A 3-minute lesson from the Pennsylvania course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Pennsylvania issues licenses by the class and type of vehicle you drive. Most people drive passenger cars, pick-up trucks or vans, which need a non-commercial Class C license. The handbook is written for Class C, but you should know what the other classes cover.
Non-commercial license classes
Non-commercial license classes
Class
Minimum age
Needed for
A
18
Combinations of 26,001 lb+ towing more than 10,000 lb
A recreational vehicle rated 11,000 lb tows a trailer rated 15,500 lb. The combination is 26,500 lb and the towed part is over 10,000 lb, so the driver needs a Class A license.
Know the rule
Motor homes rated at 26,001 pounds or more require a Class B license.
A Class C license also lets you drive a motor-driven cycle with an automatic transmission and 50 cc or less, or a three-wheeled motorcycle with an enclosed cab.
A firefighter or rescue/emergency squad member with a Class C license and a certificate of authorization from the fire chief or squad head may drive that department's or municipality's fire and emergency vehicles.
Commercial Class A, B or C drivers study the Pennsylvania Commercial Driver's Manual (PUB 223); motorcyclists use the Motorcycle Operator's Manual (PUB 147).
A Class A license is required for combinations of vehicles with a gross weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more when the towed vehicle exceeds how many pounds?
5,000 pounds
15,000 pounds
10,000 pounds
26,000 pounds
Answer: 10,000 pounds
Class A covers combinations with a gross weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more where the towed vehicle is over 10,000 pounds.