MV-500C Form – The official MV-500C form from the New York DMV is the complete reference for every driver license class, endorsement, and restriction in New York State. Revised in February 2026 (MV-500C 2/26), this two-page guide explains exactly what each license allows you to drive, what extra privileges endorsements add, and what limitations restrictions impose.
Whether you’re applying for a standard Class D license, upgrading to a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), adding a motorcycle endorsement, or checking restrictions on your current card, this guide breaks down the latest rules straight from the source.
Download the official MV-500C PDF here: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv500c.pdf
What Is the MV-500C Form?
The MV-500C is the New York DMV’s official “Driver License Class Descriptions” chart. It lists:
- Every license class (A, B, C, D, E, M, and junior versions)
- Minimum ages and vehicle types you may operate
- Towing limits and passenger rules
- All endorsement codes (printed after “E” on your license)
- All restriction codes (printed after “R” on your license)
Important 2026 update: After February 2026, existing Non-CDL Class C holders can add Farm (F/G) and Tow Truck (W) endorsements to a Class D or E license during their next transaction.
All classes can now be issued as “Enhanced” licenses without changing driving privileges.
New York Driver License Classes Explained
Class A License (Minimum Age 21)
Authorizes combination vehicles (tractor-trailer or truck-trailer) with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of more than 26,000 pounds, provided the towed vehicle(s) have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or GCWR over 10,000 pounds.
Towing note: Class B may tow vehicles ≤10,000 lbs GVWR or combinations where GCWR does not exceed 26,000 lbs.
Age 18 option available for intrastate only (no hazardous materials or school bus operation).
Class B License (Minimum Age 21)
Covers single-unit heavy trucks or buses with GVWR of 26,000 pounds or more that transport 15+ passengers, fall under Article 19-A, are stretch limousines, or carry hazardous materials.
Also allows combinations where the towed vehicle is 10,000 lbs or less (or GCWR ≤26,000 lbs total).
CDL Class C License (Minimum Age 21)
For single-unit vehicles with GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less that:
- Transport 15 or more passengers
- Operate under Article 19-A
- Are stretch limousines (9+ passengers including driver)
- Carry hazardous materials
Towing limit: Same as Class B (10,000 lbs or GCWR ≤26,000 lbs).
Class D License (Minimum Age 18; 17 with learner permit)
Standard passenger car and light truck license.
Covers vehicles with GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less. May tow a vehicle of 3,000 pounds or less. Also includes limited-use automobiles, Class B/C limited-use motorcycles, and RVs with GVWR ≤26,000 lbs. Subject to junior license restrictions if under 18.
Class DJ License (Minimum Age 16)
Junior version of Class D. Same vehicle privileges as Class D but with additional junior restrictions (e.g., passenger and nighttime limits).
Class E License (Minimum Age 18)
For taxis, livery vehicles, and similar for-hire passenger transport.
Covers single vehicles with GVWR ≤26,000 lbs used to transport 14 or fewer passengers for hire (excluding stretch limousines and Article 19-A vehicles). Towing privileges same as Class D.
Class M License (Minimum Age 18; 17 with learner permit)
Full motorcycle license. Includes 3-wheeled motor vehicles (2 wheels in front, 1 in back) that meet steering, seat belt, and non-straddle seating requirements.
Class MJ License (Minimum Age 16)
Junior motorcycle license with the same vehicle types as Class M but subject to junior restrictions.
Commercial Learner Permit (CLP)
Temporary permit limited to specific endorsements (M, N, P, S, W). Must be held before full CDL testing.
New York Driver License Endorsements (What Extra Privileges You Can Add)
Endorsements appear after “E” on your license and expand what you can drive:
- F – Farm Class A vehicles
- G – Farm Class B vehicles
- H – Hazardous Materials (requires TSA background check)
- M – Metal Coil
- N – Tank Vehicles
- P – Passenger Transport
- R – Recreational Vehicles (GVWR over 26,000 lbs)
- S – School Bus
- T – Doubles/Triples
- W – Tow Truck
- X – Tank/Hazmat combination
Note: After February 2026, Non-CDL C holders can move F, G, and W endorsements to Class D or E.
Full List of New York Driver License Restrictions
Restrictions appear after “R” on your license and limit what you can operate:
- A – Accel Left of Brake
- B – Corrective Lenses
- C – Mechanical Aid
- D – Prosthetic Device
- E – No Manual Transmission CMV
- E1 – Automatic Transmission only
- F – Outside Mirrors
- G – Daylight Driving Only
- I – Limited Use Auto MAX 40 MPH
- K – CDL Intrastate Only (no interstate commerce)
- L – No Airbrake Equipped CMV
- P – No Passengers in CMV Bus
- V – Medical Variance
- Z – No Full Airbrake Equipped CMV
- 4 – Telescopic Lens
- 5 – No Limited Access Roads
- And many more (A1 Temporary Visitor, A4 Ignition Interlock, etc.)
Full descriptions of every restriction code, including medical and commercial-specific ones, are printed on the back of your photo license.
How to Read Your New York Driver License?
Look at the front:
- Class letter (D, A, etc.)
- Endorsements after “E”
- Restrictions after “R”
The back of the card explains each code in plain English.
Why This Guide Matters in 2026?
New York’s license system follows federal CDL standards while adding state-specific rules for taxis, stretch limousines, farm vehicles, and tow trucks. Using the latest MV-500C (2/26) ensures you stay compliant and avoid violations that could suspend your license.
Pro tip: Always cross-check your license card against the current MV-500C PDF before driving a new vehicle type, especially for commercial or for-hire work.
Download the Official MV-500C Form
Get the most accurate, up-to-date chart directly from the source:
MV-500C Driver License Class Descriptions PDF
For more help, visit the New York DMV website or your local office. Safe driving starts with knowing exactly what your license allows!