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Home Page >> Publications >> Recreational Vehicles and Trailers Handbook Table of Contents >> License Classes and License Requirements

License Classes and License Requirements

Noncommercial License Classes:

License classes are based on the size of vehicle you wish to drive or the weight of the trailer you wish to tow. No passenger vehicle, pickup truck, or RV may tow more than one other vehicle without a Commercial Class A license, with endorsement.

If you have a... you may drive... and you may tow...
Non-com'l Class A license all vehicles under Class C
  • any vehicle under Class C
  • a travel trailer weighing over 10,000 lbs. GVWR, not used for hire.
  • a fifth-wheel travel trailer weighing over 15,000 lbs. GVWR, not used for hire.

With a vehicle weighing 4,000 lbs. or more unladen, you may tow:

  • a livestock trailer over 10,000 lbs. GVWR but not over 15,000 lbs. GVWR if the vehicle is operated by a farmer to transport livestock, not for hire, and within 150 miles of his/her farm.
Non-com'l Class B
  • all vehicles under Class C
  • a housecar over 40 feet but not over 45 feet, with endorsement
  • all vehicles under Class C.
Class C
  • any 2-axle vehicle with a GVWR of 26,000 lbs. or less
  • any 3-axle vehicle weighing 6,000 lbs. or less gross
  • any house car 40 feet and under, in length

A farmer or employee of a farmer may also drive:

  • any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,000 lbs. or less if used exclusively in agricultural operations and it is not for hire or compensation.
  • a single vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or less including a tow dolly, if used.

With a vehicle weighing 4,000 lbs. or more unladen, you may tow a:

  • trailer coach not exceeding 9,000 lbs. gross
  • trailer coach or fifth-wheel travel trailer under 10,000 lbs. GVWR when towing is not for hire.
  • fifth-wheel travel trailer exceeding 10,000 lbs. but under 15,000 lbs. GVWR, when towing is not for hire and with endorsement.

NOTE:No passenger vehicle regardless of weight, may tow more than one vehicle. No motor vehicle under 4,000 lbs. unladen may tow any vehicle weighing 6,000 lbs. or more gross. (VC §21715)


If you have a... you may drive...
Class M1 any 2-wheel motorcycle or motor driven cycle, or a motorized scooter
Class M2 any motorized bicycle, moped, any bicycle with an attached motor, or a motorized scooter.

NOTE: Class M1 or M2 is added to any other class license after passing law and skills tests.

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