A regular driver's license is the standard license most adults get after passing their written and road tests
A regular class of driver's license — often called a Class D license depending on your state — is the most common type of license. It lets you drive passenger cars, small trucks, and vans on public roads. It is the license most people think of when they hear "driver's license," and it is what you work toward when you start the licensing process as a new driver.
The regular license is different from commercial licenses (which let you drive for-hire vehicles or haul cargo) and from restricted licenses (which limit when or where you can drive). Once you pass your written test and road test, and meet your state's age and training requirements, you receive a regular license that does not expire for several years — usually between four and eight years depending on where you live.
Key Takeaways
- A regular driver's license lets you drive passenger vehicles, light trucks, and vans for personal use on public roads.
- You must pass both a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel road test to get a regular license.
- Most states require you to hold a learner's permit for a set period before you can take the road test for a regular license.
- A regular license is different from commercial licenses and restricted licenses, which have different rules about what you can drive and when.
- Your regular license will have an expiration date printed on it; you must renew it before that date to keep driving legally.
What vehicles you can drive with a regular license
With a regular driver's license, you can drive most vehicles you will encounter on the road. This includes sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, station wagons, pickup trucks up to a certain weight, SUVs, and vans designed to carry passengers. The exact weight and size limits vary by state, but generally a regular license covers vehicles under 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
You cannot drive a commercial truck, a bus, a motorcycle, or a vehicle designed to haul cargo for pay with a regular license. If you want to drive any of those, you need a different class of license — a commercial driver's license (CDL) for trucks and buses, or a motorcycle endorsement for bikes. A regular license also does not let you drive for a rideshare or delivery company in most states, though the rules vary.
The path to getting a regular license
The steps to earn a regular license follow a set order in every state. You start by getting a learner's permit, which lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You hold the permit for a minimum period — usually between three and twelve months depending on your state and your age — and you must log a certain number of supervised driving hours.
After you meet the permit requirements, you take the road test, also called the driving test or behind-the-wheel test. A state examiner watches you drive and scores you on your ability to handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. If you pass, you move from your learner's permit to a regular license. If you do not pass, you can take the test again after a waiting period — usually a few days to a few weeks.
Before you can take the road test, you must also pass the written knowledge test, which covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. Most states let you take this test at the same time you explore for your learner's permit, or you can take it later. Some states require you to pass the written test before you can even get the permit.
Age requirements and restrictions for new drivers
The minimum age to get a regular driver's license varies by state, but most states allow you to get a learner's permit at 14 or 15 and a regular license at 16 or 17. A few states set the minimum age at 18. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency publishes the exact ages and any restrictions that explore to young drivers.
Many states have graduated licensing laws that place temporary restrictions on new drivers under a certain age — often 18 or 21. These restrictions might limit the number of passengers you can carry, the hours you can drive (no driving late at night, for example), or whether you can use a cell phone while driving. These restrictions stay in place for a set period — usually six months to two years — and then fall away once you reach a certain age or have held your license for long enough.
How long a regular license lasts and when to renew
A regular driver's license is valid for a set number of years printed on the card itself. In most states, this is between four and eight years. Your license will have an expiration date on the front or back — it looks like a calendar date, such as 03/15/2032. You must renew your license before that date or you cannot legally drive.
Renewal is usually simpler than getting your first license. In many states, you can renew by mail or online without taking another road test, as long as your driving record is clean and you have not had any major violations. Some states require you to renew in person at the DMV every other renewal cycle, or if you are over a certain age. Check your state's DMV website to learn the renewal rules where you live.
Regular license versus commercial and restricted licenses
A regular license is designed for personal use — driving yourself and passengers to work, school, errands, and social events. A commercial driver's license (CDL) is for people who drive for a living, such as truck drivers, bus drivers, or people who haul cargo. A CDL requires additional testing and medical certification, and it comes with its own set of vehicle weight and type restrictions.
A restricted license is a regular license with temporary limits added to it. You might get a restricted license if you are a young driver subject to graduated licensing laws, or if you have had your license suspended and the court allows you to drive only for work or school. A restricted license still lets you drive regular passenger vehicles, but only under the conditions printed on your license.
Some states also issue probationary licenses to new drivers, which are similar to restricted licenses and come with extra rules for a set period. Once the probation period ends, your license becomes a full regular license with no restrictions.
What happens if your regular license is suspended or revoked
A suspension is temporary — your license is taken away for a set period, after which you can get it back. A revocation is permanent — your license is cancelled and you must go through the entire licensing process again to get a new one. Suspensions and revocations happen for serious violations like driving under the influence, racking up too many points from traffic tickets, or failing to pay traffic fines.
If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive during the suspension period. Once the suspension ends, you may need to pay a reinstatement fee and pass a written test before you can drive again. If your license is revoked, you must wait a set period (often one to five years) before you can even explore for a new learner's permit and start the licensing process over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a motorcycle with a regular driver's license?
No. A regular license does not cover motorcycles. You need a separate motorcycle endorsement or a motorcycle-specific license class. To get one, you typically take an additional written test and a road test on a motorcycle, or you can take a motorcycle safety course that some states accept in place of the road test.
What is the difference between a regular license and a learner's permit?
A learner's permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car, but you cannot drive alone. A regular license lets you drive by yourself, carry passengers, and drive at any time of day (unless you have restrictions). You must hold a permit for a set period and pass a road test before you can get a regular license.
Do I need to take the road test again if I renew my regular license?
In most states, no. You can renew by mail or online without retaking the road test, as long as your record is clean. Some states require an in-person visit to the DMV every few years, but you usually do not have to drive again unless your license was suspended or revoked.
What happens if I let my regular license expire?
Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. You must renew it before you can get back on the road. Depending on how long it has been expired, you may be able to renew by mail or online, or you may have to visit the DMV in person. Some states require you to retake the written test if your license has been expired for a very long time.
Can I drive for Uber or DoorDash with a regular driver's license?
Rules vary by state and by company. Some states and cities allow rideshare and delivery driving with a regular license, while others require a commercial license or a special endorsement. Check with your state's DMV and with the company you want to work for to learn what license type you need.