Roadwise States Ohio Driving lessons License classes: Class D and CDLs Ohio driving lesson · License Classes, Renewal & Residency
License classes: Class D and CDLs A 3-minute lesson from the Ohio 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 License Classes, Renewal & Residency
Checkpoint questions 6
Source pages 50, 51 Most drivers need only a Class D license. Heavier trucks, big combinations, buses and hazardous-materials vehicles require a Commercial Driver License (CDL), sorted into Classes A, B and C.
Class D operator's license Lets you — including a probationary driver under 18 — drive any motor vehicle that doesn't require a CDL or an additional endorsement.
Handbook p. 50 ↗ Know the rule
A CDL is required to operate vehicles in Classes A, B or C, unless the operator qualifies for an exemption.
Handbook p. 51 ↗ GVWR Gross vehicle weight rating — the rated weight of a vehicle, used to decide which CDL class applies.
Handbook p. 51 ↗ 26,001 lbs GVWR at which Class A (combined) and Class B (single vehicle) begin
Handbook p. 51 ↗ 10,000 lbs Towed-unit GVWR above which a 26,001+ lb combination is Class A
Handbook p. 51 ↗ Class C applies to a vehicle that is not Class A or B and: Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver Transports hazardous materials in an amount requiring placarding Is a school bus under 26,001 lbs GVWR designed for fewer than 16 passengers, including the driver Handbook p. 51 ↗ Know the rule
For more on CDLs, see the Ohio Commercial Driver License Manual.
Handbook p. 51 ↗ Put it into practice
A delivery truck weighs 27,000 pounds GVWR and tows nothing. It's a single vehicle of 26,001 pounds or more, so its driver needs a Class B CDL.
A useful reminder Class A = heavy combination with a towed unit over 10,000 lbs; Class B = heavy single vehicle; Class C = passengers (16+), placarded hazmat, or small school bus.
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 does a Class D operator's license allow you to drive? Any vehicle, including commercial trucks A vehicle that doesn't require a CDL or added endorsement Passenger cars only, not pickups Passenger cars and motorcycles Answer: A vehicle that doesn't require a CDL or added endorsement
A Class D license covers ordinary vehicles that don't require a Commercial Driver License or an additional endorsement.
Handbook p. 50 ↗ What GVWR generally triggers the need for a CDL Class A or B? 10,000 pounds or more 16,000 pounds or more 26,001 pounds or more 40,000 pounds or more Answer: 26,001 pounds or more
A CDL Class A or B is generally required for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more.
Handbook p. 51 ↗ Which of these requires a CDL Class C, even if the vehicle's weight doesn't require Class A or B? Towing a small utility trailer Driving on an interstate highway Carrying fewer than 8 passengers Transporting hazardous materials requiring placarding Answer: Transporting hazardous materials requiring placarding
CDL Class C applies to vehicles transporting hazardous materials in amounts requiring placarding, among other criteria.
Handbook p. 51 ↗ A small school bus has a GVWR under 26,001 pounds and is designed for fewer than 16 passengers. What CDL class applies? Class C Class A Class B No CDL is required Answer: Class C
A school bus under 26,001 GVWR designed for fewer than 16 passengers falls under CDL Class C.
Handbook p. 51 ↗ A single vehicle has a GVWR of 27,000 pounds and tows nothing. What CDL class applies? Class A Class C Class B No CDL required Answer: Class B
Class B covers any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more that isn't towing a heavier trailer.
Handbook p. 51 ↗ Class A CDL applies to combinations where the towed unit's GVWR exceeds 10,000 pounds and the combined GVWR is 26,001+. True False Answer: True
Class A applies to combinations of 26,001+ combined GVWR where the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 pounds.
Handbook p. 51 ↗ Previous lesson What to do after a crash Next lesson Mopeds, scooters & motorcycles More in License Classes, Renewal & Residency About the source Roadwise’s Ohio course uses the driver handbook edition supplied with this study pack. This lesson cites source pages 50, 51. The linked PDF is a third-party mirror of the handbook, rather than a government-hosted page.
Open the handbook source PDF · View the source edition
For current application requirements, fees, appointments, and the format that applies to your age or license type, check Ohio’s BMV. Roadwise provides study material and does not issue permits or licenses.