Not all states allow drivers to have a Class E license, and it is instead only available in some states, including Georgia, Florida, New York, Kentucky, Missouri, Louisiana, South Carolina, and New Jersey. In those states, Class E licenses could be a standard license to drive particular types of vehicles.
If you live in a state that doesn’t enforce a Class E license, you may not know very well what a Class E license is and how to get one. Before going to get a Class E license, you must know more about it first. Okay, let’s check out our post below!
What is a Class E License?
In some states, a Class E license acts as a basic driver’s license or a license only for every person who drives particular types of vehicles, such as cars, vans, trucks, or other specialized vehicles. A Class E license applies for both commercial and non-commercial purposes.
The purposes of having a Class E license will differ from one state to another. For example;
- In Florida, a Class E license could be a standard license to drive in one state.
- In New York, a Class E license is a specialized license for those who drive vehicles for hire.
Further, a Class E license could also be a license for passenger vehicles rather than a commercial driver’s license (CDL) for tractor trailers and other large commercial motor vehicles or school buses.
In some states like Florida, a Class E license can be used to drive any non-commercial motor vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) that is less than 26,001 pounds, such as passenger cars, trucks, or recreational vehicles; 15 passenger vans including the driver; and two- or three-wheel motor vehicles with a 50-cc or less engine, such as small scooters or mopeds.
In Florida, drivers of authorized emergency vehicles who are exempt from getting a commercial driver’s license have to get a Class E license. For those who drive their own vehicles or non-commercial vehicles for a living, they may have to upgrade to a Class E license to meet a state’s license requirements.
Read also: What is a Class D on Driver’s License?
How to Get a Class E License?
Just like the purposes of a Class E license, which vary from one state to another, the requirements and the process to get a Class E license also differ in every state. Basically, the drivers in the states we’ve mentioned above who need a Class E license have to visit their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for more information about the requirements and how to get one.
Here’s how!
Basic Requirements
In all states, applicants can submit an application to get a driver’s license (Class A, B, E, or F) if they meet the following requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Have a minimum of 3 months or 3,000 miles of driving experience that represents the driver’s license class for which they’re applying.
- Should have a valid driver’s license in a certain state.
Requirements Per State
Since the purposes of a Class E license are different from one state to another, the requirements to get a Class E license also differ.
In Florida
For those who want to get a Class E license in Florida, they should meet the following requirements:
- Taking and completing drug and alcohol courses
- Passing a hearing and vision test
- Passing a written exam and driving test
- Providing ID and any required documents to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) department
In New York
- For those who want to get a Class E license in New York, they should meet the following requirements:
- Providing the driver’s identity and date of birth to the DMV
- Filling out a MV-44 Form or an Application for Permit Driver driver’s license, or non-driver ID Card
In Louisiana
For those who want to get a Class E license in Louisiana, they should meet the following requirements:
- Completing a driver’s education course licensed by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety
- Completing six hours of pre-licensing instruction plus eight hours of behind-the-wheel instruction
- Providing the driver’s identity, such as a certificate of birth, current passport, or military ID
- Providing the SSN verification from the driver’s Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a printout from the SSA
Vehicle Restrictions
Every state really has restrictions to determine whether or not these vehicles are eligible for the drivers to get a Class E license. Basically, a Class E license is available for anyone who drives the following vehicles:
In Florida
- Cars
- Trucks
- Recreational Vehicles (RVs)
- Vans that accommodate up to 15 passengers, including the driver,
- Two or three-wheeled vehicles, like scooters or mopeds—motorcycle is exception.
In New York
- Taxis
- Limousines
- Vans
In Louisiana
- Vehicles under 10,001 pounds
- Farm vehicles that should only be operated by farmers
In Missouri
A Class E license in Missouri can only apply for-hire license only and the vehicles must:
- A vehicle that transports 14 passengers or less
- A vehicle that transports products for a business
- Vehicles owned by a business for transporting goods or other merchandise. The vehicles should have a 26,000 pound and less gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)
Steps to Get a Class E License
It’s important to note that the steps to get a Class E license will also differ from one state to another. Here, we’ll show you the general steps to getting a Class E vehicle in most states. Here’s how!
- After you’ve completed any requirements according to your state’s requirements, you need to bring them to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
- At the DMV, you need to show all your documents and fill out the form to apply for a Class E license. As we’ve mentioned, the kind of form will differ from one state to another.
- In some states like Florida, you may have to pass a vision exam and an applicable non-commercial knowledge exam.
- After that, you may be required to take a photo.
- Last, you need to apply and pay for your Class E license.
Congratulations! You will then get your Class E license within 2 weeks after filling out an application at the DMV. When it comes to the fee for a Class E license, the fee will vary from one state to another and also depend on the expiration date of your current driver’s license.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
