License Classes, Endorsements & Designations

Non-Commercial Driver Licenses

CLASS E: Any non-commercial motor vehicles with Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) less than 26,001 pounds, including passenger cars, 15 passenger vans including the driver, trucks or recreational vehicles and two or three wheel motor vehicles 50 cc or less, such as mopeds or small scooters. (see below). Farmers and drivers of authorized emergency vehicles who are exempt from obtaining a commercial driver license must obtain a Class E driver license.

Class E driver license restrictions for individuals under 21:

• 16 year olds can only drive between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., unless accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and occupies the front passenger seat, or the driver is traveling to or from work.
• 17 year olds Can only drive between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m., unless accompanied by a licensed  driver who is at least 21 years old and occupies the front passenger seat, or the driver is traveling to or from work.

CLASS E Learner’s License: Motor vehicles less than 8,000 pounds

• A learner’s license has the following conditions:

• Must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old occupying the closest seat to the right of the driver;
• Can only drive during daylight hours during the first three months from the original issue date and until 10:00 p.m., thereafter; and
• Are not allowed to operate motorcycles.

Motorcycles

For those authorized to operate motorcycle, the following abbreviation will appear on the front of the driver license under the expiration date: MOTORCYCLE ALSO or MOTORCYCLE ONLY. 

Previous Credential

the following abbreviation will appear on the front of the driver license under the expiration date: “MOTORCYCLE ALSO” or “MOTORCYCLE ONLY.” 

New Credential

On the new credential, available in select locations starting in August 2017,  motorcycle endorsements will no longer be spelled out on the front of Florida driver licenses. Motorcycle Also and Motorcycle Only endorsements have been added and are designated by an “A” or “O” in the endorsement field (“END”) located on the front of the card. They are also indicated by a “A-MTRCL Also” or “O-MTRCL Only” on the back of the card in the endorsement field (“END”).

For more information on how to obtain a motorcycle endorsement, click here.

Military

For military servicemembers and families, important information and assistance is available here.

Commercial Driver Licenses (CDL)

CLASS A: Trucks or truck combinations weighing with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 26,001 lbs. or more, provided towed vehicle is more than 10,000 lbs.

CLASS B: Straight trucks weighing 26,001 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or more.

CLASS C: Vehicles transporting placardable amounts of hazardous materials, or vehicles designed to transport more than 15 persons including the driver with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of less than 26,001 lbs.

CDL Exemptions

The following persons are exempt from the requirements to obtain a commercial driver license:

• Drivers of authorized emergency vehicles that are equipped with extraordinary audible warning devices that display red or blue lights and are on call to respond to emergencies;or
• Military personnel driving military vehicles; or
• Farmers transporting farm supplies or farm machinery, or transporting agricultural products to or from the first place of storage or processing or directly to or from market, within 150 miles of their farm; or
• Drivers of recreational vehicles used for recreational purposes; or
• Drivers who operate straight trucks (single units) that are exclusively transporting their own tangible personal property which is not for sale.
• An employee of a publicly owned transit system who is limited to moving vehicles for maintenance or parking purposes exclusively within the restricted-access confines of a transit system’s property.

Driver License Restrictions, Endorsements and Designations

Restrictions

The following restrictions have been removed from use on Florida driver licenses:

• Seat Cushion
• No Passengers on Motorcycle
• Education Purposes
• (CDL) Bus Only
• CMV <26,001 LBS. GVWR

These restrictions will remain valid on previously-issued credentials, but will no longer be added to any new credential issuances.

Endorsements

Designations

Several other designations may be listed on Florida driver licenses and ID cards in various locations.

DESIGNATION	SYMBOL	DESCRIPTION
Deaf/Hard of Hearing		Designation showing that the cardholder is deaf or hard of hearing
Developmentally Disabled		Designation showing that an ID cardholder is developmentally disabled
FWC Lifetime Boater		Lifetime Boater Safety endorsement from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
FWC Lifetime Freshwater		Lifetime FWC Freshwater Fishing License
FWC Lifetime Hunting		Lifetime FWC hunting license
FWC Lifetime Saltwater		Lifetime FWC Saltwater Fishing License
FWC Lifetime Sportsman’s		Lifetime FWC Sportsman's License
Insulin Dependent	INSULIN DEP	Designation showing that the cardholder is insulin dependent
Organ Donor		Designation showing that the cardholder wishes to be an organ donor through Donate Life Florida
Veteran		Designation showing that the cardholder is a veteran of the United States Armed Forces