The Six License Classes in Texas and What They Cover

Texas issues six classes of driver's licenses, each permitting you to operate different types of vehicles. The class you need depends on what you plan to drive — not all licenses let you drive all vehicles, and driving something outside your class is illegal even if you own it.

Class C is the standard passenger vehicle license. It covers cars, pickup trucks, vans, and sport utility vehicles up to a certain weight. Most people hold a Class C license.

Class B covers single vehicles weighing more than 26,001 pounds — typically large trucks or buses — but only if you are not towing anything. Class A covers any single vehicle or combination of vehicles (like a truck towing a trailer) where the combination weighs more than 26,001 pounds. Both Class A and Class B require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), which has additional testing and medical requirements beyond a standard license.

Class M is for motorcycles and motorized bicycles. Class DJ covers mopeds only — these are motorized bicycles with an engine of 50 cubic centimeters or less. Class D is for farm vehicles and is issued only to people who operate farm equipment on public roads as part of their work.

Key Takeaways

  • Class C is the standard license for cars and light trucks; Class A and B are commercial licenses requiring a CDL and additional testing.
  • Class M covers motorcycles; Class DJ covers mopeds; Class D covers farm equipment and is issued only to agricultural workers.
  • Driving a vehicle outside your license class is illegal, even if you own the vehicle.
  • Commercial licenses (Class A and B) require a medical certificate, written knowledge test, and skills test; the process takes longer than a standard license.
  • You can hold multiple license classes on a single Texas driver's license — for example, Class C and Class M together.

Class C: The Standard Passenger Vehicle License

Class C is what most Texas drivers hold. It permits you to drive passenger cars, pickup trucks, vans, and sport utility vehicles weighing up to 26,000 pounds. You can tow a trailer with a Class C license as long as the trailer does not weigh more than 10,000 pounds and the combined weight does not exceed 26,000 pounds.

To get a Class C license, you must be at least 16 years old (with parental consent and a learner's permit period) or 18 years old without parental consent. You will need to pass a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and road signs, pass a driving skills test, and provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) administers these tests at driver's license offices across the state.

A Class C license is valid for eight years in Texas. Renewal can be done in person at a DPS office, by mail, or online through the Texas DPS website, depending on your age and whether your address has changed.

Class A and Class B: Commercial Driver's Licenses

Class A and Class B licenses are commercial licenses required if you operate certain heavy vehicles for pay or as part of your job. Class A covers any combination of vehicles (such as a tractor-trailer) where the combined weight exceeds 26,001 pounds. Class B covers a single vehicle weighing more than 26,001 pounds that is not towing anything.

To obtain a Class A or Class B license, you must first hold a valid Class C license for at least one year. You must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examination and receive a Medical Certificate — this exam checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and other health factors. You will also take a written knowledge test specific to commercial driving and pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic control test, and road test.

The testing process for a commercial license is more rigorous than for a Class C and typically takes several weeks. You must test at a DPS office that offers commercial testing, which not all offices do. A commercial license is valid for four years and requires renewal in person at a DPS office.

Class M: Motorcycle License

Class M permits you to operate motorcycles and motorized bicycles with engines larger than 50 cubic centimeters. You can hold a Class M license alongside a Class C license on the same card.

To get a Class M license, you must be at least 16 years old (with parental consent and a learner's permit) or 18 without parental consent. You will pass a written knowledge test on motorcycle-specific traffic laws and safety, and a riding skills test on an actual motorcycle. The skills test is conducted by a DPS examiner and covers starting, stopping, turning, and obstacle avoidance.

Many riders in Texas take a motorcycle safety course through the Texas Motorcycle Safety and Education Program (TMSEP). Completing an approved course waives the riding skills test — you still take the written test, but you do not have to demonstrate riding ability at the DPS office. This option is popular because the riding test can be difficult for first-time riders.

Class DJ: Moped License

Class DJ covers motorized bicycles with engines of 50 cubic centimeters or less and a maximum speed of 30 miles per hour. If your motorized bicycle exceeds these limits, you need a Class M license instead.

You must be at least 15 years old to hold a Class DJ license. The requirements are simpler than for other classes: you take a written knowledge test but do not take a riding skills test. You do not need a learner's permit first. A Class DJ license is valid for four years.

Class D: Farm Vehicle License

Class D is issued only to people who operate farm equipment on public roads as part of their agricultural work. It covers tractors, combines, and other farm machinery. You cannot get a Class D license if you operate farm equipment only occasionally or for personal use — it is strictly for agricultural workers and farmers.

To obtain a Class D license, you must be at least 14 years old and provide proof that you operate farm equipment as part of your employment or farming operation. The testing requirements are less stringent than for other classes. A Class D license is valid for four years.

Endorsements and Restrictions on Texas Licenses

In addition to your license class, Texas licenses can carry endorsements and restrictions. An endorsement permits you to operate a specific type of vehicle or carry specific cargo — for example, the H endorsement allows you to tow a trailer, and the P endorsement allows you to operate a school bus. A restriction limits what you can do with your license — for example, the B restriction means you must wear corrective lenses while driving.

Endorsements are added when you pass additional testing or meet specific requirements. For example, to add the H endorsement (air brake certification) to a commercial license, you must pass a written test on air brake systems. Restrictions are typically added based on your medical examination or vision test results.

You can hold multiple endorsements on a single license. Your license card will list your class, any endorsements, and any restrictions in the fields provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive a truck that weighs more than 26,000 pounds with a Class C license?

No. If the truck weighs more than 26,000 pounds, you need a Class B commercial license. Driving it with only a Class C license is illegal, even if you own the truck. The weight limit for Class C is 26,000 pounds.

Do I need a Class M license if I own a motorcycle but only ride it on private property?

No. A Class M license is required only to operate a motorcycle on public roads. If you ride only on private land with the owner's permission, you do not need a motorcycle license. However, once you ride on any public road, you must have a Class M license.

Can I get a Class A or Class B license without holding a Class C first?

No. Texas requires you to hold a valid Class C license for at least one year before you can test for a commercial license. You cannot skip directly to a commercial license.

What happens if I let my commercial license expire?

Your Class A or Class B license becomes invalid on the expiration date. You cannot legally operate a commercial vehicle after that date. You must renew in person at a DPS office — commercial licenses cannot be renewed by mail or online. You will need to pass a new DOT medical examination.

Can I hold both a Class C and a Class M license on the same card?

Yes. You can hold multiple license classes on a single Texas driver's license. Many people hold both Class C (for cars) and Class M (for motorcycles). Your license card will show both classes.