A 3-minute lesson from the South Carolina course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
South Carolina issues a license as proof that you passed an exam and can safely drive a particular type of vehicle. The class you need depends on the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross vehicle weight (GVW).
Most new drivers get a Class D. The other classes cover heavy vehicles, mopeds, motorcycles and commercial driving.
Non-commercial license classes
Non-commercial license classes
Class
What it lets you drive
D
Cars and trucks not over 26,000 lbs GVW
E
Single vehicles over 26,000 lbs GVW (trucks, motor homes)
F
Combinations over 26,000 lbs GVW (towing a trailer/vehicle)
G
Mopeds only (minimum age 15)
M
Motorcycles, incl. detachable sidecar, and 3-wheel vehicles
Your uncle's motor home weighs 30,000 lbs GVW. Your Class D only covers vehicles up to 26,000 lbs, so you'd need a Class E. If he's also towing a car behind it, it's a combination vehicle and you'd need a Class F.
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 maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) for a Class D non-commercial license?
26,000 pounds
10,000 pounds
26,001 pounds
30,000 pounds
Answer: 26,000 pounds
Class D covers non-commercial passenger vehicles, such as cars and trucks, that do not exceed 26,000 pounds GVW.