DMV & Licensing

Specialized & Licensing - DMV & Licensing

Advanced Topics

Specialized Licenses: Commercial and Motorcycle

Beyond the Standard License

Some vehicles and driving jobs require extra skills—and special licenses to match!

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

  • Needed to drive big vehicles like trucks or buses.
  • Requires extra written and skills tests.
  • Includes endorsements for things like hazardous materials (HazMat) or school buses.

Motorcycle License

  • Separate from a car license.
  • Involves a unique written test and a motorcycle-specific road test.
  • Safety gear, like helmets, is usually required.

Why Specialized Licenses?

These licenses make sure drivers have the expertise to safely operate more challenging vehicles.

Cool to Know

  • Some jobs, like delivery drivers or bus operators, require a CDL.
  • Motorcycling lets you enjoy the open road—but only with the right license!

Examples

  • Driving a semi-truck across the country with a CDL.

  • Earning a motorcycle license to ride a dirt bike legally.

In a Nutshell

Special licenses are needed for driving trucks, buses, or motorcycles.

Key Terms

CDL
Commercial Driver’s License for operating large or specialized vehicles.
Endorsement
An extra qualification added to a license for specific vehicles or cargo.