Your license type is printed on the front, usually in the upper right corner or near your photo
The easiest way to find out what kind of license you have is to look at the card itself. Most states print the license class or type in a visible spot — often labeled "Class" followed by a letter (like Class D, Class C, or Class M) or a word (like "Standard" or "Commercial"). The exact location and format varies by state, but it will be on the front of your card, not the back.
If you cannot find it on your card, your state's DMV website will show you where to look for your specific state. You can also call your local DMV office and give them your license number; they can tell you over the phone what type you hold.
Key Takeaways
- Your license class appears on the front of your card, usually near your photo or in the upper right area, and is labeled "Class" followed by a letter or descriptive word.
- Standard Class D or Class C licenses allow you to drive regular passenger vehicles and are what most new drivers receive after passing their road test.
- Motorcycle licenses (usually Class M) require a separate endorsement or a different license class entirely and are only for two-wheeled vehicles.
- Commercial licenses (Class A or B) are for trucks and buses and require additional training, testing, and medical certification beyond a standard license.
- If you cannot locate the type on your card, your state DMV website or a phone call to your local office can confirm what you hold.
Standard passenger vehicle licenses for new drivers
Most people who pass their road test receive a Class D or Class C license (the naming varies by state). This is the basic license that lets you drive a regular car, SUV, or pickup truck for personal use. It is the most common type and the one you likely received if you just completed your learner's permit and road test.
A standard license typically comes with restrictions if you are under 18 — such as limits on when you can drive (no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., for example) or how many passengers you can carry. These restrictions are also printed on your card and usually expire when you turn 18 or after a set period, at which point your license becomes unrestricted.
If you have a standard license and want to drive a motorcycle, tow a trailer, or operate a commercial vehicle, you will need to add an endorsement to your existing license or obtain a different class of license altogether. You cannot do any of these things with a basic passenger license alone.
Motorcycle endorsements and motorcycle-only licenses
A motorcycle endorsement (often labeled "M" on your license) means you are permitted to ride motorcycles and mopeds in addition to driving regular vehicles. Some states issue this as a separate license class instead of an endorsement. Either way, you cannot legally ride a motorcycle without it, even if you hold a standard driver's license.
To get a motorcycle endorsement, you typically take a separate written test and a riding skills test on an actual motorcycle. Some states offer a motorcycle safety course that waives the riding test if you pass. The requirements and process differ by state, so check your DMV website for the exact steps in your area.
If your license shows only "M" with no other class listed, you can ride motorcycles but may not be able to drive a regular car — this is rare but does happen in some states. Check your card to see if you have both a standard class and an M endorsement, or just the M alone.
Commercial driver's licenses for trucks and buses
A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) — usually labeled Class A or Class B — is required if you drive a truck or bus for work. You cannot obtain a CDL just to drive your own vehicle; it is only for people whose job involves operating commercial vehicles. The threshold varies by state, but generally any vehicle over a certain weight (often 26,001 pounds) or designed to carry passengers for hire requires a CDL.
Getting a CDL is more involved than getting a standard license. You must pass a written test specific to commercial vehicles, a pre-trip inspection test, and a road test in an actual commercial vehicle. You also need to pass a medical examination and meet stricter vision and hearing standards. The whole process typically takes several weeks.
CDLs come with different classes (A, B, and sometimes C) depending on the vehicle weight and type. They may also have endorsements — such as "H" for hazardous materials or "P" for passengers — that show what you are permitted to haul or transport. If you see a CDL on your card, your job involves commercial driving.
Restricted licenses and hardship licenses
Some people receive a restricted license or hardship license instead of a full, unrestricted one. This usually happens when someone is under the legal driving age but has a documented need to drive — for example, to get to school or work. A restricted license comes with specific limitations printed on the card, such as "school and work only" or "daylight hours only."
A restricted license is not a permanent status. Once you meet the age requirement or the hardship situation ends, you can return to the DMV to upgrade to a standard unrestricted license. The process is usually quick and may not require another road test, depending on your state.
If your card shows restrictions, follow them exactly. Driving outside the permitted times or purposes can result in a ticket, even though you hold a valid license. When you are ready to remove the restrictions, contact your local DMV office to find out what steps are needed.
Learner's permits and temporary licenses
If you are still in the learner's permit stage, your card will say Learner's Permit or Instruction Permit — not a driver's license. A permit is not a license; it allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car, but you cannot drive alone. The rules for permit holders (such as adult supervision requirements and curfews) are printed on the card.
Some states also issue temporary licenses after you pass your road test but before your permanent card arrives in the mail. A temporary license is a full license and works the same way as a permanent one — you can drive alone and without restrictions (unless you are under 18). It is valid for a set period, usually 30 to 90 days, until your permanent card arrives.
If you have a temporary license, treat it like your permanent one. Keep it with you when you drive, and do not lose it — you will need it if you are pulled over. Once your permanent card arrives, the temporary one is no longer valid.
What to do if you cannot find your license type
If your card is damaged, faded, or you straightforward cannot locate the type information, the fastest way to find out is to visit your state's DMV website and look for a guide that shows where each state prints the license class. Most state DMV sites have a diagram or photo showing the layout of their license card.
You can also call your local DMV office during business hours with your license number ready. They can tell you your license type over the phone in less than a minute. If you have lost your license or it is too worn to read, you can request a replacement card — the DMV will print a new one with the same type and restrictions you currently hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a truck with a regular Class D license?
No. If the truck exceeds your state's weight threshold for commercial vehicles (usually 26,001 pounds), you need a CDL. For smaller trucks used for personal use, a standard license is fine. Check your truck's registration or owner's manual for its gross vehicle weight rating to be sure.
What does an endorsement mean on my license?
An endorsement is a permission added to your existing license that allows you to do something beyond what a standard license permits — such as ride a motorcycle (M), tow a trailer (T), or transport hazardous materials (H). You must pass a test to earn an endorsement; it does not appear on your card automatically.
I have restrictions on my license. When do they go away?
Restrictions for drivers under 18 typically expire on your 18th birthday or after a set period (often six months to one year), depending on your state. You do not need to do anything — the restriction straightforward stops being enforced. If you want confirmation, contact your DMV office.
Is a learner's permit the same as a driver's license?
No. A learner's permit allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult present. A driver's license allows you to drive alone. Once you pass your road test, your permit is replaced by a license. If your card says "Learner's Permit" or "Instruction Permit," you are not yet licensed to drive alone.
What if my license says "Commercial" but I do not drive commercially?
This should not happen — a CDL is only issued to people who need it for work. If your card shows a CDL class, you either obtained it for a job you held or there may be an error on your record. Contact your DMV office to clarify what type of license you actually hold.