What Class CM Means on Your Texas Driver's License

Class CM is a restricted commercial license for drivers who operate certain vehicles for hire

A Class CM license on a Texas driver's license means you are permitted to drive a motor coach — a large passenger vehicle designed to carry more than 15 people — but only within specific limits. Unlike a full Class A or Class B commercial license, a CM license restricts you to intrastate operation, meaning you cannot cross state lines while driving for hire. You also cannot haul hazardous materials or operate certain other commercial vehicles that require a full commercial endorsement.

The Texas Department of Public Safety issues Class CM licenses to drivers who meet medical, testing, and training requirements but do not need the broader authority of a standard commercial license. This class exists because motor coach operation — tour buses, shuttle services, and similar passenger transport — has distinct safety and regulatory needs that fall between regular passenger driving and full commercial trucking.

Key Takeaways

Class CM allows you to drive a motor coach carrying more than 15 passengers, but only within Texas and only for hire.
You must pass a written knowledge test, a skills test, and a medical examination to obtain or renew a Class CM license.
Class CM does not permit interstate commerce, hazardous materials transport, or operation of vehicles requiring a Class A or Class B license.
If you currently hold a Class CM and want to expand to interstate operation or other commercial work, you must upgrade to a Class A or Class B license through additional testing.

Who needs a Class CM license

You need a Class CM license if you operate a motor coach for compensation. This includes drivers of tour buses, charter buses, airport shuttles, hotel shuttles, and similar passenger-carrying vehicles. The vehicle must be designed to carry more than 15 people, and you must be driving it as part of your job or business — not straightforward transporting passengers as a private favor.

If you drive a smaller passenger van (15 people or fewer) for hire, you do not need a commercial license at all; a regular Class C license is sufficient. If you drive a motor coach but only for personal use and never accept payment, you also do not need a commercial license. The distinction hinges on both the vehicle size and whether compensation is involved.

Testing and medical requirements for Class CM

To obtain a Class CM license, you must pass a written knowledge test specific to motor coach operation. This test covers federal and state motor coach regulations, passenger safety procedures, vehicle inspection, and emergency response. The Texas Department of Public Safety publishes a study guide for this test, available on its website.

You must also pass a skills test — a practical driving examination conducted by a DPS examiner. This test evaluates your ability to operate the motor coach safely, including backing, turning, braking, and passenger loading procedures. Many applicants take a commercial driver training course before attempting the skills test, which can improve pass rates and sometimes reduce insurance premiums.

A medical examination by a certified medical examiner is required. The examiner checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall fitness to operate a commercial vehicle. You must meet federal medical standards, which are stricter than those for a regular driver's license. The medical certificate is valid for two years and must be renewed before your license expires.

Restrictions and what you cannot do with Class CM

A Class CM license is restricted to intrastate operation. You cannot legally drive a motor coach across state lines while operating under a Class CM license. If your job requires interstate travel — for example, a tour bus that crosses into Oklahoma or Louisiana — you must upgrade to a Class A or Class B commercial license.

You also cannot transport hazardous materials with a Class CM license. If your motor coach carries passengers and hazardous cargo, or if you need to haul hazardous materials separately, you must obtain the appropriate endorsement on a full commercial license. Additionally, Class CM does not permit you to operate other commercial vehicles such as tractor-trailers, dump trucks, or tanker trucks; those require Class A or Class B licenses.

How to obtain a Class CM license in Texas

Start by visiting your local Texas Department of Public Safety driver license office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence. You will need to complete an process form (DL-44) and pay the applicable fee, which varies depending on whether you are obtaining a new license or renewing an existing one.

Next, schedule your written knowledge test. You can take this test at the same DPS office where you explore. Study materials are available on the DPS website. Once you pass the written test, you will schedule a skills test, which is typically conducted at a designated testing location — sometimes the same office, sometimes a separate facility with a closed course or designated road route.

Before your skills test, you must obtain a medical certificate from a certified medical examiner. The DPS website lists approved examiners in your area. The medical examination usually takes 30 to 45 minutes and costs between $75 and $150, depending on the examiner.

After passing both the written and skills tests and submitting your medical certificate, the DPS will issue your Class CM license. The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks, depending on how quickly you schedule and pass each component.

Renewing a Class CM license

Class CM licenses expire every five years. To renew, you must visit a DPS office and provide your current license, proof of residency, and a new medical certificate. You do not have to retake the written or skills test unless your license was suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will be treated as a new applicant and must pass both the written and skills tests again. If you have had any traffic violations or accidents, the DPS may require additional documentation or testing before renewal.

Upgrading from Class CM to Class A or Class B

If your job changes and you now need to operate interstate or drive other types of commercial vehicles, you can upgrade your license. Visit a DPS office and request an upgrade process. You will need to pass the written knowledge test for the higher class and the skills test. Your current medical certificate may be valid for the upgrade, but confirm this with the DPS office.

The upgrade process is similar to obtaining a new commercial license but may be faster because you already hold a commercial license. Fees for upgrades are typically lower than fees for a new commercial license. The DPS can provide specific fee information when you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive a motor coach across state lines with a Class CM license?

No. Class CM is restricted to intrastate operation only. If you need to drive a motor coach across state lines, you must upgrade to a Class A or Class B commercial license. Operating across state lines with only a Class CM license is a violation and can result in fines and license suspension.

Do I need a Class CM license to drive a 15-passenger van?

No. A Class CM license is required only for vehicles designed to carry more than 15 people. A 15-passenger van (including the driver) does not require a commercial license. However, if the van is designed to carry 16 or more people, you need a Class CM license.

How long does the skills test take?

The skills test typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes. The examiner will have you perform various driving maneuvers, including backing, turning, braking, and parking. You will also demonstrate knowledge of pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger safety procedures. Exact timing varies by examiner and location.

What happens if I fail the written or skills test?

You can retake the test. Most DPS offices allow you to schedule another attempt within a few days or weeks. There is usually a fee for each test attempt. Many people take a commercial driver training course after failing to improve their knowledge and skills before trying again.

Is a Class CM license valid in other states?

A Class CM license is a Texas license and is recognized as a valid commercial license in other states for the purposes of driving through them. However, you cannot legally operate a motor coach for hire in another state using only a Texas Class CM license. Each state has its own commercial licensing requirements.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.