How to Buy a Category A Driving Licence
While the majority of people are familiar with the standard driving license that allows you to drive a standard car, there are many other types of licenses available.
In New York, for example, a class-E licence is required to operate limousines or taxis. Additionally the class A CDL is required to operate vehicles that weigh more than 26,000 lbs unhitched, like 18-wheelers and livestock carriers.
What you need to know
While the majority of people buy vehicles with a driver's licence, there are instances when you might want to purchase an automobile without a license. For instance, you might be purchasing a car as a gift for a child who hasn't yet qualified to get their own driver's license. You might also be purchasing an automobile for an individual with disabilities who needs transportation but can't take out a loan. You can also purchase an antique car that doesn't require an operating license.
Your driving licence category, and the codes associated with it, reveal much more about you than what vehicles you're allowed to drive. Knowing these codes is essential so you can keep track on the types of vehicles you are allowed to drive.
In the United States, there are several different types of licenses you can hold. Drivers who plan to purchase vehicles or trucks require a driver's licence of class D or C. their explanation who plans to drive a bus, commercial vehicle or other large vehicle will require either a class B or class CDL driver's license.
There are also licenses designed for people who have to transport passengers in exchange for a fee. In New York, for example the class E driver's license allows drivers to operate taxis and livery cars. This class of license requires the driver to pass written, vision and road tests in order to be eligible for it.
Additionally, there are enhanced licenses available to citizens of the United States who want to travel into Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean without having to show their passport at border crossings and checkpoints. These licenses are typically only available to US citizens who have a valid driver's licence and an identity document like a birth certificate, passport or national ID card.
The other types of licenses include classes E and B. Class B is intended for drivers who want to operate recreational vehicles, buses, and trailers. In most states, this class of license is obtained by passing a written and a practical test. It can also be obtained by completing a class and passing a road test. You can also get the class-B licence if you have a valid class-A or class-D licence for a minimum period of three years.
What you can drive
A standard UK driving licence has categories that cover the types of vehicles that you can drive. It also contains important information about you.
A licence category A allows mopeds to operate with cylinder capacities of up to 125cc or 230kg. This also covers motor tricycles with power output up to 15kW. Physically disabled drivers may also gain provisional category A1 or an entitlement to a motor tricycle if they pass the relevant test.
Other categories of the standard UK driving licence include category C, which permits you to drive any vehicle that weighs up to 750kg max authorised mass (MAM). The category D licence has trailer entitlements for vehicles that have eight passenger seats that have a combined weight greater than 750kg. It is also possible to get a category D+E driver's license that grants trailer entitlement for any vehicle with more than 8 seats and has a combined weight of over 750kg.
You can select from a range of additional categories on your driving licence which will allow you drive in various weather conditions, or for commercial reasons. They are typically classified as a commercial driver's licence. In New York, for example chauffeurs must have an CDL in classes A and B if they want to drive limousines for commercial purposes. If you wish to use a limousine for private use, you can obtain a chauffeur license that is a simple one.
The type of work you perform will determine the type of licence needed to operate certain heavy or large vehicles. For instance, if you want to drive a large RV or motorhome with a trailer, you'll require a Class A commercial driver's license (CDL). A class A CDL permits the driver to operate any vehicle weighing more than 26,000 pounds unhitched and towing up to 10,000 pounds.
You can also obtain a class C CDL which permits you to operate small trucks, dump trucks, or delivery vans. The license can be further enhanced by obtaining the appropriate endorsements. Certain drivers of hazardous or heavy vehicles might be required to have a class B or A CDL.
What you aren't allowed to drive
In New York, drivers have to pass a written exam and a driving exam to be licensed. It can be difficult however it is essential to ensure safety and legal compliance. As a professional driver, I've helped many people from Buffalo to Montauk obtain their licenses. Understanding the differences between the different classes of licenses will aid you in ensuring that you receive the correct license to achieve your goals.
It's the time to upgrade your vehicle to a commercial class or a special classification if you would like to be more than the typical vehicle. This will require more testing, but could open up a whole new world of professional driving.
For example, a Class A CDL allows you to operate vehicles that have a weight rating of at least 26,001 pounds which includes a towed vehicle. This includes big-rig 18-wheelers as well as livestock carriers. You can also add endorsements to your CDL which permit you to drive additional kinds of vehicles, such as passenger vans or smaller HAZMAT trucks. Addition of an endorsement usually requires you to pass tests for knowledge and often, a skills test. These tests can be daunting however, I've seen plenty of determined New Yorkers pass these tests.
Where can I buy
The procedure and requirements for getting different classes of driver's licenses differ by location. In Pennsylvania, for example the non-commercial class C driving license is valid for your typical vehicle or truck. Class D is reserved for larger vehicles, including buses. Class B is for drivers who operate vehicles with a gross rating (RV, Motorhome) or tow another trailer. There are also endorsements for mopeds, motorcycles with sidecars and tricycles. It is often simpler to get a license in a lesser-powerful category first before moving on to the more powerful ones.
A higher-category license may require more tests and you'll have to pass a practical and theory test. This is a way to provide a motivation to begin by gaining experience with less powerful categories of vehicles.