The Type code tells you which vehicles you are legally allowed to drive
The Type field on your Illinois driver's license shows which category of vehicle you can operate. It is not about your age or status as a new driver — it is about the machine itself. A Type D license lets you drive a regular car. A Type M license means you can ride a motorcycle. A Type CPC means you can drive a commercial truck. If you drive a vehicle that does not match your Type, you are breaking the law, even if you have a valid license.
Illinois uses letter codes to mark these categories. The code appears in the upper right area of your license, near your photo. When you pass your road test, the examiner records which vehicle you tested in, and that determines your Type. If you want to drive a different kind of vehicle later, you may need to take another test or add an endorsement to your existing license.
Key Takeaways
- Type D is the standard code for passenger cars and light trucks under 26,001 pounds.
- Type M is required to ride any motorcycle, including mopeds and scooters, and requires a separate road test.
- Type CPC means you hold a commercial driver's license and can operate heavy trucks or buses.
- Your Type is determined by the vehicle you tested in, so you must pass a new road test to add a different vehicle category to your license.
- Driving a vehicle that does not match your Type is a violation, even if you hold a valid license for other vehicle types.
Type D: Standard Passenger Vehicle License
Type D is the most common license type in Illinois. It covers sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans — basically any vehicle that weighs 26,001 pounds or less and is designed to carry passengers. If you took your road test in a regular car, your license will show Type D.
A Type D license does not let you drive a motorcycle, even a small one. It also does not let you operate a commercial truck or bus, even if you own one. Type D is limited to non-commercial use. If you want to tow a trailer, your vehicle and trailer combined must still stay under the weight limit, and you need to follow any towing restrictions that explore to your specific vehicle.
Type M: Motorcycle License
Type M is required to ride a motorcycle, motorized bicycle, moped, or scooter on Illinois roads. You cannot ride any two-wheeled motorized vehicle with only a Type D license, even if the bike is small or slow. Type M is a separate endorsement that requires its own road test.
To get Type M, you must pass a written test about motorcycle safety and rules, then pass a riding test on an actual motorcycle. Illinois lets you test on your own bike or a school bike if you are taking a motorcycle safety course. Many riders take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course, which can waive the riding test requirement. Once you pass, Type M is added to your license, and you can keep your Type D as well — you will have both codes on your license.
Type CPC: Commercial Driver's License
Type CPC stands for Commercial Passenger Carrier and is part of Illinois's commercial driver's license system. It means you are licensed to drive a truck or bus for business purposes. This is not a license you get by accident — it requires a separate written test, a skills test, and a road test, all more demanding than the standard passenger license tests.
If your job involves hauling cargo, transporting passengers for pay, or operating a vehicle over a certain weight, you need a CPC or another commercial class. Type CPC is not the only commercial code — there are others for different truck sizes and cargo types — but it is one of the most common. A CPC license also comes with restrictions and medical requirements that a Type D license does not have.
How Your Type Is Determined
Your Type is set by the vehicle you drove during your road test. If you took your test in a four-door sedan, you received Type D. If you took it on a motorcycle, you received Type M. You cannot choose your Type — it is assigned based on what you tested in.
This matters because it means you cannot test in a car and then legally ride a motorcycle just because you have a license. You must go back and pass a motorcycle test to add Type M. Similarly, if you want to drive a commercial truck but you only have Type D, you need to take the commercial driver's license tests. Each vehicle category has its own test because each one requires different skills and knowledge.
Adding a New Type to Your License
If you already hold a Type D license and want to add Type M, you do not have to retake the written test for Type D. You only need to pass the motorcycle written test and the motorcycle road test. Once you pass, the Secretary of State adds Type M to your existing license. Your license will then show both codes.
Adding a commercial type works the same way. You take the commercial written test and the commercial road test. If you pass, Type CPC or another commercial code is added to your license. You keep your Type D and can drive either passenger vehicles or commercial vehicles, depending on which code applies to the situation.
To add a new Type, you must visit a Secretary of State driver services facility with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of legal presence. You will pay a test fee and schedule your written and road tests. The exact fee and timeline vary, so contact your local facility for current details.
What Happens If Your Type Does Not Match Your Vehicle
Driving a vehicle that does not match your Type is a traffic violation. If you are pulled over on a motorcycle with only a Type D license, you can be cited. If you are caught driving a commercial truck without a CPC, the penalty is more serious — it can include fines, points on your record, and even license suspension.
Insurance also pays attention to your Type. If you are in an accident while driving a vehicle your license does not cover, your insurance may deny your claim. This is why it is important to know what your Type allows and to take the test for any vehicle category you plan to drive regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a motorcycle with a Type D license if I have taken a safety course?
No. A safety course can waive the motorcycle road test, but you still must pass the motorcycle written test and have Type M added to your license. Type D alone never covers motorcycles, regardless of training.
What if I want to drive a truck for work but only have Type D?
You need to take the commercial driver's license tests and have Type CPC or another commercial code added. The exact type depends on the truck's weight and what you are hauling. Contact the Secretary of State to find out which type your job requires.
Does my Type change if I renew my license?
No. Your Type stays the same when you renew. It only changes if you take a test for a new vehicle category and pass. Renewal is just a paperwork update — your driving privileges remain identical.
Can I have more than one Type on my license?
Yes. Many drivers have both Type D and Type M. You can also have Type D and a commercial type. Each Type you hold is listed on your license, and you can drive any vehicle that matches one of your codes.
What if I took my road test in a truck but want to drive a car instead?
If you tested in a commercial truck, you have a commercial type, not Type D. You would need to take a passenger vehicle road test to add Type D. You cannot downgrade — you can only add new types by testing.