The basic requirements to get a CDL in Texas

To get a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Texas, you must be at least 18 years old to drive within the state, or 21 if you plan to drive across state lines or haul hazardous materials. You need a valid Texas driver's license or learner's permit before you can test for a CDL. You'll also need to pass a medical exam and get a Medical Examiner's Certificate, which you submit to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) along with your CDL process.

Texas requires you to pass both a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test specific to the class of vehicle you want to drive. The written test covers traffic laws, safe driving practices, and rules specific to commercial vehicles. You take this test at a DPS office. The driving test happens with a DPS examiner who watches you operate the vehicle and evaluates your ability to handle it safely.

You'll also need to provide proof of Texas residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, or similar document with your name and a current address. Bring your Social Security number and any previous driver's licenses you've held, even from other states.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18 to drive a commercial vehicle in Texas, or 21 if you cross state lines or carry hazardous materials.
  • A valid Texas driver's license or learner's permit is required before you can test for a CDL.
  • You need a Medical Examiner's Certificate from a certified medical examiner before the DPS will issue your CDL.
  • You must pass both a written knowledge test and a practical driving test at a DPS office, and the practical test uses a real commercial vehicle.
  • Texas requires proof of residency and your Social Security number when you explore.

The medical exam and what disqualifies you

Before you explore for a CDL, you must visit a certified medical examiner — not your regular doctor. The examiner checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall physical condition. They're looking for conditions that could make it unsafe for you to operate a large vehicle, such as uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, or certain neurological conditions. The examiner fills out a form called the Medical Examination Report, which you then bring to the DPS.

Some conditions don't automatically disqualify you but require a special medical variance or waiver from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). If you have a condition the examiner flags, ask them whether you need a variance or whether you're straightforward disqualified. The examiner can tell you which path applies to your situation.

The Medical Examiner's Certificate is valid for two years. After that, you'll need a new exam to renew your CDL. If your medical condition changes between exams — for example, if you develop a seizure disorder or lose significant vision — you're required to report it to the DPS, and you may lose your CDL until you pass a new medical exam.

CDL classes and what each one lets you drive

Texas issues three classes of CDL: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Each class covers different vehicle weights and configurations, and you test separately for each one.

Class A covers the heaviest vehicles: combination trucks (a tractor pulling a trailer), where the trailer weighs more than 10,000 pounds. Most long-haul trucking jobs and many local delivery routes require a Class A. Class B covers single vehicles — like a straight truck or bus — that weigh more than 26,001 pounds but don't have a heavy trailer attached. Class C covers smaller commercial vehicles, usually those under 26,001 pounds, but only if you're transporting 16 or more passengers (including yourself) or carrying hazardous materials.

You can test for the class that matches the vehicle you'll actually drive. Many people start with Class B or Class C if that's the job they have, then test for Class A later if they want to move into tractor-trailer work. Each class requires its own written test and driving test.

Endorsements and restrictions you may need

Beyond the class of license, Texas adds endorsements to your CDL based on what you'll be hauling or who you'll be transporting. An endorsement is a letter code added to your license that shows you've passed additional testing. For example, the H endorsement means you can haul hazardous materials. The P endorsement means you can transport passengers. The T endorsement means you can pull double or triple trailers.

You don't need every endorsement — only the ones that match your job. If you're driving a delivery truck that doesn't carry hazmat or passengers, you may not need any endorsements. If you're driving a tour bus, you need the P endorsement. If you're hauling fuel or chemicals, you need the H endorsement. Each endorsement requires a separate written test at the DPS.

Texas also places restrictions on some licenses. A restriction limits what you can do with your CDL. For example, if you fail the air brake portion of the driving test but pass the rest, you'll get a restriction that says you can only drive vehicles with manual brakes. Restrictions are shown on your license and tell employers what you're not certified to do.

The written test: what to study

The CDL written test in Texas covers general knowledge that applies to all commercial drivers, plus knowledge specific to the class and endorsements you're testing for. The general knowledge section includes traffic laws, vehicle inspection, safe driving practices, and what to do in an emergency. You need to score at least 80 percent to pass.

If you're testing for a Class A, you'll also take a test on combination vehicles — how to couple and uncouple trailers, how weight distribution affects handling, and how to brake safely with a trailer. Class B and Class C have their own specific tests. If you're adding an endorsement like H (hazmat) or P (passenger), you take a separate test for that endorsement.

The DPS provides a CDL Study Guide free on its website. Many people also use third-party study materials, practice tests, and CDL training schools to prepare. The written test is computer-based at most DPS offices, and you get your score when ready after you finish.

The driving test and what examiners look for

The practical driving test happens at a DPS office with a certified examiner and uses an actual commercial vehicle — usually one provided by a CDL training school or the DPS. The test has three parts: a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and an on-road driving segment.

In the pre-trip inspection, you walk around the vehicle and point out safety features and potential problems — lights, brakes, tires, mirrors, coupling devices (if it's a combination vehicle). The examiner watches to see whether you know what to check and why. In basic vehicle control, you maneuver the vehicle in a closed course — backing up in a straight line, parking between cones, or turning in a tight space. This part tests whether you can handle the size and weight of the vehicle.

The on-road segment is usually 30 to 50 miles of actual driving on public roads. The examiner watches how you accelerate, brake, turn, merge, and respond to traffic. They're checking whether you follow traffic laws, maintain safe speed, use mirrors correctly, and handle the vehicle smoothly. You can fail the test if you commit a critical error — like running a red light, hitting a cone during the backing exercise, or losing control of the vehicle.

How long the process takes and what it costs

The timeline depends on how quickly you prepare and how soon you can schedule your tests. The written test can usually be scheduled within a few days at a DPS office. The driving test often has a longer wait — sometimes two to four weeks depending on how many examiners are available in your area and how busy the office is. If you fail either test, you can retake it, but you'll need to schedule another appointment and pay the fee again.

Texas charges a fee for the CDL written test and a separate fee for the driving test. The exact amounts vary and change periodically, so check the DPS website for current fees. You'll also pay for the Medical Examiner's Certificate, which is charged by the medical examiner and is not a DPS fee — this typically costs between $50 and $150 depending on which examiner you visit.

Many people attend a CDL training school before testing, which adds to the overall cost and timeline but increases the chance of passing the driving test on the first attempt. Training schools in Texas range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on how long the program is and what it includes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to go to a CDL training school, or can I test on my own?

Texas does not require formal training — you can study on your own and test directly at the DPS. However, you need access to a commercial vehicle to practice and to take the driving test. Many people use a training school because the school provides the vehicle, instruction, and practice time. If you already have access to a commercial vehicle and someone experienced to teach you, you can skip the school.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it. You'll need to schedule another appointment at a DPS office and pay the test fee again. There's no limit on how many times you can retake the test in Texas, but each attempt costs money and requires scheduling. Many people pass on the second or third attempt after more practice.

Can I get a CDL if I have a criminal record?

Texas does not automatically disqualify people with criminal records from getting a CDL. However, certain convictions — particularly those involving drugs or driving under the influence — can affect your ability to get hired by trucking companies or to haul hazardous materials. The DPS will issue the license if you meet the medical and testing requirements, but employers may have their own background check policies.

How long is a CDL valid in Texas?

A CDL is valid for five years from the date it's issued. You'll need to renew it before it expires. When you renew, you must pass a new Medical Examiner's Certificate and may need to retake the written test, depending on whether your license class or endorsements have changed.

What's the difference between a CDL permit and a CDL license?

A CDL permit (also called a Commercial Learner's Permit or CLP) is what you get after passing the written test but before passing the driving test. With a permit, you can practice driving a commercial vehicle, but you must have a licensed CDL driver in the seat next to you. Once you pass the driving test, you get the full CDL license and can drive commercially on your own.