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ploiselle's avatar
ploiselle
Explorer
Mar 01, 2014

Drivers License renewal MA

Our Class A weights 31k. When I renewed my Class D Massachusetts drivers license online about a week ago, it clearly stated the Class D license was for vehicles less then 26,001 pounds. I received it today and on the back it only lists school buses as an exception. It does have a place for endorsements.

I do plan on calling the MA RMV Monday, but in the meantime does anyone know what is going on?

If I get stopped driving our RV out of state, I could get a ticket for driving without the proper license. Also, the class D description below seems to contradict what is on the back of my new license.

Thank you,
Paul
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From the MA RMV website.
Different Classes of Licenses

Class A- Any combination of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds. (Holders of a Class A license may, with any appropriate endorsements, operate all vehicles within Classes B, C, and D).

Class B- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR. (Holders of a Class B license may, with any appropriate endorsements, operate all vehicles within Classes B, C, and D).

Class C- Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is placarded for hazardous materials. (Holders of a Class C license may, with any appropriate endorsements, operate all vehicles within Classes C and D).

Class D- Any single passenger vehicle or combination, except a semi-trailer unit, truck-trailer combination, tractor, or truck with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 26,000 lbs., bus or school bus.

Class M- A motorcycle or any other motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the rider and designed to travel with no more than three wheels in contact with the ground.
  • Yup, 26,001 lbs is the magic number. I suspect eventually it will be in all 50 states as a standard. Right now it is in some states and not in others.
  • According to the description, you need a class B license, not a class D. It appears that you renewed the wrong class license and probably there is a different written test for a class B. Hope you get it straightened out before you get stopped and get a ticket. Good luck.
    You have probably been driving your Class A MH with the wrong class license all along and were not aware of it.
    One other thing if you have Air brakes you might need "air brake" endorsement to the class B

    On EDIT, disregard the above. I am wrong on this, I now believe I read the description wrong. I think you are OK with the class D because you are over 26001