Looking to get your driver’s license in Virginia?
Don’t know which license class you need?
Well, Virginia divides its driver’s licenses into two categories — commercial and non-commercial.
Within each category, there are 2 to 3 license types…
It can all get pretty confusing.
This is why, here, we’re going to detail all the Virginia driver’s license classes.
Moreover, we’ll show you how to get each one. This way, you get all the information you need on one page.
So let’s dive right to it!
What Are the Driver’s License Classes in Virginia?
As we said, the Virginia driver’s license classes fall into one of two categories.
Commercial driver’s license (CDL):
- Class A CDL
- Class B CDL
- Class C CDL
Non-commercial driver’s license:
- Class D
- Class M
Let’s look at the specifics for each one…
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
To operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in Virginia, you must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
However, there are different CDLs that can operate different CMVs.
So let’s look at this.
Class A CDL
A Class A CDL is the highest CDL. This means it can operate the heaviest trucks.
With this, you can drive combination CMVs with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
Since it’s a combination vehicle, it must have a towed vehicle/trailer that weighs more than 10,000 pounds.
Another thing.
Since this credential allows you to operate the heaviest trucks, you can use it to drive lower commercial CMVs as well, like those categorized in Class B and Class C.
Class B CDL
A Class B CDL lets you drive a single, heavy CMV.
Like Class A, the Class B CMV should have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. However, if the CMV tows, the towed vehicle/trailer should not weigh more than 10,000 pounds.
You won’t be able to haul as much with a Class B CDL.
Also, holding a Class B CDL gives you the right to operate all commercial vehicles under Class C but never any under Class A.
Class C CDL
Not all CMVs are heavy.
There are those that have a GVWR of fewer than 26,001 pounds and, if towing, tow fewer than 10,000 pounds.
This is when Class C CDLs are needed.
However, Class C CMVs have very specific purposes. These are:
- Carries 16 or more passengers.
- Transports hazardous materials (HazMat) that require placards.
If it does not fulfill any of this, then a regular driver’s license might just do the job.
Non-Commercial Driver’s License
Non-commercial licenses are what most drivers are going after.
It allows them to operate their private vehicles — as simple as that.
Now, there are 2 non-commercial license types in Virginia.
Unlike the CDL classes, these two are very different from each other.
Class D
The Class D license is your regular driver’s license in Virginia.
Almost everyone who drives needs this.
So you use it to drive your sedan, SUV, pickup, RV, minivan, and the list goes on.
As long as the vehicle weighs less than 26,000 pounds, tows less than 10,000 pounds, and doesn’t fulfill the Class C CDL purposes, then Class D is good enough.
Class M
Simply put — Class M allows you to operate 2-wheeled or 3-wheeled motorcycles.
Now, you can also get Class M2 and Class M3.
Class M2 restricts you to 2-wheeled motorcycles, while Class M3 can only operate 3-wheeled motorcycles.
If you don’t want any motorcycle restrictions, then we highly recommend getting a Class M license class — since it can operate both.
How to Get A Class D License in Virginia
Since this is the most common license class, you’re probably going to get this one sooner or later.
So to help you, here are the steps to obtaining it…
- Get a Learner’s Permit
For a VA-issued learner’s permit, you’ll have to:
- Complete the classroom portion of an approved driver’s education
- Schedule an appointment for your knowledge test
- Complete the Application for a Virginia Driver’s License (Form DL 1P).
- Provide proof of identity, VA residency (2), legal presence, and SSN
- Pass the vision screening and knowledge test
- Pay the learner’s permit fee of $3 PLUS $4 for your driver’s license yearly fee
- Wait for your learner’s permit to be mailed to you
- Get a Class D License
To switch from a learner’s permit to a Class D license, you’ll have to:
- Hold your learner’s permit for 9 months
- Complete the behind-the-wheel portion of an approved driver’s education
- Pass the road skills test with your driver’s ed provider
- Gain 45 hours of practiced driving, with 15 hours after sunset
- Apply for a Class D license online
- Schedule an appointment with a local DMV
- Complete the Application for a Virginia Driver’s License (Form DL 1P).
- Provide proof of identity, VA residency (2), legal presence, and SSN
- Pay the yearly driver’s license fee ($4) OR the full 8-year fee ($32)
- Wait for your Class D license to arrive in the mail
For a more detailed guide, including restrictions and if you’re already 18+ years old, you can check out this article.
How to Get A Commercial Driver’s License in Virginia
Whether you’re getting a Class A, B, or C CDL, the process is the same.
Here are the steps…
- Get a CDL permit
Here is how to get your CDL permit in Virginia:
- Make an appointment for your CDL knowledge test
- Complete the Commercial Driver’s License Application (Form DL P2)
- Provide your DOT Medical Card (if applicable) and Class D driver’s license
- Show proof of identity, VA residency (2), legal presence, and SSN
- Pass the vision screening, CDL knowledge test, and (if applicable) any endorsement tests
- Pay the CDL permit fee of $3 and $1 each for any endorsements
- Wait for your CDL permit to be mailed to your address
- Get a Class A, B, or C, CDL
Here is how to go from a CDL permit to an official commercial driver’s license:
- Hold your CDL permit for at least 14 days
- Complete the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
- Schedule a CDL skills test appointment
- Bring your DOT Medical Card (if applicable), Class D driver’s license, a licensed commercial driver, and a CMV that falls under your CDL class
- Pass the CDL skills test
- Go to a local DMV
- Complete the Commercial Driver’s License Application (Form DL P2)
- Present your DOT Medical Card (if applicable), proof of identity, VA residency (2), legal presence, SSN, and passing the CDL skills test
- Pay the CDL fee of $64 or $24 for the first 3 years
- Wait for your CDL to arrive in the mail
If you need more details, like endorsements, restrictions, and eligibility requirements, check out our more detailed guide here.
How to Get A Class M License in Virginia
For the most part, people add a Class M endorsement to their Class D licenses.
So we’ll show you the steps on how to do that…
- Get a motorcycle permit
Here is how to obtain a motorcycle permit:
- Complete a Virginia Rider Training Program (this waives the motorcycle knowledge test and skills test)
- Go to your local DMV
- Provide a complete Application for a Virginia Driver’s License (Form DL 1P)
- Show proof of completing a Virginia Rider Training Program
- Give proof of your identity, VA residency (2), legal presence, and SSN
- Pay the $3 motorcycle permit fee
- Wait for your motorcycle permit to arrive via mail
- Get your Class M license or endorsement
Here are the steps to upgrade from a motorcycle permit to an official license or endorsement:
- Hold your motorcycle permit for at least 30 days
- Go to your local DMV
- Provide a complete Application for a Virginia Driver’s License (Form DL 1P).
- Show proof of completing a Virginia Rider Training Program
- Pay the Class M fee of $2 per year
- Have the Class M endorsement added to your driver’s license
If you choose not to take the Virginia Rider Training Program, then you’ll have to pass both the motorcycle knowledge test and road skills test. You can get more information here.
Conclusion
Now you know all the Virginia driver’s license classes.
You won’t get confused anymore about which one you need.
And when you know which one you need, simply follow the steps we outlined here. Or, for a more detailed article, you can check out our complete guides.
Best of luck!