A "normal" license is a non-commercial Class D license. That is, with a Class D, you can drive all the normal cars that you would normally drive out of your friendly Toyota dealer's show lot.* 

With that Class D license, you can also drive pretty much any vehicle that's less than 26,000 pounds, as long as you're not transporting hazardous materials or towing a trailer with a gross weight of over 10,000 pounds. You also can't drive a bus if it's designed to transport more than 15 people including the driver. 

So, what types of driving does that cover?

 

(Source)

• A recreational vehicle that is less than 26,000 pounds
• A giant van or mini bus that seats between 10 and 15 people
• A golf ball
• Your parents crazy

Note that farmers and drivers of authorized emergency vehicles who are exempt from obtaining a commercial driver's license are still required to obtain a Class D license.

Also, you're allowed to tow another vehicle, but you can't tow more than one vehicle at a time. That's just nonsensical.

Other License Classes

So, Class D is the biggie. It's the license most people have. But there are a ton of others that you can get. Check 'em out on Tennessee's website.

• Commercial Class B (CDL-B)
• Commercial Class C (CDL-C)
• Class M—The "M" stands for something that rhymes with "Shmotorcycle," obviously.
• Class F Endorsement—If your job requires you to transport persons or property in a regular Class D vehicle, then you need to hook yourself up with a Class F ("For-Hire") Endorsement. And while you're at it, can we get one large pepperoni, one medium sausage & pepper, and one order of garlic knots? K, thanks.

*This article is in no way affiliated with Toyota.