It is such a privilege to drive wherever you want to go and have a getaway car to escape from any kind of problem. For most of us, that freedom starts with a non-CDL driver’s license. But exactly what is a non-CDL Class C license, and how do you get one? If any driver plans to travel along everyday roads easily, then he/she must know the very basics of this common yet essential license.
We’ll break down requirements and restrictions in this guide on a non-CDL Class C license, giving you a view for what you should do to hit the road safely and legally.
What is a Non CDL Class C License?
A non CDL class C license represents your basic driver’s license, which is appropriate for most of the vehicles. It can give you freedom for driving cars, SUVs, and small trucks, which is good for regular driving.
On the other hand, if you carry a Non-CDL Class C License then you are authorized to drive all types of vehicles with GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) less than 26,001 pounds (about the weight of a school bus). It grants flexibility to a person in daily commutes and family trips without problems associated with obtaining a commercial driver’s license. Said another way, if you just drive a regular passenger vehicle or small truck, then you won’t need anything more than just a non-CDL class C license.
What is the Difference Between a Commercial vs Noncommercial License?
The core difference between commercial vs noncommercial license is the type of vehicle you can operate via one of these. In commercial license you can drive vehicles such as truck trailer, buses or any passenger vehicle with the capacity of 16 or more passengers.
On the other hand, in non-commercial license, you can drive any vehicle that does not link with any load or trailer and passenger capacity is less than 15 people. In layman’s language if you are driving your own car, SUV, or anything for your own purpose then you will need a non-commercial license. A commercial license will be needed when your sole purpose is to get monetarily gain.
What are the Requirements to Get Your Non-CDL?
Getting your Non-CDL Class C license is quite easy provided you meet all the necessary requirements. Here are 6 requirements you need to meet in order to get your non-commercial license.
- Meet the age requirement – The basic requirement to get your non-commercial class c license is the age limit. In all US states the minimum age criteria is 18 years. However, if you are willing to do state line travel then you might have to wait until you get 21 years old.
- Fill out the application form – You need to head towards your nearest Department of Motor vehicle (DMV) and ask for the application form. Fill out all the details asked for and be careful to provide correct information.
- Take the written exam – This exam will not be the piece of cake so be prepared for it. You must answer questions about roads signs, traffic rules and safe driving practices.
- Show your driving skills – After completion and successfully passing the written exam, you need to show your driving skills. Your driving methods will be assessed in this particular round.
- Vision and heath test – Well, your eyes are the steering wheel of your body. A vision test will be conducted and a brief health test as well. You need to show your health certificates and medical forms to ensure you are fit for driving.
- Prove your identity – Now that all the initial process is completed. You need to submit your identity proof documents, and a thorough background check will be conducted to ensure no criminal backgrounds or any serious remarks by the state law.
What are the Restrictions of Non-CDL Class C Licenses?
Although a non-CDL class C license allows you to drive mostly all the usual vehicles but there are a few restrictions that you must not surpass:
- Vehicle weight limit – As mentioned above, a non–CDL class C license only allows you to drive a vehicle that is under 26,001 pounds. If you are driving a vehicle weighing more than this limit, then you need a commercial license for that.
- Passenger limit – You can only drive a vehicle with not more than 15 passengers.
- No commercial driving – If you are using your vehicle to transport goods or even passengers in order to earn money, then it will be against the rule of this specific license.
- Travelling to another state – If you drive to another state then you need to have a commercial license. Your non-CDL class C license does not have jurisdiction to allow state line travel.
Final Thoughts
Getting a non-CDL Class C license is quite easy despite the task sounding a bit daunting. Once you have the license, it opens the door to driving many vehicles. Following the requirements to get your license and knowing its restrictions will have you driving confidently on the road. Whether commuting to school, hitting the road for a weekend adventure, or just running errands, a Class C license gives you the freedom to drive legally in the US.
Remember if you are planning to start driving commercially, you need to have a commercial driving license. You can check out this blog cdl vs non cdl for better understanding.