M Restriction – Class B or C Passenger Vehicle

What is the M Restriction Class B or C Passenger Vehicle

An M restriction on a CDL indicates that the person is authorized to drive only Class B or C passenger vehicles. Because the driver has passed their passenger vehicle (P) endorsement test in a Class B or C vehicle. As such, they’re authorized to drive only Class B or C passenger vehicles. They are not permitted to operate Class A passenger vehicles, which typically involve larger passenger buses capable of carrying a higher number of passengers.

To elaborate, a Class B CDL holder with a passenger endorsement can operate any bus that is not articulated (or segmented), while a Class C CDL holder with a passenger endorsement can operate any passenger van or small bus designed to carry 16 to 23 passengers.

Implications of the M Restriction

The presence of an M restriction – Class B or C Passenger Vehicle on a CDL limits a driver’s employment opportunities to a certain extent. Drivers with an M restriction cannot operate larger, Class A passenger vehicles, which could exclude them from certain roles, like city bus driver or tour coach driver, which typically involve larger buses.

However, plenty of opportunities still exist for drivers of Class B and C passenger vehicles. These roles might include driving school buses, smaller shuttle buses, or specialized transportation vehicles for the elderly or disabled. Such roles can be found in a wide range of sectors, including education, public transportation, and healthcare.

Working within the M Restriction

The M restriction does not need to be a significant hindrance to a commercial driving career. There are many roles available for drivers of Class B and C passenger vehicles, and drivers with the M restriction can focus on these opportunities.

If a driver wishes to remove the M restriction from their license, they would need to take the passenger vehicle endorsement test in a Class A passenger vehicle and pass successfully. This demonstrates their competence in handling larger passenger vehicles, leading to the lifting of the restriction.
FMCSA on M restriction.