A 3-minute lesson from the Virginia course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Your regular driver's license covers cars and small trucks. Bigger or specialized vehicles, like tractor-trailers, buses and hazmat carriers, need a commercial driver's license (CDL). This lesson sorts out which license covers what, and why an 'international driver's license' can't replace a real one.
Know the rule
A driver's license lets you operate any vehicle or small truck less than 26,001 pounds that is exempt from commercial driver's license (CDL) requirements.
To drive a school bus designed for 15 occupants (including the driver), you don't need a CDL, but you must pass the commercial driver and school bus tests for a school bus endorsement. That 15-occupant restriction is printed on your license.
Not a valid license and doesn't let you drive. It's only a foreign translation of your valid license for travel outside the U.S., issued by your local AAA.
International driver's licenses marketed by private businesses are not valid. Selling any document claiming to be a driver's license is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
A company sells you an 'International Driver's License' online. It is not valid, and driving on it alone means driving without a license. Selling that document is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
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.
A regular driver's license covers CDL-exempt vehicles and small trucks weighing less than how many pounds?
26,001 pounds
10,000 pounds
40,000 pounds
15,000 pounds
Answer: 26,001 pounds
A driver's license allows operating any vehicle or small truck under 26,001 pounds that is exempt from CDL requirements.