The Five Main License Classes in Texas

Texas issues five different driver's license classes, each one permitting you to operate a specific category of vehicle. The class you hold determines what you're legally allowed to drive on public roads. Most people hold a Class C license, which covers standard passenger cars, pickup trucks, and vans. The other classes — A, B, M, and CD — cover larger commercial vehicles, motorcycles, or combinations of both.

Your license class is printed on the front of your card in the upper right corner. If you drive a vehicle heavier or larger than what your current class permits, you need to upgrade before you get behind the wheel. Driving with the wrong class is a traffic violation and can result in a fine.

Key Takeaways

  • Class C is the standard license for cars, pickup trucks, and vans under 26,001 pounds.
  • Class A and Class B licenses are for commercial vehicles and require a written knowledge test and a driving skills test.
  • Class M is specifically for motorcycles and mopeds, and requires a separate endorsement or a standalone motorcycle license.
  • Class CD combines commercial vehicle privileges with the ability to drive a motorcycle, though it is rarely held by individual drivers.
  • You can hold multiple license classes at the same time, such as Class C plus Class M.

Class C: The Standard Passenger Vehicle License

Class C is the most common license in Texas. It permits you to drive passenger cars, pickup trucks, vans, and other non-commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or less. If you have a Class C license and want to tow a trailer, the combined weight of your vehicle and trailer cannot exceed 30,000 pounds.

You get a Class C license when you pass the written knowledge test and the driving skills test at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. There is no separate commercial endorsement required. A Class C license is valid for eight years for drivers under 85 years old, and four years for drivers 85 and older.

Class A: Heavy Combination Vehicles

Class A is for drivers who operate combination vehicles — typically a tractor pulling a trailer — where the trailer weighs more than 10,000 pounds. This includes semi-trucks, tanker trucks, and flatbed rigs commonly seen on highways. The total weight of a Class A vehicle and its cargo can exceed 26,001 pounds.

To get a Class A license, you must first hold a valid Class C license. You then take a written knowledge test specific to commercial driving, pass a pre-trip vehicle inspection test, and pass a road skills test in an actual Class A vehicle. Texas also requires you to pass a medical examination and obtain a medical certificate from a certified examiner. The testing process typically takes several hours and must be completed at a DPS office.

Class B: Single Large Commercial Vehicles

Class B covers single commercial vehicles — not combinations — that weigh more than 26,001 pounds. This includes large straight trucks, city buses, and dump trucks. A Class B vehicle does not tow a trailer; it is a single unit.

The requirements to obtain a Class B license are similar to Class A: you must hold a Class C first, pass a written knowledge test, pass a vehicle inspection test, and pass a road skills test in an actual Class B vehicle. You also need a medical certificate. Like Class A, the full testing process is done at a DPS office and usually takes several hours.

Class M: Motorcycles and Mopeds

Class M is for motorcycles and mopeds. In Texas, you can get a standalone Class M license without holding a Class C license first. You can also add a motorcycle endorsement (called an "M" endorsement) to an existing Class C license, which allows you to operate both passenger vehicles and motorcycles under the same license card.

To obtain a Class M license or endorsement, you must pass a written knowledge test about motorcycle operation and pass a riding skills test on an actual motorcycle. You do not need a medical certificate for a motorcycle license. Many riders take a motorcycle safety course through the Texas Motorcycle Safety Program, which can waive the riding skills test if you pass the course. A Class M license is valid for eight years.

Class CD: Commercial Motorcycle License

Class CD is a commercial motorcycle license that combines Class C passenger vehicle privileges with motorcycle operation. This class is extremely rare and is typically held only by people who operate motorcycles for commercial purposes, such as motorcycle taxi services or delivery riders. Most individual riders hold either a Class C with an M endorsement or a standalone Class M license instead.

The requirements for Class CD are the same as Class A or B — you must pass a written knowledge test, a vehicle inspection test, a road skills test, and obtain a medical certificate. Because it is so uncommon, not all DPS offices may be equipped to test for this class, so you may need to contact your local office first.

How to Change or Add a License Class

If you already hold a Class C license and want to upgrade to Class A or B, you do not need to renew your entire license. Instead, you can add the new class by visiting a DPS office, paying the appropriate fee, and passing the required tests. Your existing Class C remains valid, and the new class is added to your license card.

If you hold a Class C and want to add a motorcycle endorsement, the process is the same: visit a DPS office, pay the fee, and pass the motorcycle knowledge and skills tests. You will receive a new license card with both Class C and the M endorsement printed on it. You do not have to wait for your current license to expire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive a pickup truck with a Class M motorcycle license?

No. A Class M license only permits you to operate motorcycles and mopeds. To drive a pickup truck, you need at least a Class C license. If you want both privileges, you can add an M endorsement to your Class C license, which gives you both passenger vehicle and motorcycle privileges on one card.

Do I need a medical certificate for a Class C license?

No. A medical certificate is required only for Class A, B, and CD commercial licenses. Class C and Class M licenses do not require a medical exam, though you must meet basic vision and hearing standards during the written and skills tests.

What happens if I drive a vehicle that is too heavy for my license class?

You can be cited for driving without the proper license class. This is a traffic violation that can result in a fine. If you regularly drive a vehicle heavier than your current class permits, you need to upgrade your license before driving that vehicle again.

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

Yes. You can hold Class C plus Class M, or Class C plus Class A, or any combination. All your license classes are printed on a single license card. You do not need separate cards for each class.

How long does it take to get a Class A or B license?

The testing process itself — knowledge test, vehicle inspection, and skills test — typically takes three to four hours at a DPS office. However, you may need to schedule an appointment in advance, and wait times vary by location. Some offices have same-day appointments available, while others may have a wait of several weeks.