A driver’s license allows you to legally drive or operate a motor vehicle. The rules and stipulations for obtaining one differ for each state, and there are multiple classifications of driver’s licenses that restrict how they can be used.

To be a professional driver, you need a commercial driver’s license along with endorsements that require additional training. Training and testing requirements for a commercial driver’s license are regulated at the federal government level.

A driver’s license is recognized statewide, which means that a license obtained in one state allows you to drive a vehicle in any other state in the country.

There is also an international driver’s license, which allows you to drive in other regions, however, to obtain one, you must have a valid driver’s license from your home country.

Obtaining a driver’s license is a straightforward process in most jurisdictions, however, for issuers and holders, a driver’s license is perhaps the most important document one can possess.

In most states, to get a driver’s license, you may first need to have a learner’s permit. The learner’s permit allows you to drive for a limited time while you practice or take driver’s education. The minimum required age ranges from 14 in some states to 17 in other states, and there may also be graduated licensing laws that restrict certain driving privileges. There are certain documents such as birth certificates and social security numbers that are required along with photo identification.

In some areas, the driver’s license test consists of both a written and behind-the-wheel driving test. It is now possible to practice or take the test online as many states now publish a drivers handbook that lists all the necessary qualifications required.

Getting tested is a simple procedure such as booking an appointment at your local Department of Motor Vehicles office. In many situations, a written and vision test is required when applying for an original driver’s license or moving to a different classification. A driver’s license generally expires five years after it is issued, and renewal notices are sent to addresses of record approximately two months before the expiration date.

Your license can be suspended and your driving privileges can be lost for a number of reasons that can include a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI). It is against the law to drive or operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) greater than 0.08% or 0.04% for commercial vehicles. In some states, you can be sentenced to serve up to 6 months in prison and monetary fines between $400 and $1000 plus 3 times the assessed fine in fines for a first conviction.

There has been considerable debate as to whether the revocation of driving privileges is constitutional or a successful deterrent to reduce DWI occurrences.

The driver’s license is now considered the most important document that you must have in your possession at all times, even when you are not driving. It is often used as the primary form of identification, as there are other forms of personal information that are attached to it and from which it can be retrieved.