Mississippi Driver’s License Classes (A Complete Guide)

In Mississippi, there are a few more driver’s license classes than usual. 

And this can make it confusing. 

What license class do you need?

Should you get a Class A CDL, Class B CDL, or Class C CDL? 

What is the difference?

How is Class D different from Class R?

We’re here to help. 

In this article, we’re going to give you a complete guide to Mississippi driver’s license classes. We’ll explain each class in detail, as well as tell you how to obtain each type. 

So are you ready?

Let’s begin!

What are the Driver’s License Classes in Mississippi?

These are the 6 driver’s license classes in Mississippi:

• Class R
• Class A CDL
• Class B CDL
• Class C CDL
• Class D
• Class M

Let’s go through each class one by one. 

Class R

The class R license in Mississippi is your standard driver’s license. It’s also known as the Regular Operator License, hence the ‘R’. 

The Class R license allows you to operate a private vehicle that can transport no more than 15 passengers and weighs no more than 26,000 pounds. 

So, need to drive your sedan or SUV to work, school, or pleasure? Then you need the Class R license. 

Class A CDL

The Class A CDL is used for commercial purposes. It can operate combination vehicles weighing at least 26,001 pounds. And since it’s a combination vehicle, it has a towed unit/vehicle, which should weigh more than 10,001 pounds. 

Vehicles under this license include tractor-trailers, flatbeds, and tanks. 

Class B CDL

The Class B CDL is also used for commercial purposes but operates single vehicles instead of combination. The single vehicle should weigh 26,001 pounds or more. If towing a unit, the weight should not exceed 10,000 pounds. 

With this, you can operate dump trucks, straight trucks, box trucks, etc…

Class C CDL

Here’s another commercial driver’s license. The Class C CDL can operate vehicles that transport 16 or more passengers or carry hazardous materials. 

That said, the vehicle should not fall under Class A or Class B. In other words, it should weigh fewer than 26,001 pounds and tow fewer than 10,001 pounds. 

The best example of a Class C vehicle is a school bus. 

Class D

What if you want to operate a taxi or take part in ride-sharing?

Do you get a Class R license? But isn’t that for private use only?

Should you get a Class C CDL? That’s only for transporting 16 or more passengers.

Well, this is where the Class D license comes in. 

It can operate any vehicle that does not fall under Class A, Class B, or Class C but is still used for professional purposes. 

Class M 

Finally, there’s Class M. This isn’t a license in and of itself — it’s more of an endorsement that’s added to your license. 

You get this endorsement if you want to operate a motorcycle or any two-three-wheeled vehicle on the public road. 

How to Get a Class R License in Mississippi

You can start working towards a Class R license once you turn 15 years old. 

First, you will need a learner’s permit. Here’s how to get one:

1. Schedule a ‘Learner’s Permit’ appointment online.

2. Submit the following documents:
   1. Filled out Application For Driver’s License form. Both your parents must sign and notarize it if you are 15-16 years old. 
   2. Original birth certificate 
   3. SSN card
   4. 2 proofs of Mississippi residency (you can use your parents’ documents)
   5. Proof of US citizen or legal presence
   6. A signed Certificate of School Attendance from your school

3. Pay the permit fee of $7 

4. Take and pass the knowledge exam. 

5. Take and pass the vision exam. 

6. Receive your regular learner’s permit. 

From there, you can upgrade it to an intermediate license for fewer restrictions. Here’s how to get that:

1. Must be at least 16 years old.

2. Must hold your learner’s permit for one year.

3. Go to a Mississippi DPS office (click here for locations) and submit:
   1. Valid learner’s permit
   2. A completed Application For Driver’s License form. Must be signed and notarized by both your parents.
   3. Waiver of Road-Testing Affidavit. Must be signed by your parents or legal guardian 
   4. A new signed Certificate of School Attendance from your school
   5. SSN card
   6. Original birth certificate 
   7. 2 proofs of Mississippi residency (can be your parents’)
   8. Proof of US citizenship or legal presence 

4. Get your intermediate license. 

And finally, here’s how to get your Class R license:

1. Must be at least 17 years old. 

2. Must hold your intermediate license for 6 months. 

3. Go to a local DPS office (click here for locations). 

4. Pay the license fee:
   1. 4-year validity – $24
   2. 8-year validity: $47 

5. Surrender your intermediate license.

6. Get your Class R license.

If you want even more details, you can check out our article “Mississippi Driver’s License Requirements”.

How to Get a Class D License in Mississippi

To get a class D license in Mississippi, you must provide the following: 

• A signed Application For Driver’s License form
• Your original birth certificate 
• SSN card
• Two proofs of residency 

The same rules for the Class R license apply to the class D license. So see above for the full details. The 8-year light Class D license costs $57, while the regular Class D license costs $29.

How to Get a Class A, B, and C CDL in Mississippi

First up, you need a commercial learner’s permit (CLP). Here’s how to get it:

1. Decide which CDL class you need. 

2. Schedule your CDL Learner’s Permit Knowledge Test online.

3. While there, submit the following:
   1. Valid driver’s license
   2. Completed Application for Mississippi Driver License/ID form 
   3. Valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate 
   4. Original birth certificate
   5. SSN card 
   6. 2 proofs of Mississippi residency

4. Pay the $16 CLP fee. You should also pay the $5 endorsement fee if applicable.

5. Take and pass the CDL Learner’s Permit Knowledge Test. 

6. Get your CLP. 

Here’s how to get a CDL in Mississippi:

1. Hold your CLP for 14 days.

2. Complete an Entry-Level Driver Trainer (ELDT) program if:
   1. You are getting a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time
   2. You are upgrading your Class B CDL to a Class A CDL
   3. You are getting a P or S endorsement for the first time
   4. You are getting an H endorsement for the first time

3. Schedule your CDL road test by calling 601-487-7073 or 601-487-7070.

4. Arrive early to the location and bring the following:
   1. Valid driver’s license 
   2. Valid CLP
   3. Completed Application for Mississippi Driver License/ID form 
   4. Valid medical card
   5. A licensed CDL holder that matches your class
   6. A vehicle that falls under your CDL class. 
   7. Proof of valid insurance and registration 

5. Take and pass the CDL road test.

6. Pay the $55 CDL fee:

7. Surrender your CLP.

8. Get your CDL. 

For more information, read our “Mississippi CDL Requirements” article. 

How to Get a Class M Endorsement in Mississippi

To get a class M endorsement, applicants must be at least 16 years old. That said, you can already get a motorcycle learner’s permit by 15 years old.

To add a Class M endorsement, an applicant must pass both the motorcycle skills and knowledge test. However, if the applicant has completed a motorcycle safety class by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, they’re no longer required to take the skills test.

You only have to pay $5 for the motorcycle endorsement, plus $1 for the motorcycle learner’s permit fee. 

Just remember, you need to have an active driver’s license before getting your motorcycle endorsement.

Conclusion 

And that was your complete guide to Mississippi driver’s license classes. 

You now know exactly what license type you need. 

So what are you waiting for?

Go ahead and work towards it today. I mean, you already know all the steps. 

Good luck!