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 Class Descriptions
ClassQualificationsEligible 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 OperatorAge 18 or over, or age 17 with Driver Education.
  • Passenger cars and trucks with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)  of 26,000 lbs. or less. 
  • A vehicle that tows another vehicle (for example a trailer) that has a maximum gross weight of 10,000 lbs. or less.
  • Can tow a vehicle with a GVWR of more than 10,000 lbs only if the combined weight rating of the two vehicles is 26,000 lbs. or less.
  • Limited Use Motorcycles (mopeds)
F, G, R, W
DJ Junior OperatorAge 16-17
E For-hire: Taxi, Livery, LimoAge 18 or olderThe same type of vehicles as Class D, plus for-hire vehicles that carry 14 passengers or less.F, G, R, W
M MotorcycleAge 18 or over, or age 17 with Driver Education. Can be combined with other Classes, for example Class DMMotorcycles
MJ Junior MotorcycleAge 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.