Florida Driver's License Classes: What Each One Lets You Drive

Florida has six main driver's license classes, and which one you hold determines what vehicles you can legally operate

Florida groups driver's licenses into classes based on vehicle weight and type. Class E is the standard license most people get for regular cars. Class D covers commercial trucks and buses. Classes A and B are for motorcycles and mopeds. Class F is for farm equipment, and Class G is for chauffeurs driving passengers for hire. The class you need depends on what you plan to drive, not where you live or how old you are — though age does affect which classes are available to you.

Each class comes with specific restrictions. A Class E license does not let you drive a commercial truck, even if you have years of driving experience. A motorcycle endorsement (Class M) requires a separate test even if you already hold a Class E. Understanding which class matches your vehicle prevents you from driving illegally and protects you if you're in an accident — insurance companies can deny claims if you were operating a vehicle your license did not cover.

Key Takeaways

Class E is the standard license for cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks under 26,001 pounds — the one most people hold.
Class D requires a commercial driver's license (CDL) and is needed to drive trucks over 26,001 pounds or buses carrying passengers.
Class M covers motorcycles and requires passing a separate riding test or completing an approved motorcycle safety course.
Mopeds (Class F) can be ridden with a regular Class E license in Florida, but a separate moped endorsement is available if you want it.
Your license class is printed on the front of your card and determines what you can legally drive — mismatches can result in citations and insurance denial.

Class E: The Standard Passenger Vehicle License

Class E is what most Florida drivers hold. It covers passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans up to 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). If you drive a regular vehicle to work or for personal use, you need a Class E license. You can also tow a trailer with a Class E license as long as the trailer does not exceed certain weight limits — the combined weight of your vehicle and trailer cannot exceed 26,001 pounds.

You can get a Class E license at age 16 with a learner's permit and supervised driving, or at age 18 without the permit requirement. The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and Florida traffic laws. The driving test happens on public roads and lasts about 20 minutes. If you already hold a valid out-of-state driver's license, Florida may waive the written and driving tests, though you still have to pass a vision and knowledge check at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Class D: Commercial Trucks and Buses (CDL Required)

Class D is a commercial driver's license (CDL) and is required if you drive a truck over 26,001 pounds GVWR or any bus designed to carry passengers. This includes delivery trucks, semi-trucks, and passenger buses. You cannot legally operate these vehicles with a Class E license, even if you own the vehicle or have decades of driving experience. Employers often require a Class D CDL for jobs in trucking, delivery, or transit.

Getting a Class D license involves more testing than a Class E. You must pass a written test specific to commercial vehicles, a pre-trip inspection test (where you walk around the truck and identify working parts), and a road test in an actual commercial vehicle. You also need a medical certificate from a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved medical examiner — this confirms you meet physical and vision standards for commercial driving. The entire process typically takes several weeks. Some Florida vocational schools and truck driving schools offer CDL training programs that prepare you for the tests.

Class M: Motorcycle and Moped Endorsements

Class M covers motorcycles and is separate from your Class E license. You cannot legally ride a motorcycle on a Class E license alone — you need to add a motorcycle endorsement. To get it, you pass a written test on motorcycle-specific rules (braking, turning, hazard awareness) and a riding skills test on an actual motorcycle. The riding test takes place in a closed course and lasts about 10 minutes.

Florida also allows you to take an approved motorcycle safety course instead of the riding test. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and Florida Rider courses are recognized by the state. If you complete one of these courses, you can bring your completion certificate to the DMV and skip the riding test — you still take the written test. Many riders choose this route because the course teaches defensive riding and the certificate often qualifies you for insurance discounts. You must be at least 16 to get a motorcycle endorsement, and riders under 18 must wear a helmet by law.

Mopeds (motorized bicycles with engines under 50 cubic centimeters) can technically be ridden with a Class E license in Florida, but you can also get a separate moped endorsement if you want one. The moped endorsement requires a written test but no riding test.

Class F: Farm Equipment and Vehicles

Class F is for operating farm tractors, combines, and other agricultural equipment on public roads. If you own a farm or work in agriculture and need to move equipment between properties, you may need a Class F license. The requirements are less stringent than for other commercial classes because farm equipment moves slowly and typically travels short distances on rural roads.

You can get a Class F license at age 14 in Florida, which is younger than the age for other classes. The written test covers farm equipment operation and safety. There is no separate road test for Class F — the DMV evaluates your knowledge through the written exam only. If you also drive regular vehicles, you would hold both a Class E and a Class F license.

Class G: Chauffeur License for Passenger Transport

Class G is a chauffeur license, required if you drive passengers for hire. This includes taxi drivers, rideshare drivers, limousine operators, and anyone else paid to transport people. You cannot legally drive for a rideshare company or taxi service with a Class E license — you need the Class G endorsement. Some employers, like limousine companies, require it as a condition of employment.

To get a Class G license, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid Class E license. You pass a written test on passenger safety, customer service, and Florida traffic laws. You also undergo a background check — felony convictions or certain traffic violations can disqualify you. The chauffeur license is valid for eight years, the same as a regular Class E license.

Endorsements and Restrictions That Modify Your License

Your license class can be modified by endorsements (additions that expand what you can drive) and restrictions (limitations on what you can drive). A motorcycle endorsement adds Class M capability to your Class E license. A hazmat endorsement (Class H) allows you to transport hazardous materials and requires a background check and written test. A school bus endorsement (Class S) is required to drive a school bus and involves additional training and testing.

Restrictions appear as codes on your license and limit how you can drive. For example, a vision restriction means you must wear corrective lenses while driving. A medical restriction might limit you to daytime driving only. An ignition interlock restriction means you must use a breath-alcohol device in your vehicle. Restrictions are set by the DMV based on your medical history, age, or court order. You can request removal of a restriction by providing updated medical documentation or by meeting the conditions set by the court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive a pickup truck with a Class E license?

Yes, as long as the truck's gross vehicle weight rating is 26,000 pounds or less. Most standard pickup trucks fall under this limit. If you are unsure, check your truck's registration or owner's manual for the GVWR. Trucks over 26,000 pounds require a Class D CDL.

Do I need a separate license to drive for Uber or Lyft?

No, you do not need a Class G chauffeur license for rideshare driving in Florida. However, rideshare companies have their own background check and insurance requirements. A Class G is required only for traditional taxi services and some limousine companies.

What happens if I get pulled over driving a vehicle my license does not cover?

You can receive a citation for operating a vehicle without the proper license class. This is a traffic violation separate from any other infractions. Your insurance may also deny a claim if you were driving an unlicensed vehicle type at the time of an accident.

Can I get a motorcycle endorsement without taking a riding test?

Yes, if you complete an approved motorcycle safety course like the MSF Basic Rider Course or a Florida Rider course. Bring your completion certificate to the DMV, and you can skip the riding test. You still take the written test.

How old do I have to be to get each license class?

Class E: 16 with a learner's permit, or 18 without. Class D (CDL): 18 for intrastate driving, 21 for interstate. Class M (motorcycle): 16. Class F (farm): 14. Class G (chauffeur): 18. Age requirements may vary based on whether you are a minor or have a learner's permit.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.