Arizona's four main driver license classes and what vehicles each one covers

Arizona issues four classes of driver licenses — Class D, Class M, Class G, and commercial licenses — and each one permits you to operate different types of vehicles. A Class D license is the standard passenger vehicle license most people hold; it covers cars, pickup trucks, and vans up to a certain weight. A Class M license is required to operate a motorcycle or motorized bicycle. A Class G license is for drivers under 18 and comes with restrictions that lift at 18. Commercial licenses (Class A, B, or C) are for people who drive trucks or buses for work and require additional testing and medical certification.

The class you need depends on what you plan to drive, not where you live or how long you've held a license. If you drive only a personal car, Class D is what you hold. If you own a motorcycle, you need to add a Class M endorsement or hold a Class M license. If you drive a commercial vehicle as part of your job, you must hold the appropriate commercial class before you can legally operate that vehicle for pay.

Key Takeaways

  • Class D covers standard cars, pickup trucks, and vans under 26,001 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
  • Class M is required to ride any motorcycle or motorized bicycle on Arizona roads.
  • Class G is issued to drivers under 18 and restricts nighttime driving and passenger limits until age 18.
  • Commercial licenses (Class A, B, or C) are required to drive trucks or buses for work and require a medical certificate and skills test.
  • You can hold a Class D license and add a motorcycle endorsement (M endorsement) without upgrading your entire license class.

Class D: Standard passenger vehicle license

A Class D license permits you to drive passenger cars, pickup trucks, vans, and motorhomes up to 26,001 pounds GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating). This is the most common license class in Arizona and the one issued to most adult drivers. If you drive a personal vehicle for commuting, errands, or recreation, Class D is what you need.

Class D does not permit you to drive vehicles heavier than 26,001 pounds GVWR, vehicles designed to carry more than 15 passengers, or any commercial vehicle — even if you own it. If you want to tow a trailer, the combined weight of your vehicle and trailer cannot exceed the GVWR limits for Class D, and you may need an endorsement depending on the trailer weight.

Class M: Motorcycle license

A Class M license is required to operate any motorcycle or motorized bicycle on Arizona roads. You cannot legally ride a motorcycle with only a Class D license, even if you have years of driving experience in cars. Arizona law treats motorcycle operation as a separate skill requiring distinct testing and licensing.

You can obtain a Class M license as your primary license, or you can hold a Class D license and add an M endorsement to it. Many riders choose the endorsement route because it lets them keep their standard license while adding motorcycle privileges. To get a Class M license or endorsement, you must pass a written test on motorcycle rules and a riding skills test, or you can take an approved motorcycle safety course that waives the riding test.

Class G: Graduated license for drivers under 18

Arizona issues a Class G license to drivers under 18. This license allows you to drive a passenger vehicle, but it comes with restrictions that are designed to reduce crash risk for new and young drivers. The restrictions include limits on nighttime driving, limits on the number of passengers you can carry, and prohibitions on cell phone use while driving.

Class G restrictions vary by age. Drivers 16 and 17 face stricter limits than drivers 17 and older. At age 18, you can convert your Class G to a Class D license without retesting, and all restrictions are lifted. If you move to Arizona after turning 18 with a valid out-of-state license, you do not receive a Class G license; you receive a Class D instead.

Commercial licenses: Class A, B, and C for work vehicles

If you drive a truck or bus as part of your job, you need a commercial driver license (CDL). Arizona issues three commercial classes: Class A for drivers of combination vehicles (tractor-trailers) with a gross combined weight rating over 26,001 pounds, Class B for drivers of single vehicles over 26,001 pounds GVWR, and Class C for drivers of smaller commercial vehicles who transport hazardous materials or more than 15 passengers.

To obtain any commercial license, you must pass a medical examination, pass a written knowledge test specific to your class, and pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control, and road test. You also must be at least 18 years old (21 for interstate driving). Commercial licenses are not issued to people under 18 under any circumstances.

Endorsements and restrictions that modify your license class

Your base license class can be modified by endorsements (which add privileges) and restrictions (which limit privileges). An endorsement appears on your license and allows you to operate vehicles or carry cargo you could not otherwise drive. The most common endorsement is the M endorsement for motorcycles, but Arizona also issues endorsements for air brakes, hazardous materials, passenger transport, and other specialties.

A restriction appears on your license and limits how you can use it. For example, a corrective lens restriction means you must wear glasses or contacts while driving. A manual transmission restriction means you can drive only vehicles with manual transmissions. Restrictions are assigned based on your medical exam results, test performance, or age (in the case of Class G). You cannot remove a restriction without retesting or reapplying.

How to determine which class you need

Start by identifying what vehicle you plan to drive. If it is a car, pickup truck, van, or motorhome under 26,001 pounds, you need Class D. If it is a motorcycle or motorized bicycle, you need Class M (or an M endorsement on Class D). If you are under 18, you will receive Class G regardless of what you plan to drive, and you will convert to Class D at 18. If you drive a truck or bus for work, you need the appropriate commercial class.

If you are unsure of your vehicle's GVWR, check your vehicle's registration or owner's manual — the GVWR is listed there. If you are unsure whether your job requires a commercial license, ask your employer; they are responsible for ensuring drivers hold the correct class. If you hold the wrong class for your vehicle, you can be cited and your license can be suspended.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, as long as the pickup truck's GVWR is 26,001 pounds or less. Most standard pickup trucks fall within this limit. Check your vehicle's registration or owner's manual to confirm the GVWR. If it exceeds 26,001 pounds, you need a commercial license.

Do I need a Class M license if I own a motorcycle but don't ride it?

No. You need a Class M license only if you operate the motorcycle on public roads. If you own a motorcycle but never ride it, you do not need the license. However, if you ride it even once on a public road, you must have a valid Class M license or endorsement.

What happens if I drive with the wrong license class?

Driving with the wrong license class is a violation of Arizona law. You can be cited, fined, and your license can be suspended. If you cause an accident while driving with the wrong class, your insurance may deny your claim. Always verify you hold the correct class for your vehicle before driving.

Can I add a motorcycle endorsement to my Class D license instead of getting a separate Class M?

Yes. You can hold a Class D license and add an M endorsement, which allows you to ride motorcycles while keeping your standard passenger vehicle license. You must pass the same written and skills tests as someone obtaining a Class M license. Many riders prefer this option because it keeps their primary license unchanged.

At what age can I get a commercial license in Arizona?

You must be at least 18 years old to obtain any commercial license. If you plan to drive interstate, you must be at least 21. You cannot hold a commercial license before age 18 under any circumstances, even if you have a job that requires one.