Licence classes and types We have different types of licences for different needs. The most common licence is the Class 5-passenger vehicle licence. A Class 4 license permits the holder to operate taxis, ambulances, all Class 5 motor vehicles, and buses up to 24 passengers. A Class 3 license permits the holder to operate trucks with 3 or more axles including a combination of vehicles and other classes as shown by endorsements. If you have an L next to the licence number (eg 6L), this means you have a learner licence for that class. If you have an R next to the licence number (eg 1R), this means you have a restricted licence for that class. Keep reading for details of what you can drive with each class. What does each class of driver licence cover.
To drive certain types of commercial motor vehicles in the United States, the federal government requires drivers to possess a commercial driver's license (CDL). These licenses, however, are not all created equal.
The type of vehicle you intend to operate dictates your CDL classification, and vice versa. Classes for commercial driver licenses are:
- Class A.
- Class B.
- Class C.
- In order to obtain a Class 4 Driver’s License, you will need to have a valid, full Class 5 (non-GDL) license or higher in good standing. Class 4 Knowledge Test You can prepare for the knowledge test by reading the Commercial Driver’s Guide.
- Class of Commercial Driver License (CDL) Individuals who hold a valid CDL may drive all vehicles in the class for which that license is issued, or a lesser class, including their personal vehicle. However, this does not include a motorcycle. A CLP Must be obtained and held for 14 days before making application for CDL.
Each CDL classification is distinguished by the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) among other items. Keep in mind that the CDL classification you apply for will determine not only the type of vehicle you are allowed to drive, but also which endorsements you may be required to obtain.
![Class Class](/uploads/1/2/5/3/125371367/701303558.jpg)
Here is a breakdown for each CDL classification and the examples of vehicles you may be allowed.
What is a Class A CDL?
A Class A commercial driver's license is required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more, to include a towed vehicle that is HEAVIER than 10,000 lbs.
While your towing allowances will depend on which endorsements you obtain, a few of the vehicles you MAY be able to drive with a Class A CDL (with proper endorsements) include:
- Tractor-trailers.
- Truck and trailer combinations.
- Double and triple trailers.
- Tractor-trailer buses.
- Tanker vehicles.
- Livestock carriers.
- Flatbeds.
In addition, a Class A license may allow you to drive some Class B and Class C vehicles as long as you possess the correct endorsements.
What is a Class B CDL?
A Class B commercial driver license is required to operate:
Class 4 Drivers License Nz
- A single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or heavier.
AND/OR - Any vehicle as described above that is towing another vehicle weighing UP TO 10,000 lbs.
As with Class A licenses, you may be required to possess specific endorsements to operate some vehicles with a Class B license. Some of the vehicles you may be allowed to operate (with the right endorsement) include:
- Straight trucks.
- Large buses, including:
- City buses.
- Tourist buses.
- School buses.
- Segmented buses.
- Box trucks, such as:
- Delivery drivers.
- Couriers.
- Furniture delivery.
- Dump trucks with small trailers.
In addition, a Class B license may allow you to operate some Class C vehicles if you possess the correct endorsements. For more information, visit our guide to CDL endorsements.
What is a Class C License?
A Class C commercial driver's license may be required if:
- The vehicle you intend to drive does not meet the criteria described for either a Class A or Class B license.
AND - Is meant to transport EITHER:
- At least 16 passengers (to include you, the driver).
OR - Hazardous material (HAZMAT) as laid out by federal guidelines.
- At least 16 passengers (to include you, the driver).
Examples of vehicles you might be able to operate with a Class C CDL (with proper endorsement) include:
- Small HAZMAT vehicles.
- Passenger vans.
- Combination vehicles not described in class A or B.
- EXAMPLE: A small truck towing a trailer.
To legally operate vehicles for personal use in the state of Missouri, drivers must possess a Class F license. However, in order to operate a vehicle for employment, a special license may also be required.
Special licenses in the state of Missouri include:
- A commercial driver's license (CDL).
- Includes:
- Class A.
- Class B.
- Class C.
- Includes:
- A Class E license.
- Also known as a “for-hire' or 'chauffeur' license.
Commercial Driver's Licenses
In the state of Missouri, you may be required to possess a commercial driver's license (CDL) to operate some commercial vehicles. Which classification of CDL you are required to apply for will depend on the type of vehicle you intend to operate. For details, visit our page on CDL Classifications.
Examples of vehicles that may require a CDL license in Missouri to operate include:
- School buses.
- City buses.
- Tour buses.
- Tractor trailers.
- Tankers.
- Some delivery trucks.
- Construction vehicles.
- Vehicles transporting hazardous materials.
Class E Driver's Licenses
To operate avehicle for pay in the state of Missouri, a Class E license may be required. The MO Class E driver's license is commonly known as a chauffeur license. You may need this license if you drive a motor vehicle for employment purposes that fits any of the following criteria:
- Carries 14 passengers or less.
- Transports property or goods.
- Belongs to another person or company.
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 lbs. or less AND doesn't carry hazardous materials.
Individuals who may need to obtain a Class E license include:
- Delivery drivers, such as:
- Food delivery persons.
- Floral van drivers.
- UPS or Fed Ex employees.
- Daycare employees.
- Uber or Lyft drivers.
- Limo drivers.
- Taxi drivers.
- Chauffeurs.
- Shuttle drivers.
- School buses.
- Will require an S endorsement on your Class E license.
- May require an additional road skills test.
Applying for a Class E Driver's License
To obtain a Class E special license—chauffeur license—in Missouri, you'll need to be at least 18 years old*. Visit your local DMV and:
Hawaii Class 4 Driver's License
- Pass the Class E written examination.
- Questions are taken from the Missouri commercial driver's handbook.
- Includes a road signs test.
- Take a vision test.
- Take a behind-the-wheel driving test IFyou do not already possess a standard Missouri Class F driver's license.
- If you already hold a MO driver license, another driving test is not required.
- Pay the applicable fee:
- License valid up to 3 years: $21.
- License valid up to 6 years: $42.
- Applicants 70 years old or older WITH an S endorsement: $11.
- Valid for 1 year.
* NOTE: If you are under 21 years old at the time you apply, you must also meet the appropriate GDL requirements under Missouri's graduated licensing (GDL) laws for teen drivers in order to be granted full driving privileges.
Related Tasks & Topics
- Appointments
- Change of Address
- Lost License
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- New License
- REAL ID
- Take a Practice Test
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Class 4 Drivers License Cost
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