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Arizona driving lesson · Getting Licensed

License classes & CDL basics

A 3-minute lesson from the Arizona course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
Getting Licensed
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
12, 15

Arizona issues licenses by class. The class tells you which vehicles you may drive. Most new drivers start with Class G, and adults drive on Class D. Motorcycles and commercial vehicles need their own classes.

License classes

License classes
ClassWhat it coversMinimum age
G (graduated)Any vehicle not needing M or commercial16 (under 18)
D (operator)Any vehicle not needing M or commercial18
M (motorcycle)Motorcycles and motor driven cycles16
A, B, CCommercial motor vehicles (CDL)See CDL Manual
Handbook p. 15 ↗

Know the rule

If Class M is combined with another class, it is added as an "endorsement" on the back of your current license.

Handbook p. 12 ↗

Know the rule

A motorcycle applicant under 18 must have held an Arizona motorcycle instruction permit for at least six months.

Handbook p. 15 ↗

Know the rule

A motorcycle applicant must also complete an MVD-approved motorcycle education program, or a parent/guardian must certify in writing at least 30 hours of supervised motorcycle practice.

Handbook p. 15 ↗

Know the rule

An out-of-state motorcycle license or endorsement holder may be exempt from the education/practice and permit requirements.

Handbook p. 15 ↗

Commercial (CDL) classes

Commercial (CDL) classes
ClassVehicles
ACombination, GCWR 26,001+ lbs; towed GVWR over 10,000 lbs
BSingle vehicle GVWR 26,001+ lbs (may tow ≤10,000 lbs)
CNot A or B; carries 16+ incl. driver, or placarded hazmat
Handbook p. 15 ↗

Know the rule

A Class C CDL requires a Passenger (P) or Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME).

Handbook p. 15 ↗

GVWR / GCWR

Gross vehicle weight rating (one vehicle) and gross combination weight rating (vehicle plus what it tows) — the weights that decide CDL class.

Handbook p. 15 ↗

Put it into practice

You're 17 with a Class G license and want to ride a motorcycle legally. You need a motorcycle permit held for at least six months, plus an approved motorcycle course or 30 certified practice hours, before you can add Class M.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

What is the minimum age to apply for a Class D operator license in Arizona?
  1. 18 years old
  2. 16 years old
  3. 21 years old
  4. 15 years and 6 months

Answer: 18 years old

You must be at least 18 years of age to apply for an operator (Class D) license.

Handbook p. 15 ↗
What is the minimum age to apply for a motorcycle license (Class M)?
  1. 18 years old
  2. 15 years old
  3. 21 years old
  4. 16 years old

Answer: 16 years old

You must be at least 16 to apply for a motorcycle license.

Handbook p. 15 ↗
An applicant under 18 seeking a motorcycle license must have held an Arizona motorcycle instruction permit for how long?
  1. At least 12 months
  2. At least 1 month
  3. At least 6 months
  4. At least 3 months

Answer: At least 6 months

Under-18 applicants must have held the motorcycle instruction permit for at least six months, similar to the graduated license rule.

Handbook p. 15 ↗
A Class B commercial driver license covers a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of at least what?
  1. 40,000 lbs
  2. 26,001 lbs
  3. 10,000 lbs
  4. 16,000 lbs

Answer: 26,001 lbs

Class B covers a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more.

Handbook p. 15 ↗
A Class C commercial driver license is required for a vehicle that is designed to transport how many passengers, including the driver?
  1. 16 or more
  2. 8 or more
  3. 10 or more
  4. 26 or more

Answer: 16 or more

Class C is required when a vehicle is designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, or hauls placarded hazardous materials.

Handbook p. 15 ↗
A Class A commercial license requires a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, with the towed unit over 10,000 lbs GVWR.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: True

Class A applies to combination vehicles meeting that weight threshold with the towed vehicle exceeding 10,000 lbs GVWR.

Handbook p. 15 ↗
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