Texas CDL Requirements

Please note that your state and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regularly update these CDL requirements. Please visit the Texas Department of Safety website and the FMCSA website for the most authoritative and up-to-date information regarding CDL requirements and processes.

Qualifying for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) requires training and testing to demonstrate that you are able to safely operate large commercial vehicles. There are three different classes of CDLs. Before you obtain your license, you will need to determine which of the three is necessary for the type of vehicle you will be operating. The three basic classes include:

Class A: Permits the holder to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle or vehicles towed exceeds 10,000 pounds. Examples of these types of vehicles may include: tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations, tractor-trailer buses, tanker vehicles, livestock carriers, and flatbeds.

Class B: Permits the holder to operate any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, and/or any vehicle with a GVWR OF 26,001 lbs. or heavier that is towing another vehicle weighing UP TO 10,000 lbs. Examples of these types of vehicles may include: straight trucks, large buses such as city, tourist, and school buses, segmented buses, box trucks such as delivery or courier trucks, and dump trucks with small trailers.

Class C: Permits the holder to operate any single vehicle or combination of vehicles that is not a Class A or B if the vehicle is designed to transport 16 to 23 passengers, including the driver, or used in the transportation of hazardous materials as designated by federal guidelines. Examples of these types of vehicles may include: small HAZMAT vehicles, passenger vans, and combination vehicles not described in classes A or B.

Before you are eligible to apply for a CDL in Texas, you must obtain a Commercial Driver License Permit (CLP). The permit must be held for at least 14 days, during which time you will be able to gain valuable driving experience. You can also find helpful instructional videos at dps.texas.gov, as well as information in the Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver’s Handbook, to assist you before you apply for your CLP. To apply, you must have a valid Texas driver’s License. In addition to your valid license, the Texas Department of Public Safety requires you to have:

CDL Documentation Requirements in Texas

• Proof of U.S. citizenship or evidence of lawful presence
• Proof of Texas residency
• Current form of identification and Social Security Number
• Self-Certification of Medical Status
• Medical Examiner’s Certificate (if required based on your self-certification type)
• Current Texas vehicle registration for each vehicle you own
• Proof of insurance for each vehicle you own

To apply for a CLP, you must pass the required knowledge tests for the class of license you are seeking as well as any endorsements. The tests include five sections: Texas Commercial Rules, General Knowledge, Combination (Class A only), Air Brake (if applicable), and Endorsements.

Drivers who have held their CLP for at least 14 days are eligible to complete the driving and written tests required for obtaining a CDL. To take the tests, the following steps must be taken:

Steps to Apply for a CDL in Texas

• Complete the CDL application before arriving at the driver’s license office of your choice (available at dps.texas.gov or any driver’s license office)
• Provide your application, proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, proof of Texas residency, identity, and Social Security number to the driver’s license office
• Pay the application fee at dps.texas.gov
• Provide your thumbprint and have your picture taken
• Pass the vision exam
• Pass all three required parts of the driving test:
  • Vehicle Inspection Test
  • Basic Vehicle Control Test
  • Road Test

Remember, the most important thing to remember when you receive a ticket is that you should never just pay the ticket or the court fees without first talking to a legal representative who understands trucking laws. While you want to maintain a clean driving record, unforeseen violations can happen. When they do, you need expert legal protection. Drivers Legal Plan, the Nation's Leading CDL Defense Law Firm, is ready to defend your rights and your career.