Section 1030.30  Classification Standards

Driver's License Classification System

All driver's licenses issued by the Office of the Secretary of State after April 1, 1990, shall be classified as to the kind and type of vehicles the holder is licensed to drive, as follows:

a)         Class A:  Any combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicles being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.  Holders of a Class A license may, with the appropriate or required endorsements, operate all vehicles within Class A, B, C and D, but are not authorized to operate motorcycles or motor-driven cycles.

b)         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 appropriate or required endorsements, operate all vehicles within Class B, C and D, but are not authorized to operate motorcycles or motor-driven cycles.

c)         Class C:

1)         Any Vehicle:

A)        with a GVWR of 16,001 or more pounds, but less than 26,001 pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR; or

B)        less than 26,001 pounds GVWR designed to transport 16 or more people including the driver or used in the transportation of hazardous materials that requires the vehicle to be placarded; or

C)        less than 26,001 pounds GVWR designed to transport 16 or more people including the driver or used in the transportation of hazardous materials that requires the vehicle to be placarded, towing a vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less or with a GCWR of less than 26,001 pounds.

2)         Holders of a Class C license may operate all vehicles within Class C and D, but are not authorized to operate motorcycles or motor-driven cycles. A Class C license is not required to operate rental vehicles when transporting an individual's own personal property or that of an immediate family member for non-business purposes within this State, if the individual has successfully completed a safety course regarding safe operation of the vehicle.

d)         Class D:  

1)         Any single vehicle:

A)        with a GVWR of 16,000 pounds or less that is not designed to transport 16 or more people or not used in the transportation of hazardous materials that would require the vehicle to be placarded; or

B)        with a GVWR of 16,000 pounds or less that is not designed to transport 16 or more people or not used in the transportation of hazardous materials that would require the vehicle to be placarded, towing any vehicle, providing the GCWR is less than 26,001 pounds.

2)         Holders of a Class D license may operate all vehicles within Class D, and may operate rental vehicles up to 26,000 pounds when transporting an individual's own personal property or that of an immediate family member for non-business purposes within the State, if the individual has successfully completed a safety course regarding the safe operation of the vehicle, but are not authorized to operate motorcycles or motor-driven cycles.

e)         Class L:  Any motor-driven cycle. 

f)         Class M:  Any motorcycle. 

(Source:  Amended at 33 Ill. Reg. 2391, effective January 21, 2009)