How to Buy a Category A Driving Licence
While most people are familiar with the typical driving license that allows you to drive a standard vehicle, there are many different kinds of licences available.
In New York, for example in New York, a class-E license is needed to operate limousines or taxis. Additionally the class A CDL license is required to operate any vehicle that weighs more than 26,000 pounds without hitching. This includes 18-wheelers, livestock carriers and other heavy vehicles.
What you should know
While most people purchase vehicles that require a driver's license there are occasions when you may need to purchase a vehicle without one. For instance, you could be purchasing an automobile as a gift for a child who hasn't yet been approved to get their own driver's license. You might also be purchasing a vehicle for an individual with disabilities who requires transportation, but cannot take out an loan. You may even be purchasing a collectible vehicle that doesn't require an operating license for drivers.
Your driving licence category, and the codes associated with it, reveal a lot more about you than just what vehicles you're allowed to drive. Knowing these codes is essential to keep tabs on the vehicles that you are permitted to drive.
In the United States, there are various classes of licenses that you can hold. The majority of drivers looking to purchase a car or truck will need a class D or driver's license in class C. Anyone who plans to drive a bus, commercial vehicle or other large vehicle will require an A or B class CDL driver's license.
There are licenses designed for people who have to transport passengers in exchange for compensation. For instance, New York state has a class E license that permits drivers to operate livery vehicles and taxis. This class of license requires the driver to pass written, road and vision tests in order to be able to obtain the license.
There are also enhanced licenses available for US citizens who want to enter Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean and do not have to present their passports at border crossings or checkpoints. These licenses are typically only granted to US citizens who possess an active driver's license and an identity document like passport, birth certificate or national ID card.
The other types of licences include classes E and B. Class B is designed for drivers who wish to operate recreational vehicles, buses and trailers. In Prawo Jazdy Wyszkow of states, this type of license can be obtained by passing a written and a practical test. It can also be obtained by completing a class and successfully passing an examination on the road. Alternatively, you can obtain the class B licence by obtaining a valid class A or class D license for a minimum of three years.
What you can drive
The standard UK driving license contains categories that outline the types of vehicles that you can drive. It also contains important details about you.
A category A licence permits mopeds to be driven up to 125cc. It also covers motor tricycles that have power output up to 15kW. Physically disabled drivers can also obtain a provisional category A1 the motor tricycle entitlement if they pass the relevant test.
Other categories on the standard UK driving licence include category C, which permits you to drive any vehicle up to 750kg max authorised mass (MAM). The category D driver's licence also includes trailer entitlement for any vehicle that has eight seats for passengers and an aggregate weight of more than 750kg. It is also possible to get a category D+E driver's licence, which has trailer entitlement for any vehicle with more than 8 passenger seats and a total weight of more than 750kg.
There are various additional categories available on your driving license to help you drive vehicles for commercial purposes or in various weather conditions. They are generally classified as commercial driver's licenses. In New York, for example chauffeurs must have a CDL in class A and B if they want to drive limousines for commercial purposes. If you wish to drive a limousine only for personal use, you can obtain a basic chauffeur license.
The class of licence you need to operate certain heavy or large vehicles depends on the type of work you perform. For instance, if you want to drive a large RV or motorhome with a trailer, you'll need a Class A commercial driver's licence (CDL). A class A CDL allows you to operate any vehicle that, unhitched, weighs more than 26,000lbs and can tow up to 10,000 pounds.
You can also apply for a class C CDL which permits you to operate small dump trucks, or delivery vans. The license can be further upgraded by adding the appropriate endorsements. Some people who drive hazardous or heavy vehicles might be required to have the class B or A CDL.
What you aren't allowed to drive
In New York, drivers have to pass a written test and a driving exam to be licensed. It's not easy however it is essential to ensure safety and legal compliance. As a professional driver, I've helped a lot of people from Buffalo to Montauk get their licenses. Understanding the differences between the different classes of licenses will help you ensure that you're getting the correct license to meet your goals.
It's the right time to upgrade your car to a commercial or special classification if you want to go beyond the typical vehicle. This will require additional testing, but could provide a variety of opportunities for professional drivers.
For instance, a Class A CDL permits you to operate vehicles that have an overall vehicle weight rating of more than 26,001 pounds which includes a towed vehicle. This includes livestock carriers, 18-wheelers and big-rigs. You can also apply for CDL endorsements that permit you to drive additional types vehicles, such a passenger van or small Hazmat trucks. An endorsement usually requires taking a second knowledge test, and sometimes a test of skills. These tests can be daunting however I've seen a lot of New Yorkers who are determined to pass these tests.
Where to buy
The process and requirements for getting different types of driver's licenses differ by location. In Pennsylvania for instance the standard non-commercial class C license is suitable for a regular vehicle or truck. Class D is for larger vehicles, such as buses. Class B is for drivers who operate vehicles with a gross vehicle rating (RV Motorhome, RV) or tow another trailer. There are also endorsements available for mopeds with sidecars tricycles and motorcycles. It is usually easier to gain a licence in a less powerful category before moving on to more powerful ones.
A higher-category permit could require more rigorous testing and will require you to pass an additional practical and theory test. This is an incentive for drivers to gain experience using less powerful vehicles.