Driver's License Classes: What MVR Checks May Reveal
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Driver’s license classes determine the types of vehicles an individual can legally operate, based on factors like vehicle weight, purpose, and cargo. While commercial driver’s license (CDL) classes follow federal standards, non-commercial license verifications vary by state. Understanding these distinctions is key when reviewing driver’s license MVRs as part of a background check.
Key takeaways:
- Driver's license classes legally define the vehicles someone can operate based on factors like weight and usage.
- While commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) have federal standards, non-commercial licenses vary significantly by state.
- This classification is important for road safety by ensuring proper driver skills and regulatory compliance by individuals and employers.
- Get started today and order your first background check.
If you’re hiring for a role that involves driving, ordering an MVR is often an essential step in the background check process. One detail in an MVR is the driver’s license class, which helps confirm whether a candidate is qualified to operate a particular vehicle.
Here’s what you should know about license classes and how to interpret them in a driving records check.
What are driver’s license classes?
Driver’s license classes indicate the types of vehicles an individual is legally authorized to operate. Federal and state laws define driver’s license class systems based on numerous factors, which may include:
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): Maximum weight of a vehicle
- Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR): Maximum total combined weight of a vehicle and a trailer that it tows
- Vehicle type: Car, truck, bus, or motorcycle
- Vehicle use: Commercial vs. non-commercial
- Number of passengers
- Whether hazardous materials are transported
The driver’s license class is a standard detail included in driver’s license MVRs, so you’ll likely come across these classifications when reviewing a driving history report.
Why are driver’s license classes important?
Driver’s license classes are important because they help support public safety, allow for driver’s licensing regulation, simplify compliance with driver’s license laws and regulations, and aid in risk mitigation for employers.
Here’s a closer look at the benefits of the driver’s license classification system.
Safety
Different vehicles require different skills, training, and knowledge to operate safely. The driver’s license classification system ensures that only drivers with the appropriate qualifications can operate specific types of vehicles. This reduces the risk of unqualified drivers on the road and promotes overall traffic safety.
Regulation
State departments of motor vehicles (DMVs), or similar agencies, are responsible for ensuring only qualified individuals are licensed to drive. License classifications provide a framework that allows states to establish distinct standards for different vehicles, helping regulatory agencies control who can legally operate which vehicle.
Compliance
The driver’s license class system makes it easy to verify whether an individual is legally allowed to operate a particular vehicle. Law enforcement can quickly check the class designation on a driver’s license during traffic stops or after an accident. Employers can also use this information to confirm that job candidates or employees are qualified to operate company vehicles, supporting legal compliance.
Risk mitigation
For employers, verifying a driver’s license is a simple yet critical step in reducing liability. It helps prevent unqualified drivers from operating motor vehicles, protects public safety, and helps mitigate risk to the company from legal and reputational harm.
What are the different types of driver’s license classes?
There are two types of driver’s license classes: commercial and noncommercial. Within each category, multiple driver’s license classifications determine what types of vehicles a driver can legally operate.
If you’re hiring for a role that involves driving, the duties of the job and the specifications of the vehicle will determine what driver’s license class a candidate needs to meet transportation regulations.
Understanding the driver’s license class system helps you set accurate licensing requirements for open roles. Knowing the differences between driver’s license classifications can also help you interpret motor vehicle records reports more effectively during hiring. Here’s a look at commercial and non-commercial driver’s license classifications.
Commercial driver’s licenses (CDL)
Commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). While states administer testing and licensing, they follow FMCSA standards.
A CDL is required to operate a vehicle used in intrastate, interstate, or foreign commerce that has one or more of the following characteristics:
- Has a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, with a towed vehicle over 10,000 pounds
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more
- Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver
- Transports hazardous materials
There are three commercial driver’s license classes: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Here’s a look at the types of vehicles drivers within each CDL class can operate.
- Class A CDL: Allows operation of combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more and a towed unit over 10,000 pounds. This license also covers Class B and Class C vehicles. Example vehicles: Tractor-trailers and semi-trucks.
- Class B CDL: Allows operation of single vehicles with a gross vehicle rating weight of 26,001 pounds or more and a towed unit under 10,000 pounds. This license includes most Class C vehicles. Example vehicles: Dump trucks, box trucks, and cement mixers.
- Class C CDL: Covers vehicles under 26,001 pounds that either carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or transport hazardous materials. Example vehicles: Shuttle buses, tanker trucks, and large passenger vans.
Non-commercial driver’s licenses
Non-commercial driver’s license class systems vary by state, though most follow a similar structure, even if class names differ.
- Standard driver’s licenses: These licenses allow drivers to operate two-axle vehicles under 26,001 pounds, like cars, vans, and light trucks. In New York, the standard is the Class D license, while California calls this type of license a Class C driver’s license.
- Motorcycle licenses: Most states require a separate classification for motorcycles. For example, Pennsylvania has a Class M driver’s license for motorcycles.
- Non-commercial heavy vehicle licenses: Some states issue special licenses for large vehicles not used commercially, such as RVs, trailers, or motorhomes. For example, Illinois issues a Class A driver’s license and a Class B driver’s license for heavy vehicles, while Georgia calls its versions of these classifications a Class E or Class F license, depending on vehicle weight.
Before ordering a driver’s license MVR, check with your state’s DMV website for its license classifications. If you’re unsure which classification is necessary to legally operate a specific vehicle in your fleet, contact the DMV or consult your legal counsel.
Run a driving record check with Checkr today
Verifying that a candidate holds the correct driver’s license class is essential when hiring for roles that involve operating a motor vehicle. Checkr makes motor vehicle record checks simple and efficient, whether you’re screening drivers in one state or nationwide.
Checkr’s advanced platform delivers accurate results with speed, while our mobile-first candidate experience enables you to easily collect driver’s licenses and other personal information for streamlined hiring. MVR checks can easily be combined with our multiple other background screening options, including DOT background checks, for comprehensive screenings to more easily make the best decisions for their business. Get started.
Disclaimer
The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.
