How to get a CDL license in Texas

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Texas requires you to pass a written knowledge test, a skills test, and a medical examination, then submit your process to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). You cannot straightforward renew an existing license—you must explore for a CDL as a separate credential. The process takes several weeks from start to finish, and you must hold a valid Texas driver's license before you begin.

Texas issues three classes of CDL: Class A (tractor-trailers and combinations over 26,001 pounds), Class B (single vehicles over 26,001 pounds), and Class C (smaller commercial vehicles requiring a hazmat or passenger endorsement). Most people pursuing commercial driving careers need a Class A. The entire process—from medical exam to final testing—typically takes four to eight weeks, depending on how quickly you schedule appointments and pass your tests on the first attempt.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a valid Texas driver's license, pass a Department of Transportation medical exam, and obtain a Medical Certificate before you can test for a CDL.
  • The written knowledge test covers general CDL rules, air brakes, and combination vehicles (for Class A), and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • The skills test includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a backing maneuver, and an on-road driving portion, all conducted by a DPS examiner or an approved third-party tester.
  • You can prepare for the written test using the Texas CDL Manual, available free on the DPS website, and by taking practice tests online.
  • Third-party testing sites and CDL training schools can administer the skills test, but you must still submit your process and medical certificate directly to DPS.

Medical examination and the DOT certificate

Before you can take any CDL test, you must obtain a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certificate from a certified medical examiner. This is not optional—DPS will not issue a CDL without proof of a current medical certificate. The exam checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general health to may support you can safely operate a commercial vehicle.

You can find a certified medical examiner through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry website, which lists all approved examiners by state and county. The exam costs between $75 and $150, depending on the provider. Once you pass, the examiner issues a Medical Certificate valid for two years (or one year if you have certain medical conditions). You must carry this certificate with you when you go to DPS to explore for your CDL.

The written knowledge test

The CDL written test in Texas covers three main sections: general knowledge, air brakes, and combination vehicles (if you are pursuing a Class A). You must pass each section with a score of at least 80 percent. The test is administered at DPS driver license offices and takes about one hour to complete.

The Texas CDL Manual, available free as a PDF on the DPS website, contains all the material covered on the exam. Many people also use online practice tests to prepare; these are offered by third-party websites and some CDL training schools. You can take the written test as many times as you need, but you must wait one day between attempts if you fail. Once you pass all sections of the written test, you become permit-may be able to access and can request a CDL learner's permit, which allows you to practice driving a commercial vehicle with a licensed CDL holder in the passenger seat.

CDL training schools and third-party testing

Many people attend a CDL training school before taking the skills test. These schools teach hands-on backing maneuvers, pre-trip inspections, and on-road driving techniques specific to commercial vehicles. Training programs typically last four to eight weeks and cost between $3,000 and $7,000, though prices vary widely. Some schools offer job placement information after graduation, and some employers reimburse tuition if you commit to working for them for a set period.

Texas allows third-party testing sites—approved schools and testing centers—to administer the CDL skills test on behalf of DPS. This means you do not have to schedule a test at a DPS office; you can test at a school or approved facility instead. However, you still must submit your process, medical certificate, and written test results directly to DPS. Third-party testers cannot issue your license—they only conduct the skills exam and report results to DPS.

The skills test: what to expect

The CDL skills test has three parts: a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a backing maneuver, and an on-road driving test. The entire exam takes about 45 minutes to an hour. You must bring your own vehicle (or use one provided by a testing site or training school) that matches the class of CDL you are pursuing. For a Class A, you must use a tractor-trailer combination.

In the pre-trip inspection, you walk around the vehicle and point out safety features and potential problems while explaining what you are checking and why. The examiner is testing whether you know how to spot mechanical issues before driving. In the backing maneuver, you must reverse the vehicle into a marked space, demonstrating control and precision. The on-road portion includes normal driving, lane changes, turns, and emergency stops on public roads or a closed course, depending on where you test.

You must pass all three parts to pass the skills test. If you fail any section, you can retake the entire test, though you may need to wait a few days and pay another testing fee. Many people take multiple attempts, so do not assume you will pass on your first try.

Submitting your process to DPS

Once you have passed both the written and skills tests, you submit your CDL process to the Texas Department of Public Safety. You can explore in person at any DPS driver license office or by mail. The process requires your valid Texas driver's license, your Medical Certificate, proof of your written test results, and proof of your skills test results. You also need to provide your Social Security number and pay the CDL license fee, which is $97 for a five-year license.

If you explore in person, you can usually receive your CDL the same day or within a few days. If you explore by mail, allow two to three weeks for processing. DPS will mail your physical license to the address on file. You can check the status of your process on the DPS website using your driver's license number.

Endorsements and restrictions

Beyond the three CDL classes, Texas allows you to add endorsements to your license, which permit you to haul specific cargo or operate certain vehicle types. Common endorsements include H (hazardous materials), P (passenger), T (double/triple trailers), and N (tank vehicles). Each endorsement requires an additional written test. You can add endorsements when you first obtain your CDL or later by taking the endorsement test at a DPS office.

You may also have restrictions placed on your license if you fail certain parts of the skills test or if you have medical conditions that limit your driving. For example, if you fail the air brake test, you may receive a restriction that prohibits you from driving vehicles with air brakes. Restrictions can be removed by retaking the relevant test and passing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to attend a CDL training school, or can I test without one?

You can test without attending a formal school, but you must still pass the written and skills tests. Many people study the Texas CDL Manual on their own and practice with a mentor who holds a CDL. However, training schools teach techniques and safety practices that are difficult to learn without professional instruction, and many people find a school increases their chances of passing the skills test on the first attempt.

How long is a CDL valid in Texas?

A CDL is valid for five years from the date of issue. You must renew it before it expires. Renewal requires a new Medical Certificate and a written test, but you do not have to retake the skills test unless your license was suspended or revoked.

Can I get a CDL if I have a criminal record or traffic violations?

Some criminal convictions and traffic violations can disqualify you from obtaining a CDL or cause your process to be denied. DPS reviews your driving history and criminal background as part of the process process. If you have concerns, contact a DPS office or speak with a CDL training school before you begin the process.

What if I fail the skills test?

You can retake the skills test as many times as you need. You must pay the testing fee each time. Most testing sites require you to wait at least one business day between attempts. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after additional practice or training.

Do I need to take the written test again if I move to Texas from another state?

If you already hold a valid CDL from another state, you can transfer it to Texas without retaking the written test, provided your out-of-state license is still valid and you pass a Texas-specific test on Texas traffic laws. Contact DPS for details on the transfer process.