The five main license classes in Texas and what vehicles each covers

Texas issues five classes of driver's licenses, each permitting you to operate different types of vehicles. The class you need depends on what you plan to drive — a regular car, a motorcycle, a large truck, or a combination. When you pass your written test and road test, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues you the class that matches the vehicle category you tested in.

The five classes are Class A, Class B, Class C, Class M, and Class CD. Most people who drive cars hold a Class C license. If you want to drive a motorcycle, you need a Class M. If you plan to drive a large truck or tractor-trailer, you need a Class A or Class B, which requires additional testing and a commercial driver's license (CDL).

Key Takeaways

  • Class C is the standard license for cars, pickup trucks under 26,001 pounds, and most personal vehicles.
  • Class M is required to operate any motorcycle, including motorized bicycles over 50 cubic centimeters.
  • Class A and Class B are commercial licenses for trucks and require a CDL, additional written tests, and a skills test with the actual vehicle.
  • You can add endorsements to your license — such as Hazmat or Passenger — that expand what you're permitted to haul or transport.
  • Texas allows you to hold multiple license classes at once if you pass the tests for each one.

Class C: The standard license for personal vehicles

A Class C license is what most Texas drivers hold. It permits you to drive passenger cars, pickup trucks weighing 26,000 pounds or less, and most personal vehicles. You can also tow a trailer with a Class C license, as long as the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer does not exceed 26,000 pounds.

To get a Class C license, you must pass a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and road signs, pass a vision screening, and pass a driving skills test. You need to be at least 16 years old (with parental consent) or 18 years old (without consent). If you are under 18, you must also complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least six months before taking the road test.

Class M: The motorcycle license

A Class M license is required to operate any motorcycle in Texas. This includes standard motorcycles, cruisers, sport bikes, and motorized bicycles with engines larger than 50 cubic centimeters. You cannot legally ride a motorcycle on public roads without this endorsement on your license.

To obtain a Class M license, you must pass a written test specific to motorcycle operation and a riding skills test on an actual motorcycle. Many riders take a Motorcycle Safety Course approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) before testing; completing an approved course often waives the riding skills test requirement. You must be at least 16 years old to hold a Class M license.

Class A and Class B: Commercial truck licenses

A Class A license permits you to drive any single vehicle weighing more than 26,001 pounds, or any combination of vehicles (such as a tractor-trailer) where the combined weight exceeds 26,001 pounds. A Class B license permits you to drive a single vehicle weighing more than 26,001 pounds but does not allow you to tow a trailer. Both are commercial licenses and require a CDL.

To obtain a Class A or Class B license, you must pass a written CDL knowledge test, a pre-trip vehicle inspection test, and a driving skills test in the actual vehicle you will operate. The written test covers federal and state regulations, vehicle operation, and safety procedures. You must be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving (within Texas) or 21 years old for interstate driving (across state lines).

Class A and Class B licenses require medical certification through a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam. You must also pass a background check. The process typically takes several weeks from start to finish.

Class CD: Combination vehicle license for specific situations

A Class CD license is less common and applies to specific vehicle combinations. It permits you to drive a vehicle weighing more than 26,001 pounds towing a trailer, but only when the trailer weighs 10,000 pounds or less. This class is designed for operators of certain commercial vehicles that do not meet the full requirements of a Class A license.

The testing and medical requirements for Class CD are similar to those for Class A and Class B. You must pass the CDL knowledge test, the pre-trip inspection, and the driving skills test. You must also complete a DOT physical and pass a background check.

Endorsements: Adding permissions to your license

Once you hold a license class, you can add endorsements that expand what you are permitted to transport or operate. Common endorsements include Hazmat (hazardous materials), Passenger (for buses or vans carrying passengers for hire), and Tanker (for vehicles carrying liquid cargo in bulk). Each endorsement requires passing an additional written test specific to that endorsement.

Endorsements are most commonly added to Class A, Class B, and Class CD licenses for commercial drivers. Some endorsements, such as Passenger, can also be added to a Class C license if you plan to drive a passenger van or shuttle bus. You do not need an endorsement to tow a personal trailer with a Class C license.

Restrictions: Limitations that may appear on your license

Your license may also carry restrictions — limitations on when or how you can drive. Common restrictions include corrective lenses (you must wear glasses or contacts), automatic transmission only (you cannot drive a manual transmission vehicle), or daylight driving only (you cannot drive at night). Restrictions are typically imposed based on your medical history, age, or test performance.

If you fail the road test or have a medical condition that affects your driving, DPS may issue your license with restrictions. You can request a hearing to challenge a restriction, or you can work to remove it by retesting or providing updated medical documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold more than one license class at the same time?

Yes. You can hold a Class C and a Class M simultaneously if you pass the tests for both. You can also hold a Class A or Class B along with a Class C or Class M. Your license will show all the classes you are permitted to drive.

Do I need a CDL to drive a pickup truck?

No. A pickup truck weighing 26,000 pounds or less requires only a Class C license. If the truck weighs more than 26,000 pounds, you need a Class A or Class B CDL. Check your truck's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) on the driver's door jamb to determine which license you need.

What is the difference between Class A and Class B?

Class A permits you to drive any combination of vehicles (like a tractor-trailer), while Class B permits you to drive a single heavy vehicle but not tow a trailer. If you want to operate a tractor-trailer, you need Class A. If you want to drive only a single large truck, Class B is sufficient.

Can I take the motorcycle test without completing a safety course?

Yes, but most riders take an approved Motorcycle Safety Course first. Completing an approved course waives the riding skills test, so you only take the written test. Without the course, you must pass both the written test and the riding skills test.

How long does it take to get a commercial license?

The timeline varies. You must schedule your tests with DPS, which may have a wait depending on your location. Once you schedule, you typically complete the written test, pre-trip inspection, and driving skills test within a few weeks. The DOT physical and background check add additional time. Plan for at least four to eight weeks from start to finish.