- Non-commercial endorsements
- Commercial endorsements
What’s a non-commercial endorsement and when do you need one?
If you want to drive a certain type of vehicle (e.g., taxi) that’s NOT considered a commercial vehicle with your CT driver’s license, you need to get an endorsement from the DMV. An endorsement is an indication on your driver’s license that authorizes you to drive that specific vehicle, and also confirms that you’ve completed any additional requirements (such as vehicle-specific driver training).
Additional testing or training may be required to get a non-commercial endorsement. Please see the table below for details on the different types of non-commercial endorsement, related requirements, and endorsement restrictions.
Apply for or Maintain a Public Passenger Endorsement
Note: Some vehicles also require a special license, such as a commercial driver’s license (CDL). View CDL-related endorsements and restrictions.
Table of endorsement requirements:
| Endorsement type | Description (non-commercial) |
| A |
Activity vehicle
You need an endorsement before you operate a student transportation vehicle. |
| F |
Taxi, livery, service bus, motor bus, or motor coach: You need an “F” endorsement to operate a:
To apply, you will need to complete a Form R-7 and follow the instructions to get a PPE. Note: See commercial endorsements table for additional requirements if you have a CDL and you transport passengers. |
| M |
Motorcycle
You need an “M” endorsement to drive a motorcycle on certain public highways. With this endorsement, you can drive a two- or three-wheel motorcycle on normal roads and public highways. |
| Q |
Fire engine Fire fighters are exempt from commercial driver’s license requirements. Active fire fighters that are issued a certificate of training to operate a fire apparatus or present Forms R-296 and R-297 that show a passed skills test are eligible to apply for a “Q” endorsement. This endorsement on a Class D driver’s license (i.e., a non-commercial license) authorizes a fire fighter to operate a fire apparatus or fire engine.
Waiver for certain Q endorsement applicants: Public Act 24-14 authorizes the DMV to establish a waiver of fire apparatus skills testing for certain “Q” endorsement applicants, should they present certification of equivalent fire department training and experience gained via military service. The applicant must schedule an in-person appointment at a DMV office and present/submit the following:
|
| V |
Student transportation vehicle
You need a “V” endorsement if you drive a vehicle that’s used to transport students to and from school, including vehicles transporting special education students. You are required to provide an R360 training certificate for this endorsement. |
If you want to drive a certain type of vehicle (e.g., a school bus or semitruck) that’s considered a commercial vehicle with your CT commercial driver’s license (CDL), you need to get an endorsement from the DMV.
An endorsement is an indication on your CDL that authorizes you to drive that specific vehicle, and also confirms that you’ve completed any additional requirements (such as vehicle-specific driver training).
Additional testing or training may be required to get a commercial endorsement. Please see the table below for details on the different types of commercial endorsements, related requirements, and endorsement restrictions.
Don’t have a CDL? Learn more about endorsements available for non-commercial license holders or how to get a commercial driver’s license.
Note: The table below explains endorsements available for drivers with a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Table of endorsement requirements:
| Endorsement type | Description (commercial) |
| A |
Activity vehicle
You need an “A" endorsement to drive a student transportation vehicle. |
| F |
Taxi, livery, service bus, motor bus, or motor coach:You need an “F” endorsement to operate a:
To apply, you will need to complete a Form R-7 and follow the instructions to get a PPE. A Public Passenger Endorsement (“P”), also known as a PPE or public service license, is also required if the vehicle being driven requires a Class A, B or C CDL and is transporting passengers. Applicants or holders of a PPE need an acceptable driving record. |
| H |
Hazardous material drivers
You need an “H” endorsement if you drive a vehicle that transports hazardous materials, which are placarded.
|
| N |
Liquid bulk/tank cargo vehicle drivers You need an “N” endorsement if the vehicle being driven requires a Class A, B, or C CDL and is designed to haul a liquid or liquid gas in:
|
| P |
Passenger or transportation To apply, you will need to complete a Form R-7 and follow the instructions to get a PPE. You need a “P” Public Passenger Endorsement, also known as a PPE or public service license, if the vehicle being driven requires a Class A, B or C CDL and is transporting passengers. Applicants or holders of a PPE need an acceptable driving record. |
| S |
School bus You need an “S” endorsement to drive a school bus. Note that a Public Passenger Endorsement (“P”), also known as a PPE or public service license, is also required. Applicants or holders of a PPE need an acceptable driving record. To apply, you will need to complete a Form R-7 and follow the instructions to get a PPE. |
| T |
Doubles and triple tandem You need a “T” endorsement if the vehicle you drive requires a Class A CDL and is towing more than one trailer. |
| V | Student transportation vehicle
You need a “V” endorsement if you drive a vehicle that’s used to transport students to and from school, including vehicles transporting special education students. You are required to provide an R360 training certificate for this endorsement. |
| X | Hazardous material combined with a tank
You need an “X” endorsement if you drive a vehicle that transports hazardous materials in a tank. To get a hazardous material endorsement you must be:
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