Understanding the Different Types of Driver Licenses: Which One Do You Need?

Uncategorized
Types of Driver’s Licenses

Understanding the Different Types of Driver Licenses: Which One Do You Need?

There are different types of driver licenses that are granted for different driving privileges. Whether it is a non commercial driver’s license or a commercial driver’s license, one needs to take and pass tests to be legally eligible to drive the interested vehicle. It depends upon the age of the driver to get learner permit and also the type of vehicles an individual wishes to operate. It is also important to understand that drivers wishing to upgrade their licenses need to pass the test accordingly to stay compliant with the law and drive safely.

A driver’s license is a certificate that proves that an individual is legally allowed to drive a certain type of vehicle, provided after successfully passing the driving test held by the authorized government body.

The following are the most common types of driver’s licenses, along with their potential, so that you can easily decide which one you actually need. 

Learner’s Permit (Class CP)

As soon as you are 16 years of age, you are legally allowed to get a learner’s permit, which is technically called a Class CP driver’s license. For eligibility, it is mandatory to pass a written knowledge test and vision screening. Upon success, new drivers are allowed to practice driving under supervision before being eligible for a regular license. In the case of Philadelphia, a driver with a class CP license needs to be accompanied by a fully licensed adult who is at least 21 years old. 

Junior Driver’s License

An individual who is over 16 and a half years old and has had a clean learner’s permit for at least 6 months is entitled to apply for a junior driver’s license after completing a driver’s education program and passing a road test. This type of license comes with a strict restriction that the driver isn’t allowed to drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, and there shouldn’t be any passengers under 18. 

Non-commercial driver’s license (Class C) 

Among the many types of driver’s license, a non-commercial driver’s license, also called a Class C driver’s license, is the most common driver’s license. It allows an individual to operate regular passenger vehicles like cars, taxis, vans, and small trucks. A person needs to be over 18 years old and should have completed an approved driver’s education program with at least 65 hours of supervised driving. 

Motorcycle License (Class M) 

It refers to the license that allows an individual to legally operate a motorcycle or motorized scooter. A person needs to be at least 16 years old and needs to pass a written test, a vision test and a road skills test specifically for motorcycles to get a motorcycle license.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL))

If an individual is planning on making a career operating larger vehicles like buses, trucks, etc., they need to get a commercial driver’s license, also called a CDL license, that requires passing a knowledge test, medical screening, and skills test specific to commercial vehicles. A CDL is classified into the following classes concerning the type of vehicles they want to focus on driving. 

Class A CDL: This license allows a driver to drive vehicles with a combined weight of over 26,001 pounds, such as semi-trucks and large trailers.

Class B CDL: This license allows an individual to drive a single vehicle over 26,001 pounds, such as buses and large delivery trucks. 

Class C CDL: This license is required by drivers who are transporting 16 or more passengers or hazardous materials in smaller vehicles. 

Probationary License

It is a temporary license that has restrictions especially given to drivers who have committed traffic violations or driving under the influence (DUI) and have had their regular license suspended. This type of license allows an individual to drive under restrictions and doesn’t have the same freedom as a regular class C license. 

Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) 

Also called EDL in short, it is a type of ID that allows US citizens to cross land or sea borders between the US, Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries without need of a passport. Unfortunately, this type of license is not yet available inside Pennsylvania State.

Conclusion

Finally, depending upon the kind of vehicle an individual is planning to operate and one’s specific driving needs, and meeting the age limits and other legal requirements, he/she can apply for a driver’s license accordingly. It is advised that a person seeking any type of driver’s license should get in touch with a reputable driving institute like Five Stars Driving Schools for professional assistance and full ideas and knowledge about it.

Share This :

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Have Any Question?

Feel free to contact us via phone, email, or in person at our office during business hours. No question is too big or too small—we’re here to provide the answers and support you need to become a safe and confident driver.

Open chat
Hello
Can we help you?