New York State driver license types and classes
Types
DMV now issues three different document types. Learn more about Enhanced, REAL ID and Standard documents.
Classes
Refer to the table below for general New York State Driver License class descriptions.
For more information, see
- Driver license endorsement and restriction codes
- Explanation of License Classes, Endorsements and Restrictions (MV-500C)
Class | Qualifications | Eligible to Drive: | Endorsements |
---|---|---|---|
A Commercial (CDL) | Age 21 or older Legal presence in the United States | Most single unit vehicles and vehicle combinations up to legal weight limits depending on endorsements and restrictions. | H, M, N, P, S, T, W, X Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) Limited to: M, N, P, S, W |
B Commercial (CDL) | Age 18 or older Legal presence in the United States | Most single unit vehicles that a Class E driver can drive plus buses and trucks that have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more depending on endorsements and restrictions. | H, M, N, P, S, W, X Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) Limited to: M, N, P, S, W |
C Commercial (CDL) | Age 18 or older Legal presence in the United States | Most single unit vehicles that a Class E driver can drive plus buses and trucks that have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,000 lbs. or less depending on endorsements and restrictions. | H, M, N, P, S, W, X |
D Operator | Age 18 or over, or age 17 with Driver Education. |
| F, G, R, W |
DJ Junior Operator | Age 16-17 |
| |
E For-hire: Taxi, Livery, Limo | Age 18 or older | The same type of vehicles as Class D, plus for-hire vehicles that carry 14 passengers or less. | F, G, R, W |
M Motorcycle | Age 18 or over, or age 17 with Driver Education. Can be combined with other Classes, for example Class DM | Motorcycles | |
MJ Junior Motorcycle | Age 16-17 with Driver Education. Can be combined with Class DJ (DJMJ) | Motorcycles, with restrictions for drivers under age 18. See the Graduated Driver License (GDL) Law and the restrictions on drivers under age 18. |