Washington has six main driver license classes, each permitting different vehicle types and weights

Washington State issues six classes of driver licenses, labeled Class A through Class F, plus a separate commercial license category. Each class defines what you can legally operate on public roads. The class you need depends on the vehicle you drive most often — a standard car requires a different license than a delivery truck or motorcycle. Understanding which class matches your vehicle prevents you from driving illegally and helps you know what test to prepare for.

Your license class is printed on the front of your card. If you drive multiple vehicle types, you may need more than one class, though most people hold only one. Washington also issues endorsements — special permissions added to your license — that allow you to operate certain vehicles within your class.

Key Takeaways

  • Class D is the standard license for cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks under 26,001 pounds, and is what most people hold.
  • Class A and Class B are commercial licenses for larger trucks and buses, requiring a commercial driving record check and additional testing.
  • Class M is required to operate any motorcycle, including mopeds, and requires a separate endorsement or a standalone M license.
  • Washington allows you to add endorsements to your existing license — such as motorcycle or air brake endorsements — without changing your base class.
  • You must hold your current license for at least 14 days before you can test for a different class.

Class D: The standard passenger vehicle license

Class D covers the vehicles most people drive: cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans under 26,001 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). This is the license you get when you pass the standard written and driving tests at a Washington Department of Licensing office. If you drive a personal vehicle for commuting or errands, Class D is what you hold.

Class D does not permit you to drive vehicles designed to carry more than 15 passengers, including school buses and transit buses. It also does not permit towing a trailer over 10,000 pounds. If you need to tow a heavier trailer, you must add a towing endorsement to your Class D license.

Class A and Class B: Commercial truck and bus licenses

Class A and Class B are commercial licenses required to operate large trucks and buses. Class A covers vehicles over 26,001 pounds GVWR, including semi-trucks, large dump trucks, and cement mixers. Class B covers single-unit vehicles over 26,001 pounds, such as large delivery trucks and city buses. Both require a commercial driver license (CDL) and are issued only after you pass a written knowledge test, a pre-trip vehicle inspection test, and a road test specific to commercial driving.

To test for Class A or Class B, you must first hold a valid Washington driver license for at least 14 days. You will also need to pass a medical examination and provide proof of your Social Security number. Washington requires fingerprinting for all CDL applicants. The road test is conducted in the actual vehicle you will be driving — you cannot test in a different truck or bus.

Class M: Motorcycle license

Class M is required to operate any motorcycle on Washington roads. This includes street bikes, cruisers, touring bikes, and mopeds. You can obtain Class M as a standalone license or as an endorsement added to an existing Class D license. Most people add the M endorsement to their Class D rather than holding a separate Class M license.

To test for Class M, you must pass a written knowledge test about motorcycle operation and traffic laws, and a riding skills test on an actual motorcycle. Washington offers the Motorcycle Safety Program (MSP) course, which, if you complete it, waives the riding skills test — you still take the written test. The MSP course is taught by certified instructors and covers basic operation, hazard awareness, and emergency maneuvers.

Class E and Class F: Specialized vehicle licenses

Class E covers vehicles not covered by other classes, such as motorhomes, motor-driven cycles with engines under 50 cubic centimeters, and certain farm vehicles. Class F is a restricted license issued to people who do not meet the medical or vision standards for a regular license but can still drive under specific conditions — for example, driving only during daylight hours or only within a certain distance of home.

Class F is not commonly issued and requires a medical review by the Department of Licensing. If you believe you need a Class F license due to a medical condition, contact your local licensing office to discuss your situation. Class E is more common and is issued when your vehicle does not fit the standard categories.

Endorsements: Adding permissions to your existing license

An endorsement is a notation on your license that permits you to operate a specific type of vehicle or equipment within your license class. The most common endorsements are motorcycle (M), air brakes (N), and towing (E). You can add endorsements to your Class D license without changing your base class.

The air brake endorsement (N) is required if you operate a vehicle with air brakes — common on large trucks and buses. The towing endorsement (E) allows you to tow a trailer over 10,000 pounds with a Class D license. To add an endorsement, you take a written test specific to that endorsement at a Department of Licensing office. You do not need to retake your road test unless you are changing your base license class.

How to determine which class you need

Start by identifying the vehicle you drive most often. If it is a car, SUV, or pickup truck under 26,001 pounds, you need Class D. If you also ride a motorcycle, add the M endorsement to your Class D. If you drive a large truck for work, you need Class A or Class B and must obtain a CDL.

Check your vehicle's registration or owner's manual for the GVWR if you are unsure whether your truck or van exceeds 26,001 pounds. The GVWR is the maximum weight the vehicle can safely carry, including passengers and cargo — not the vehicle's empty weight. If your vehicle is close to the threshold, the GVWR on your registration will clarify which class you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive a motorcycle with a Class D license?

No. You must have a Class M license or M endorsement to operate any motorcycle on Washington roads. Driving a motorcycle without the proper endorsement is illegal and can result in a citation. You can add the M endorsement to your existing Class D license by passing a written test and a riding skills test, or by completing the Motorcycle Safety Program course.

What is the difference between Class A and Class B?

Class A covers any vehicle over 26,001 pounds, including semi-trucks and tractor-trailers. Class B covers single-unit vehicles over 26,001 pounds, such as large delivery trucks and buses. Both require a CDL, but Class A is needed for tractor-trailers and Class B for large single trucks. Your job will determine which class you need.

Do I need a new license if I buy a heavier truck?

It depends on the GVWR. If your new truck is under 26,001 pounds, your Class D license covers it. If it is over 26,001 pounds, you must obtain a Class A or Class B CDL before driving it. Check your vehicle's GVWR on the registration or door jamb to confirm which class you need.

Can I test for a different license class when ready?

No. Washington requires you to hold your current license for at least 14 days before you can test for a different class. This waiting period applies whether you are upgrading from Class D to Class A or adding a new endorsement. Plan ahead if you need a different license class for a new job.

What happens if I drive a vehicle I am not licensed for?

Driving without the proper license class is a traffic violation in Washington. You can be cited, fined, and your vehicle may be impounded. Your insurance may also deny a claim if you were driving an unlicensed vehicle at the time of an accident. Always confirm your license class matches your vehicle before driving.