Virginia Drivers License Endorsements
In most situations, drivers license endorsements are used for granting you additional driving privileges without having you to apply for a different type of drivers license. Most of the Virginia driver's license endorsements apply to commercial drivers licenses and thus won't be useful to those who currently hold a regular class C license. However, there are exceptions to this trend, such as a motorcycle endorsement. A motorcycle endorsement can be added to any regular drivers license.
Virginia Driver License Endorsement Codes
Keep in mind that the list of Virginia driver's license endorsements that is presented here is not full and you may always contact the Department of Motor Vehicles for more details regarding any specific drivers license endorsement.
- H - Permits you to drive a vehicle that transports hazardous materials. This endorsement cannot be transferred from another state or foreign country. You must successfully complete the hazardous materials knowledge exam and background check.
- N - Permits you to drive a tank vehicle.
- P - Perrmits you to drive a passenger-carrying vehicle. You must take the road test in the class vehicle you wish to operate.
- S - Permits you to drive a school bus. This endorsement cannot be transferred from another state or foreign country. You must successfully complete the school bus knowledge exam and road skills test.
- T - Permits you to drive a vehicle towing a double or triple trailer.
To get the HazMat endorsement, you must pass a written test based on the information in Section 9 of the Virginia CDL drivers manual. You also will need a tank vehicle endorsement if you transport hazardous products in a cargo tank. If you apply for an original or renewal HazMat endorsement, you must undergo a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) federal security threat assessment (background records check). You start the TSA background records check after you apply for your CDL at DMV, successfully complete all appropriate law tests, and submit a valid medical form. You must submit fingerprints, a fee, and any additional required information to one of TSA’s designated agents.
Virginia Motorcycle Endorsement
You can either add a motorcycle endorsement to your existing Virginia driver's license or apply for a separate motorcycle driver's license if you do not currently hold a regular license. The application process is very similar to that of applying for a regular license - you will have to take a separate Virginia permit test, get a permit, than pass the Virginia driver's test and get your motorcycle drivers license. The permit test will be somewhat different from the regular one and will emphasize the regulations that apply to motorcycles. You may wish to take a few Virginia driver's practice tests to see if you are prepared for the exam. Signing up for a Virginia driver's education class is also not a bad idea if you have not competed the class yet.
Virginia License Restrictions
Apart from granting you additional driving privileges with these driver license endorsements, the DMV may also slap some restrictions onto your license. Virginia driver's license restrictions are used to discourage or prevent you from driving under certain conditions, for example, if you take the driving test on a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission, you are not allowed to drive a vehicle that is equipped with a regular manual gear shifter.
The following restrictions may apply to your Virginia CDL:
- J You may only operate a school/activity bus. You may not operate any other type of commercial motor vehicle.
- K You may not operate a vehicle with air brakes. If you plan to operate a vehicle with air brakes, you must take the air brakes knowledge test. You also must take the road test in a vehicle equipped with air brakes.
- L You may not operate a commercial motor vehicle outside of Virginia.
- M Operation of a passenger bus restricted to a Class B passenger vehicle.
- N Operation of a passenger bus restricted to a Class C passenger vehicle.
- Y You must wear corrective lenses when operating a commercial motor vehicle.
If you have questions about any specific Virginia drivers license endorsement, please contact your local DMV office for assistance.