What a Texas Commercial Driver's License Is and Who Needs One
A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Texas is a special driver's license that lets you operate heavy trucks, buses, or vehicles carrying hazardous materials for pay. You need one if your job involves driving a vehicle that weighs more than 26,001 pounds, or any vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver), or a smaller vehicle that carries hazardous materials requiring a placard.
The key word is "for pay" — if you drive a heavy vehicle only for personal use, you do not need a CDL. But if your employer pays you to drive it, or if you own a trucking business, Texas law requires you to hold a valid CDL before you get behind the wheel. Driving without one when you are required to have one is a criminal offense in Texas.
Texas issues CDLs through the Department of Public Safety (DPS). The process involves written tests, a skills test, and a medical examination. The whole timeline typically runs 4 to 8 weeks from start to finish, depending on how quickly you schedule your tests and how many attempts you need.
Key Takeaways
- You must pass a medical examination by a DPS-certified examiner before you can take any CDL test in Texas.
- The written test covers general CDL knowledge plus any endorsements you are pursuing, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
- The skills test includes a pre-trip inspection, a basic control test, and a road test, all performed in the vehicle you will be driving.
- Texas charges a one-time CDL fee of $120 and a renewal fee of $60 every five years.
- You can take the written tests at any DPS office, but the skills test must be scheduled at a DPS-authorized testing location.
The Medical Examination You Must Complete First
Before you take any CDL test in Texas, you must pass a medical examination performed by a DPS-certified medical examiner. This is not optional — DPS will not let you schedule a written test without proof that you have passed this exam. The examiner checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general physical fitness to operate a commercial vehicle safely.
You can find a certified examiner through the DPS website or by calling your local DPS office. The exam costs between $50 and $150 depending on the examiner, and you pay out of pocket. Once you pass, the examiner gives you a Medical Certificate (also called a CVSA medical card) that is valid for two years. You bring this certificate with you when you go to take your written test.
If you fail the medical exam, you can retake it with a different examiner. Some conditions — like uncorrected vision problems or certain heart conditions — may disqualify you permanently, but the examiner will tell you if that is the case.
The Written Tests: General Knowledge and Endorsement Tests
Texas requires you to pass a General Knowledge test that covers safe driving practices, vehicle inspection, and commercial driving regulations. You must score at least 80 percent. The test has 50 questions and takes about 1 hour. You take this test at any DPS office during regular business hours — no appointment needed in most locations, though some offices accept appointments online.
If you are pursuing a specific endorsement (like Hazmat, Tanker, or Passenger), you must also pass the written test for that endorsement on the same day or a different day — you choose. Each endorsement test covers the rules and safety practices specific to that type of cargo or vehicle. You can take multiple endorsement tests in one visit if you want.
You can take the written tests as many times as you need to pass. There is no limit on retakes, but you must wait at least one day between attempts. Bring your Medical Certificate, your current Texas driver's license, and proof of Texas residency (a utility bill or lease works).
The Skills Test: What Happens on Test Day
Once you pass the written tests, you schedule a skills test at a DPS-authorized testing location. This test has three parts, all performed in the actual truck or bus you will be driving on the job. You must bring the vehicle itself — you cannot use a test vehicle provided by DPS.
The first part is the pre-trip inspection. The examiner asks you to walk around the vehicle and point out and explain the condition of critical safety items: brakes, lights, tires, mirrors, coupling devices (if applicable), and emergency equipment. You do not have to fix anything, but you must know where everything is and what it does. This part takes about 15 minutes.
The second part is the basic control test, where you demonstrate that you can maneuver the vehicle in a controlled setting. You perform tasks like backing in a straight line, backing into an offset alley, and making a 90-degree turn. The examiner watches from outside the vehicle and scores you on accuracy and safety. This takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
The third part is the road test, where you drive the vehicle on public roads for about 30 to 45 minutes while the examiner sits in the passenger seat. The examiner watches how you handle acceleration, braking, turning, lane changes, and how you respond to traffic and road conditions. You must follow all traffic laws and demonstrate safe, smooth control of the vehicle.
Scheduling Your Tests and What to Bring
To schedule your written tests, visit a DPS office in person or go online through the DPS website. Most offices do not require an appointment for written tests, but you can reserve a time slot online if your local office offers it. Bring your Medical Certificate, your current Texas driver's license, and proof of residency.
To schedule your skills test, you must contact a DPS-authorized testing location directly — you cannot book online. These locations are separate from regular DPS offices. A DPS staff member at your written test can give you a list of authorized locations near you, or you can find them on the DPS website. Call ahead to schedule; wait times vary from a few days to several weeks depending on the location and the season.
For the skills test, bring your Medical Certificate, your current Texas driver's license, proof of residency, and the vehicle you will be tested in. The vehicle must be in safe working condition and must match the class of CDL you are pursuing (for example, if you are testing for a Class A CDL, the vehicle must be a heavy tractor-trailer).
CDL Classes and What Each One Allows You to Drive
Texas issues three classes of CDL based on the vehicle's weight and design. Class A covers any combination of vehicles where the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds — this is the standard for tractor-trailers and is the most common class. Class B covers single vehicles weighing more than 26,001 pounds but where any towed vehicle weighs 10,000 pounds or less — this includes dump trucks and straight trucks. Class C covers vehicles weighing 26,001 pounds or less but designed to carry 16 or more passengers, or any vehicle carrying hazardous materials.
You take the same written and skills tests regardless of class, but the vehicle you bring for the skills test must match the class you are pursuing. If you want to drive multiple classes of vehicles, you can pursue multiple classes, but you must pass the skills test in each one.
Costs and Timeline
The medical examination costs $50 to $150 and is valid for two years. The written test is free. The skills test is free. The CDL itself costs $120 for a five-year license. If you renew, the renewal fee is $60. Some testing locations may charge a small fee to schedule the skills test, typically $10 to $25, but this varies.
The entire process from medical exam to passing the skills test usually takes 4 to 8 weeks. The medical exam can be done within a few days. The written tests can be taken within a week or two. The skills test is usually the longest wait — scheduling can take 2 to 6 weeks depending on demand at your local testing location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written tests before I get the medical exam?
No. DPS will not let you schedule or take any written test without proof of a passing medical examination. You must complete the medical exam first, get your Medical Certificate, and bring it with you to the DPS office.
What happens if I fail the skills test?
You can retake it. There is no limit on how many times you can attempt the skills test, but you must wait at least one day between attempts. You do not have to retake the written tests — once you pass those, they stay passed. You do need to bring the same vehicle (or a similar one in the same class) for your next attempt.
Do I need to take a CDL test if I already have a regular driver's license?
Yes. A regular Texas driver's license does not cover commercial driving. You must pass the medical exam, written tests, and skills test to get a CDL, even if you have been driving for decades. Your regular license does not count toward a CDL.
Can I use someone else's truck for the skills test?
Yes, as long as the truck is in safe working condition and matches the class of CDL you are pursuing. Many people borrow a truck from their employer or a friend. The vehicle does not have to be registered to you, but it must be legally operable and insured.
How long is a Texas CDL valid?
A CDL is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You can renew it by visiting a DPS office, paying the $60 renewal fee, and passing a new medical examination. You do not have to retake the written or skills tests to renew.