same: it covers the vehicles most people use for everyday driving.
This is different from a commercial driver's license (CDL), which you need to drive larger trucks or buses for work. It is also different from a motorcycle endorsement, which you add to your regular license if you want to ride a motorcycle. A regular license is what you start with, and it is what most drivers keep their whole lives.
Key Takeaways
- A regular driver's license covers passenger cars, pickup trucks, and small vans, but the exact weight limits depend on your state.
- You cannot drive commercial vehicles, large trucks, or buses with a regular license — those require a commercial driver's license.
- Most states issue a regular license after you pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test.
- Your regular license is valid for a set number of years (usually three to eight years, depending on your state), and you renew it by mail, online, or in person.
What vehicles you can and cannot drive
A regular driver's license covers most vehicles you will encounter in daily life. You can drive a sedan, an SUV, a pickup truck, and a minivan. You can also tow a small trailer in most states, though the combined weight of your vehicle and trailer cannot exceed a certain limit — this limit varies, so check your state's rules.
You cannot drive a vehicle that weighs more than a certain amount (usually between 26,000 and 27,000 pounds, depending on your state). You cannot drive a bus, even a small one. You cannot drive a semi-truck or any commercial vehicle if you are carrying cargo for pay. If you want to do any of those things, you need a commercial driver's license instead.
A regular license also does not cover motorcycles. If you want to ride a motorcycle, you need to add a motorcycle endorsement to your license. Some states call this an endorsement; others call it a restriction or a designation. Either way, it is a separate test you take after you already have your regular license.
How to get a regular driver's license
The steps are the same in most states. First, you visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent office — some states call it the Secretary of State, the Registry of Motor Vehicles, or the Department of Transportation. You bring proof of identity (a birth certificate or passport), proof of your address (a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or tax ID.
Next, you take a written test on traffic laws and road signs. The test is usually multiple choice, and you can study using a free manual your state provides online or at the DMV office. You also take a vision test to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely.
If you pass both tests, you get a learner's permit. With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult is in the car with you. You practice for a set number of weeks or months (this varies by state — some require as few as three weeks, others require six months or more). Then you return to the DMV for a driving test, where an examiner watches you drive and scores how well you handle the car. If you pass, you get your regular driver's license.
Age requirements and restrictions for new drivers
Most states let you get a learner's permit at 15 or 16, and a full regular license at 16 or 17. Some states have a graduated licensing system, which means your license comes with restrictions when you first get it — for example, you might not be allowed to drive at night or carry passengers who are not family members. These restrictions usually lift after you have held your license for a certain amount of time without getting a ticket or being in an accident.
If you are under 18, you may also be required to take a driver's education course before you can take the driving test. Some states waive this requirement if you have completed a course in school. Check your state's DMV website to see what applies where you live.
How long a regular license lasts and how to renew it
A regular driver's license is valid for a set number of years. In most states, this is between three and eight years — your state decides. When your license is about to expire, your state will send you a notice in the mail telling you when to renew.
You can renew your license in three ways in most states: by mail, online, or in person at the DMV. Renewing by mail or online is faster and cheaper than going to the DMV in person. You usually just need to fill out a form, pay a fee (which ranges from about $20 to $100 depending on your state), and send in your current license. If your vision has changed or you have had a major change in your health, you may need to come in person and take a new vision test.
Some states let you renew your license multiple times online before you have to come in person. Others require you to come in every other renewal. Check your state's DMV website to see what your state allows.
Real ID and what it means for your regular license
In 2005, the federal government set new security standards for driver's licenses called Real ID. Most states now issue Real ID-compliant licenses, which have a small star or marking on them. A Real ID license works for flying on domestic flights and entering federal buildings.
If your regular license does not have a Real ID marking, you can still drive — Real ID only matters if you fly or enter a federal building. If you want a Real ID license, you can request one when you renew your license. You will need to bring extra documents to prove your identity and address, and you may pay a small extra fee. Check your state's DMV website to see what documents you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a pickup truck with a regular driver's license?
Yes, as long as the truck is not too heavy. Most pickup trucks fall under the weight limit for a regular license. If you are towing a trailer, make sure the combined weight of the truck and trailer does not exceed your state's limit. Your vehicle registration paperwork will tell you the weight of your truck.
What happens if I drive a commercial vehicle without a commercial license?
It is illegal, and you can be fined or have your license suspended. If you cause an accident while driving a vehicle you are not licensed to drive, your insurance may not cover the damage. If you need to drive a commercial vehicle for work, you need to get a commercial driver's license first.
Do I need a regular license to drive a golf cart or ATV?
It depends on where you are driving. On private property, you usually do not need a license. On public roads, most states require you to have a regular driver's license. Some states have special rules for golf carts or ATVs on public roads — check your local regulations.
Can I renew my regular license online if it has expired?
Most states let you renew online if your license has been expired for less than a certain amount of time — usually one to three years. If it has been expired longer than that, you may need to come in person and retake the written and driving tests. Check your state's DMV website to see the rules where you live.
What is the difference between a regular license and a commercial driver's license?
A regular license covers passenger vehicles and small trucks. A commercial driver's license covers larger trucks, buses, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials. You need a commercial license if you drive these vehicles for work. The testing and training for a commercial license are more extensive than for a regular license.