Driver’s License Manual. You will also have to perform a straight line back maneuver. Information on a straight-line backing can be found in Section 11 of the Commercial Driver’s License Manual. What will I be tested on? You must be able to visually inspect areas of the vehicle such as the tires, mirrors, lights, reflectors for
Commercial Driver's License Manual. How will the test be administered? The test will be administered by a PennDOT Driver License Examiner.
NON-COMMERCIAL CLASS A and B FACT SHEET April 2021 Individuals who currently hold a license or learner's permit 18 years of age or older and wish to upgrade their driving privilege to a non-commercial Class A or B need to apply for an additional learner's permit by completing a DL-31 Learner's Permit application. CLASS A (minimum age 18): Required to operate any combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, where the vehicle(s) being towed have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) in excess of 10,000 pounds. Example: A truck, with a GCWR of 28,000 pounds towing a vehicle or trailer with a GVWR of 11,000 pounds. The driver of the vehicle must have a Class A driver's license to operate this vehicle. CLASS B (minimum age 18): Required to operate any single vehicle with a GVWR in excess of 26,000 pounds or any such vehicle towing a trailer having a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 10,000 pounds. Example: Motor homes GVWR at 26,001 pounds or more that is not towing a vehicle or is towing a vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs or less would require the driver to have a Class B driver's license. DETERMINING IF A CLASS A OR B DRIVER'S LICENSE IS NEEDED How do I determine the GVWR of a vehicle? The GVWR is determined by the manufacture. Most motor vehicles have a plate in the door jam of the driver's door that will have the GVWR on it. For trailers there is usually a plate near the hitch that will indicate the GVWR. Can I register my vehicle for less than its GVWR so that I do not need a Class B driver's license? No, the vehicle registration card does not determine the class of license that is needed, the GVWR does. The GVWR cannot be changed. My truck and trailer have a GCWR of 28,000 pounds. Will I need to have a Class A driver's license? It depends on the trailer you are pulling. If the GCWR is 26,001 pounds or more, and the vehicle being towed has a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more you will need a Class A driver's license. If the trailer's GVWR is 10,000 pounds or less the vehicle can be operated with a Class B driver's license. The tow rating does not determine the Class, the actual vehicles in use does. I have a truck with a GVWR of 17,000 and a trailer with a GVWR of 11,000; however, the trailer will be empty. Do I still need a Class A driver's license? Yes. The GCWR in this case would be 28,000 lbs and because the trailer is over 10,000 lbs this would require a Class A license. Do I also need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) to operate a Class A or Class B vehicle? Not in all cases. The use of the vehicle determines whether or not a CDL is needed. If the vehicle is being used solely for recreational purposes a CDL is not required. For example, there is a truck and boat/recreational trailer that meets the definition of a Class A vehicle and it is used to transport the owner's boat to the ocean. If the owner is utilizing the boat for family recreation it is not needed. If the owner is charging for deep sea fishing trips the truck would need to be operated with a Class A CDL. THE LICENSING PROCESS I have a regular Class C license and wish to apply for a non-commercial Class A or B license, what do I need to do? You would complete a DL-31 Non-Commercial Learner's Permit application to add the Class A or B to your license. Bring the completed application along with a check or money order in the appropriate amount to any Driver License Center. Are there any fees? Yes, a $5.00 permit fee is required if you already have a non-commercial driver's license. Will I be required to take any tests? Yes, you will be required to take a general vision test and a skills test. Where do I take my road test? Once you have the permit, you may go online or call to schedule an appointment for your driver skills test at a Driver License Center. Class A and Class B tests are not conducted at all Driver License Centers. Testing is only administered at Driver License Centers capable of handling and accommodating larger vehicles. How do I prepare for the test? You must be able to operate the controls of the vehicle, such as the turn signals, 4-way flashers, windshield wipers, etc. If your vehicle has airbrakes, you must be able to check the system for leaks and proper operation. Information on checking the airbrake system can be found in Section 10 of the Commercial Driver's License Manual. You will also have to perform a straight line back maneuver. Information on a straight-line backing can be found in Section 11 of the Commercial Driver's License Manual. What will I be tested on? You must be able to visually inspect areas of the vehicle such as the tires, mirrors, lights, reflectors for anything unsafe and for major leaks. (Fluids, fuel, air, etc.). You will need to demonstrate you know how to use the vehicle controls, perform a straight line backing maneuver, and complete an airbrake check on the vehicle if the vehicle is equipped with air brakes. You will then be taken on the road for a driver skills test. For information related to air brakes and straight line backing please refer to Section 10 and 11 of the Commercial Driver's License Manual. How will the test be administered? The test will be administered by a PennDOT Driver License Examiner. What do I need to bring with me for my driver skills test? You will need to bring a vehicle equivalent to the class of license you are testing for. You will need the current VALID registration and insurance for the vehicle (photo copies will not be accepted). The vehicle must have a valid inspection sticker(s). You will also need to provide your learner permit and the license of the driver accompanying you. Do I need a licensed driver to accompany me? Yes. You must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age or a parent, guardian or spouse, who is at least 18 years of age who holds the appropriate class driver's license for the vehicle anytime you operate the vehicle. The accompanying driver must be seated in the seat right next to you. My permit expired. Can I receive another one? Yes. Submit a completed DL-31 (Application to Add/Extend/Replace Non-Commercial Learner's Permit) along with a $5 check or money order made payable to PennDOT. How do I get a replacement? Submit a completed DL-31 (Application to Add/Extend/Replace Non-Commercial Learner's permit) along with a $5 check or money order made payable to PennDOT. I applied for a replacement of my learner's permit, but I never received it? Contact the PennDOT Customer Call Center at 717-412-5300. If the issue date is within 90 days, and the permit was not returned to the Department as unclaimed, the customer must complete a DL-31 (Application to Add/Extend/Replace a Non-Commercial Learner's Permit) and have section D notarized. No fee is required. If issue date is after 90 days, customer must submit a DL31 (Application to Add/Extend/Replace a Non-Commercial Learner's Permit) along with a check or money order made payable to PennDOT. I do not have a Pennsylvania driver's license of any class. How do I apply for an initial Class A or B non-CDL license? You must obtain a learner's permit before you operate a motor vehicle in Pennsylvania. You will need to take and pass the Vision, Knowledge and Road Tests to get your driver's license. Complete the Non-Commercial Learner's Permit Application (DL-180) found on our website at www.dmv.pa.gov under the Forms and Publications link at the top of the page. Your health care provider must complete the back of the NonCommercial Learner's Permit Application (DL-180). The form must be completed by a Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.), Medical Doctor (M.D.), Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (C.R.N.P.), Physician Assistant (P.A.) or a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.). After studying bring the items listed below to the Driver License Center when you are ready to take your Knowledge Test: · Your completed Non-Commercial Learner's Permit Application (DL-180). Do not mail this form. · Proof of date of birth and identification. These documents must be originals (photocopies will not be accepted). The only acceptable proof of identification can be found on the back of the Non-Commercial Learner's Permit Application (DL-180). · Your Social Security card (card must be signed and not laminated). · Two proofs of residency: o Current Utility Bills (water, gas, electric, cable, etc.). (Note: Bills for mobile, cellular and pagers will not be accepted.) o Tax Records. o Lease Agreements. o W-2 Form. o Current Weapons Permit (U.S. Citizens only). o Mortgage Documents. · Your check or money order made payable to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) for the correct amount. Cash, debit or credit cards cannot be accepted. Information regarding driver and vehicle services is available on the Driver and Vehicle Services website at www.dmv.pa.gov or through our CUSTOMER CALL CENTER 24 hours if using a touchtone (pulse-tone) telephone. Service Representatives are available between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. - Monday through Friday For direct assistance except on major holidays: 1-717-412-5300 TDD 711Adobe PDF Library 15.0