Your license class appears in a box on the front, usually labeled "Class" or "D"

The type of driver's license you hold is printed on the front of your physical license card, typically in a box near your photo or in the upper right corner. Most states use a single letter or letter-number combination — Class D for regular passenger vehicles is the most common. Some states use different letters: California uses "C", New York uses "D", and Texas uses "C" as well. The class determines what you're legally permitted to drive and what restrictions explore to your driving.

If you're unsure which box contains your class, look for the word "Class" printed above or beside a single letter or short code. On some licenses it appears next to a small icon of a car. On others it's in a grid of codes on the back. Your state's DMV website shows a sample license with the class location highlighted, which takes the guesswork out of finding it.

Key Takeaways

  • Class D (or C in some states) is the standard license for driving passenger cars and light trucks under 26,000 pounds.
  • Class M or motorcycle endorsement means you can legally operate motorcycles; this is separate from your regular license class.
  • Commercial Driver's License (CDL) classes — A, B, or C — are required to drive trucks, buses, or vehicles carrying hazardous materials for pay.
  • Restrictions printed on your license (like "corrective lenses required" or "automatic transmission only") are legally binding conditions you must follow while driving.
  • You can check your license class and any restrictions by looking at your physical card or requesting a driving record from your state DMV.

Standard passenger vehicle licenses and their class codes

A Class D license (or Class C in some states) is the standard license most people hold. It permits you to drive passenger cars, pickup trucks, vans, and small SUVs — essentially any vehicle under 26,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). This is the license you receive after passing the written test and road test at your local DMV. If your license shows Class D or Class C with no additional endorsements, this is what you have.

Some states issue a Class E license for the same purpose, using their own naming system. The name varies by state, but the permission is identical: you can drive a standard passenger vehicle. A few states also issue a Class F license for drivers under 18 or for certain probationary periods, with the same vehicle permissions but with additional restrictions on when and where you can drive.

The key difference between these classes is not what vehicle you drive, but what you're not allowed to drive. Holding a Class D does not permit you to operate a motorcycle, a commercial truck, or a bus — even if you own one. Attempting to drive those vehicles without the correct license class is illegal and can result in fines, license suspension, or criminal charges.

Motorcycle endorsements and Class M licenses

If you want to legally ride a motorcycle, you need either a Class M license or a motorcycle endorsement added to your existing Class D license. The difference depends on your state. Some states issue a separate Class M license; others add an "M" endorsement code to your Class D. Either way, the legal permission is the same: you can operate motorcycles and mopeds.

To obtain a motorcycle endorsement or Class M license, you must pass a separate written test on motorcycle-specific rules and a practical riding test on an actual motorcycle. Some states allow you to take the test on a motorcycle provided by the DMV; others require you to bring your own. A few states offer a waiver if you complete an approved motorcycle safety course, which can skip the riding test portion.

Your license card will show the motorcycle endorsement as a code (often "M" or "71" depending on your state) printed alongside your Class D. If you see this code, you can legally ride. If it's not there, riding a motorcycle is illegal even if you own one and have insurance.

Commercial Driver's License classes and what they permit

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required if you drive a truck or bus for pay, or if you operate any vehicle carrying hazardous materials. CDLs are divided into three classes — A, B, and C — based on the vehicle's weight and what it carries. A Class A CDL permits you to drive the largest trucks (over 26,000 pounds GVWR) and tractor-trailers. A Class B CDL covers single trucks over 26,000 pounds but not tractor-trailers. A Class C CDL is for smaller vehicles carrying hazardous materials.

If your license shows Class A, B, or C with the word "Commercial" printed on it, you hold a CDL. The testing for a CDL is more rigorous than a standard license: you must pass a written test on commercial driving rules, a pre-trip vehicle inspection test, and a road test in an actual commercial vehicle. Most states also require a medical certificate proving you meet physical and vision standards for commercial driving.

Driving a commercial vehicle without the correct CDL class is a federal violation and can result in fines up to several thousand dollars, license suspension, and criminal charges. If you drive a truck or bus for work and your license does not show a CDL, you are driving illegally.

Restrictions and conditions printed on your license

Below or beside your license class, your state prints any restrictions that explore to your driving. Common restrictions include "corrective lenses required" (you must wear glasses or contacts), "automatic transmission only" (you cannot drive a manual transmission vehicle), or "daylight driving only" (you cannot drive at night). Some states use codes — for example, "01" might mean corrective lenses, "10" might mean no interstate driving. Your state DMV website lists what each code means.

These restrictions are legally binding. If your license says "corrective lenses required" and you drive without glasses, you are breaking the law even if you can see well enough to pass the test. If you're pulled over and your restriction is violated, you can be cited. Restrictions are typically added when you fail the vision test without correction, when you're a new or young driver, or when you have a medical condition that requires monitoring.

If you believe a restriction on your license is incorrect or no longer applies — for example, you had eye surgery and no longer need glasses — you can request a vision retest at your DMV. If you pass, the restriction can be removed. Some restrictions are temporary and expire on a set date printed on your license; others remain until you request removal.

How to find your driving record and confirm your license class

If you've lost your license or want to verify what class and restrictions you hold, you can request a copy of your driving record from your state DMV. Most states allow you to order this online through their DMV website, by mail, or in person at a local office. The record shows your license class, all endorsements, all restrictions, and your driving history. Some states charge a small fee (typically $5 to $15); others provide it free.

Your driving record is also what insurance companies and employers see when they check your background. If your license class or restrictions have changed and your record hasn't been updated, you can contact your DMV to request a correction. This usually requires proof — for example, a vision test result if you're removing a corrective lenses restriction, or a CDL medical certificate if you're updating your commercial status.

You can also check your license class by looking at your physical card again. If you're still unsure which box or code represents your class, call your state DMV's customer service line or visit a local office with your license in hand. Staff can point out exactly which element shows your class and explain what it means for your driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean if my license says "Class D" with an "M" next to it?

You hold a Class D license (standard passenger vehicle) with a motorcycle endorsement. You can legally drive both passenger cars and motorcycles. The "M" is an endorsement added to your base Class D, not a separate license.

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

Yes, as long as the pickup truck weighs less than 26,000 pounds GVWR. Most standard pickup trucks fall under this weight. If you're unsure about a specific truck, check its registration or owner's manual for the GVWR, or ask the DMV.

What happens if I drive without the correct license class?

You can be cited for driving without proper licensing, which typically results in a fine, points on your record, and possible license suspension. If you're driving a commercial vehicle without a CDL, the penalties are more severe and may include criminal charges.

How do I remove a restriction from my license?

Contact your DMV and ask what test or documentation is required. For corrective lenses, you'll need a vision test. For medical restrictions, you may need a doctor's letter. Once you provide proof the restriction no longer applies, the DMV can issue a new license without it.

Is a motorcycle endorsement the same as a Class M license?

They give you the same legal permission to ride a motorcycle, but they're named differently by state. Some states call it a Class M license; others call it an "M" endorsement on your Class D. Check your license to see which your state uses.