A regular driver's license is for operating most passenger vehicles on public roads

A regular driver's license — called a Class D license in most states — is the standard license that lets you drive cars, small pickup trucks, and vans that weigh under a certain limit. The exact weight limit varies by state, but it is usually between 26,000 and 27,000 pounds. If you drive a vehicle heavier than that, or if you carry passengers for money, or if you haul hazardous materials, you need a different class of license.

When you pass the written test and the road test at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, you receive a Class D license (or sometimes called a standard or regular license). This is the license most people get when they first learn to drive, and it is the one you renew every few years for the rest of your driving life, unless you later need to drive a larger or commercial vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • A regular driver's license covers passenger cars, small trucks, and vans under your state's weight limit, which is usually 26,000 to 27,000 pounds.
  • You get a regular license by passing a written test and a road test at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.
  • If you drive a vehicle heavier than the weight limit, or if you carry passengers or cargo for money, you need a commercial license instead.
  • A regular license does not let you drive motorcycles, which require a separate motorcycle endorsement or a separate motorcycle license.

What vehicles you can drive with a regular license

With a regular Class D license, you can drive any passenger car, any sedan, any station wagon, and any small truck or van as long as it stays under your state's weight limit. You can also tow a trailer, though the combined weight of your vehicle and trailer cannot exceed the limit. Most people never hit this limit in their everyday driving — a typical pickup truck weighs around 5,000 pounds, and a full-size SUV weighs around 6,000 pounds.

You can drive these vehicles on any public road: highways, city streets, rural roads, and interstate highways. You can drive them during the day and at night. You can drive them for personal use, for work (as long as you are not carrying passengers or cargo for money), and for errands. The only restriction is that you cannot drive a vehicle heavier than the limit, and you cannot drive a motorcycle.

What you cannot drive with a regular license

You cannot drive a commercial vehicle — a truck or bus that carries passengers or cargo for money — without a commercial driver's license (CDL). This includes delivery trucks, tractor-trailers, buses, and any vehicle over your state's weight limit. You also cannot drive a motorcycle without a motorcycle endorsement or a separate motorcycle license, depending on your state.

Some states have restrictions on new drivers under a certain age. If you are under 18 or 21 (the age varies by state), you may not be allowed to drive at night, or you may not be allowed to carry passengers who are not family members. These restrictions are separate from the class of license itself — they explore to your regular license during a probationary period. Once you reach the age limit or complete the probationary period, the restrictions lift.

How to get a regular driver's license

To get a regular driver's license, you must pass a written test and a road test at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You study using your state's driver's manual, which is free and available online or at the DMV office. Most people study for a few weeks before taking the test.

The road test is a short drive with an examiner in your car. The examiner watches you start the car, drive on local streets and possibly a highway, park, and handle a few basic maneuvers. The test usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes. You must bring your own vehicle, and it must be in safe working condition — working brakes, working lights, and a valid inspection sticker if your state requires one.

Before you can take either test, you must get a learner's permit. A learner's permit is a temporary license that lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You get a learner's permit by passing the written test at the DMV. Most states require you to hold a learner's permit for a certain amount of time — often 6 months to a year — before you can take the road test. During this time, you practice with a parent, guardian, or other licensed driver.

How long a regular license is valid

A regular driver's license is valid for a set number of years, usually 4 to 8 years depending on your state and your age. When your license is about to expire, your state sends you a notice in the mail. You renew your license by going to the DMV, paying a renewal fee, and usually taking a new photo. You do not have to take the written test or road test again unless your state requires it — most states do not.

If you move to a different state, you can usually transfer your license by going to that state's DMV and showing your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You may have to take a new photo and pay a transfer fee, but you do not have to take the tests again. Some states have different rules, so check your new state's DMV website before you move.

Differences between a regular license and other license classes

A regular Class D license is different from a commercial driver's license (CDL), which is for people who drive large trucks or buses for work. A CDL requires additional tests and medical certifications, and it costs more to get and renew. A regular license is also different from a motorcycle license or endorsement, which is for riding motorcycles and requires a separate test.

Some states also have a Class M license for motorcycles, while others add a motorcycle endorsement to your regular Class D license. The rules vary by state. If you want to ride a motorcycle, check your state's DMV website to see whether you need a separate license or an endorsement, and what tests you must pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive a pickup truck with a regular license?

Yes, as long as the truck weighs less than your state's limit — usually 26,000 to 27,000 pounds. Most pickup trucks weigh between 4,000 and 7,000 pounds, so they fall well under the limit. Check your truck's registration or owner's manual if you are unsure of the weight.

What happens if I drive a vehicle that is too heavy for my license?

Driving a vehicle heavier than your license allows is a traffic violation. You can be fined, and your license can be suspended. If you regularly drive a heavy vehicle for work, you need a commercial driver's license instead.

Do I need a regular license to drive a van?

Yes, a regular Class D license covers vans as long as they weigh under your state's limit. Most passenger vans and minivans are well under the limit. If you drive a large commercial van, check the weight — you may need a commercial license.

Can I drive at night with a regular license?

If you are a new driver under your state's age limit for unrestricted driving, you may have nighttime restrictions. These restrictions are separate from the class of license and usually lift after a probationary period or when you reach a certain age. Check your state's DMV website for the exact rules.

What is the difference between a regular license and a commercial license?

A regular license is for personal use and small vehicles. A commercial license is for people who drive large trucks or buses for work, or who carry passengers or cargo for money. A commercial license requires additional tests, medical certifications, and costs more to get and renew.