Maine issues five classes of driver's licenses, each for different vehicles and driving situations

Maine's Secretary of State issues Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class M licenses. The class you need depends on what you plan to drive — a regular car, a truck, a motorcycle, or a commercial vehicle. Most people start with a Class D license, which covers standard passenger cars and light trucks. If you drive a motorcycle, you'll need a Class M. If you operate a truck or bus for work, you'll need a Class A or Class B instead.

Each class has its own written test, road test, and age requirements. The progression from learner's permit to full license is the same for all classes, but the vehicle restrictions and endorsements you can add differ. Understanding which class fits your situation now saves you from taking the wrong test or discovering later that your license doesn't cover what you want to drive.

Key Takeaways

  • Class D is the standard license for passenger cars and light trucks under 26,001 pounds, and it's what most new drivers get.
  • Class M is required to ride a motorcycle and has its own separate written and road tests.
  • Class A and Class B are commercial licenses for trucks and buses, each with different weight and passenger limits.
  • Class C covers vehicles like RVs and motorhomes and requires a separate endorsement or upgrade.
  • You can hold multiple license classes at once, so you can drive both a car and a motorcycle with the right licenses on your record.

Class D: The standard passenger vehicle license

A Class D license is what you'll get if you're learning to drive a regular car, pickup truck, or SUV. It covers any vehicle that weighs 26,000 pounds or less and carries no more than 15 passengers. This is the license most teenagers and new drivers pursue first.

To get a Class D, you start with a learner's permit, which requires passing the written knowledge test at your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles office. After holding the permit for at least six months (or three months if you're 18 or older), you take the road test. Once you pass, you receive your Class D license. You can add endorsements to a Class D license — such as an air brake endorsement or a hazmat endorsement — if your job requires them, but the base Class D itself does not require commercial training.

Class M: The motorcycle license

If you ride a motorcycle, moped, or motorized bicycle, you need a Class M license. Maine law requires this license for any two- or three-wheeled motorized vehicle, regardless of engine size. You cannot legally ride a motorcycle with only a Class D license.

Getting a Class M follows the same learner's permit-to-license path as Class D, but the tests are different. The written test covers motorcycle-specific rules, hazards, and handling. The road test takes place on an actual motorcycle and tests your ability to start, stop, turn, and maneuver safely. You can take the road test on your own motorcycle or on one provided by the testing facility. Some riders choose to take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course, which can waive the road test requirement in Maine — you'll still need to pass the written test and pay the license fee.

Class A and Class B: Commercial truck and bus licenses

Class A and Class B licenses are commercial licenses required if you drive trucks or buses for work. The difference between them depends on the vehicle's weight and what it carries. A Class A license covers the widest range of commercial vehicles — trucks over 26,001 pounds, tractor-trailers, and buses carrying more than 15 passengers. A Class B license covers single trucks over 26,001 pounds and buses with more than 15 passengers, but not tractor-trailers.

To get either Class A or Class B, you must first hold a valid Class D license. Then you explore for a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) permit, pass a written test specific to your class, and pass a road test in the type of vehicle you'll be driving. The written test covers federal and state commercial driving rules, vehicle inspection, and safe handling of heavy loads. Many employers require you to have your CDL before hiring, while others will pay for your training and testing once you're hired.

Both Class A and Class B require a medical certificate from a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved examiner. You'll also need to renew your license every four years instead of the eight years required for Class D and Class M.

Class C: RVs, motorhomes, and other large vehicles

A Class C license covers recreational vehicles (RVs), motorhomes, and other vehicles that don't fit neatly into the Class A or Class B categories. If you own an RV that weighs more than 26,001 pounds but you're not using it for commercial purposes, you may need a Class C. The exact rules depend on the vehicle's size, weight, and what it's designed to carry.

In many cases, you can add a Class C endorsement to your existing Class D license rather than upgrading to a separate Class C license. You'll need to pass a written test covering RV-specific rules and safety, but you typically do not need a separate road test if you already hold a valid Class D. Check with your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles office about whether your specific vehicle requires a full Class C upgrade or just an endorsement.

Endorsements and restrictions you can add to any class

Once you have a license in any class, you can add endorsements that expand what you're allowed to drive or carry. Common endorsements include air brake certification (required if your truck has air brakes), hazmat certification (for carrying hazardous materials), and passenger endorsement (for driving buses or vans with more than 15 people). Each endorsement requires passing an additional written test.

You may also have restrictions placed on your license based on your age, vision, or test performance. For example, a new driver under 18 may have a restriction limiting the number of passengers they can carry. Restrictions are listed on your license and must be followed — driving in violation of a restriction is a traffic violation.

How to know which class you need

Start by asking yourself what vehicle you plan to drive most often. If it's a car, truck, or SUV you own for personal use, Class D is your answer. If you ride a motorcycle, you need Class M. If you drive a truck or bus for work, you need Class A or Class B. If you own an RV, check the vehicle's weight and design — your Bureau of Motor Vehicles office can tell you whether you need Class C or just an endorsement on Class D.

You can hold more than one class at the same time. Many people hold both Class D and Class M, for example, so they can drive a car and ride a motorcycle. Each class has its own written and road test, so you'll need to pass both to hold both licenses. The cost and timeline for each test are separate as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive a truck with a Class D license?

It depends on the truck's weight. A Class D license covers trucks up to 26,000 pounds, so you can drive most pickup trucks and light-duty work trucks. If the truck weighs more than 26,001 pounds, you need a Class A or Class B commercial license. Check your truck's registration or owner's manual for its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).

Do I need a separate road test for each license class?

Yes. Each class has its own road test because the vehicles handle differently and the safety concerns vary. You cannot take one road test and use it for multiple classes. However, if you're adding an endorsement to a license you already hold, you usually only need to pass the written test for that endorsement, not a new road test.

Can I get a Class M license if I'm under 18?

Yes, but age restrictions explore. You must be at least 16 to hold a motorcycle learner's permit and 17 to take the road test for a Class M license. Some riders under 18 may have restrictions on engine size or riding at night — check with your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles for the current rules in your age group.

What's the difference between Class A and Class B commercial licenses?

Class A covers tractor-trailers and any combination of vehicles over 26,001 pounds, plus buses with more than 15 passengers. Class B covers single trucks over 26,001 pounds and buses, but not tractor-trailers. If you want to drive an 18-wheeler, you need Class A. If you drive a single dump truck or delivery truck, Class B may be sufficient — ask your employer or the Bureau of Motor Vehicles which you need.

Can I upgrade from Class D to Class M without starting over?

You don't upgrade — you add a second license class. You'll need to get a motorcycle learner's permit, pass the motorcycle written test, and pass the motorcycle road test. Your Class D license stays active, so you can drive both cars and motorcycles once you pass all the motorcycle tests. The two licenses are separate but can be held at the same time.