Special Licenses

Who Needs a Commercial License ?

You'll need to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) if you intend to drive any of the following:

• A vehicle whose actual, registered, or gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is over 26,000 pounds and is towing a vehicle with an actual, registered, or GVWR of over 10,000 pounds (class A license)

• A vehicle whose actual, registered, or GVWR is over 26,000 pounds and is not towing another vehicle with a GVWR over 10,000 pounds (class B license)

• A vehicle weighing under 26,000 pounds and designed to either transport at least 16 people (including the driver) or carry hazardous materials (class C license)

If you need to apply for a CDL, be sure to check our informative articles on commercial driving.

Certain driving professions require having endorsements in addition to a CDL, while others don't require a CDL but do require an endorsement. We'll sort out some common scenarios below.

Obtaining a Chauffeur's License

To obtain a chauffeur's license, you must be at least 16 years old, and pass a written chauffeur's license test. If you haven't already received your operator's license, you'll also need to complete a driver's education class and pass a skills test.

The license costs $35. Testing is available through Secretary of State branch offices.

The following professions all require a chauffeur's license.

Chauffeurs

As the name implies, chauffeurs must have a chauffeur's license. Depending on the type of vehicle being operated, a CDL may also be required.

School Bus Drivers

Those transporting children in a school bus need to have a CDL with a passenger ("P") and a school bus ("S") endorsement, along with a chauffeur's license.

Shuttle Bus Drivers

Shuttle buses not only come in a variety of styles and sizes, but are used in many different ways. At a minimum, you'll need to obtain a chauffeur's license to drive a shuttle bus.

However, you may need to obtain a CDL, along with a passenger or other endorsements. Check with your potential employer to find out what is needed for your particular situation.

Taxi Drivers

You'll need a chauffeur's license to legally operate a taxi.

Sports Vehicles

You don't need to obtain a special driver's license to ride an off-road vehicle.

However, the Department of Natural Resources does require riders to purchase a "license" sticker every year for $16.25.

Legal Presence Requirement

Bear in mind that as of January 22, 2008 you must also prove you have a permanent legal presence in the United States when applying for any of the above licenses.