Texas issues six types of driver's licenses, each permitting different vehicle categories

Texas divides driving privileges into six classes: Class A, Class B, Class M, Class CD, Class CDE, and Class E. Each class authorizes you to operate specific types of vehicles. The class you need depends on what you drive — a passenger car requires a different license than a commercial truck or motorcycle. Your age, medical history, and driving record all affect which class you can obtain and what restrictions may explore.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues all driver's licenses and determines class requirements based on federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (MCSA) standards for commercial vehicles and state law for non-commercial classes. Understanding which class matches your driving needs prevents you from operating a vehicle illegally and protects you from fines or license suspension.

Key Takeaways

  • Class E is the standard license for driving passenger cars, pickup trucks under 26,001 pounds, and most personal vehicles.
  • Class M is required to operate any motorcycle, including motorized bicycles above a certain engine size, and cannot be combined with other classes.
  • Class A and Class B are commercial licenses for drivers operating trucks or buses over certain weight thresholds and require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) exam.
  • Class CD and Class CDE are commercial licenses for lighter trucks and buses that do not require the full CDL testing process.
  • Restrictions such as corrective lenses, automatic transmission only, or daylight-only driving may be added to any license class based on your medical exam results or age.

Class E: The standard passenger vehicle license

Class E is the most common Texas driver's license. 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 E license as long as the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer does not exceed 26,000 pounds.

To obtain a Class E license, you must pass a written knowledge test, a driving skills test, and a vision screening. Texas requires you to be at least 16 years old to explore. If you are between 16 and 18, you may be subject to additional restrictions such as a learner's permit period or a curfew on when you can drive. Drivers aged 18 and older can obtain an unrestricted Class E license without a learner's permit phase.

A Class E license is valid for five years if you are under 85 years old, and two years if you are 85 or older. You renew it by mail, online, or in person at a DPS office.

Class M: Motorcycle and motorized bicycle license

Class M is required to operate any motorcycle in Texas. This includes street bikes, cruisers, sport bikes, and motorized bicycles with engines larger than 50 cubic centimeters. You cannot hold a Class M license together with any other driver's license class — it replaces all other classes while active.

To obtain a Class M license, you must pass a motorcycle-specific written test and a riding skills test on an actual motorcycle. Texas does not require you to complete a formal motorcycle safety course, though taking one may waive the riding test at some DPS offices. You must be at least 16 years old, though riders under 18 face additional restrictions such as helmet requirements and passenger limitations.

If you hold a Class E license and want to add motorcycle privileges, you can test for a Class M endorsement instead of converting entirely to Class M. However, once you convert to Class M, you lose the ability to drive passenger cars until you convert back to Class E.

Class A and Class B: Commercial truck and bus licenses

Class A and Class B are commercial driver's licenses (CDL) issued by Texas for operating heavy trucks and buses. Class A covers combination vehicles — a tractor pulling a trailer — where the trailer weighs more than 10,000 pounds. Class B covers single heavy vehicles such as dump trucks, cement mixers, or buses that weigh more than 26,001 pounds but are not towing a trailer heavier than 10,000 pounds.

Both Class A and Class B require you to pass the full Commercial Driver's License exam administered by DPS. This includes a written knowledge test specific to commercial vehicles, a pre-trip vehicle inspection test, and a behind-the-wheel driving test. You must also pass a medical examination by a certified medical examiner and obtain a Medical Certificate (Form MCSA-5875) before you can test.

You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class A or Class B license for intrastate driving (within Texas only) and 21 years old for interstate driving (across state lines). These licenses are valid for four years and require renewal at a DPS office in person.

Class CD and Class CDE: Lighter commercial vehicle licenses

Class CD and Class CDE are commercial licenses for drivers operating vehicles heavier than 26,001 pounds but lighter than the thresholds requiring a full CDL. Class CD covers single vehicles such as straight trucks or buses weighing more than 26,001 pounds. Class CDE covers combination vehicles where the trailer weighs 10,000 pounds or less.

Class CD and Class CDE do not require the full Commercial Driver's License exam. Instead, you take a written test specific to the vehicle type you will operate, pass a vision screening, and provide a Medical Certificate. The testing process is shorter and less involved than Class A or Class B, though you still must meet federal medical standards.

You must be at least 18 years old for intrastate Class CD or CDE driving and 21 years old for interstate. These licenses are valid for four years and must be renewed in person at a DPS office.

Restrictions and endorsements that modify your license

Texas adds restrictions to any driver's license class based on your medical exam results, age, or test performance. Common restrictions include corrective lenses (you must wear glasses or contacts while driving), automatic transmission only (you cannot drive a manual transmission vehicle), or daylight driving only (you cannot drive between sunset and sunrise).

Endorsements are additional privileges added to a commercial license. For example, a Class A driver can add an air brake endorsement if they pass an additional test, or a hazmat endorsement if they pass a background check and hazmat knowledge test. Endorsements expand what you are permitted to haul or operate but do not change your base license class.

You can request removal of a restriction by retesting with DPS. For example, if you were restricted to corrective lenses and later have vision correction surgery, you can take a new vision test to remove that restriction from your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. A Class M license permits only motorcycles and motorized bicycles. To drive a pickup truck, you must hold a Class E license. If you need both privileges, you must convert back to Class E, which means you lose motorcycle-only driving until you convert to Class M again.

What is the difference between Class A and Class B commercial licenses?

Class A covers combination vehicles (tractor and trailer) where the trailer weighs more than 10,000 pounds. Class B covers single heavy vehicles over 26,001 pounds that are not towing a heavy trailer. Both require the full CDL exam and medical certification.

Do I need a medical exam for a Class E passenger vehicle license?

No. A Class E license requires a vision screening but not a full medical exam. Only commercial license classes (A, B, CD, CDE) require a Medical Certificate from a certified medical examiner.

Can I add a motorcycle endorsement to my Class E license instead of switching to Class M?

No. Texas does not offer a motorcycle endorsement for Class E. You must convert entirely to Class M to ride a motorcycle legally. To drive both cars and motorcycles, you would need to switch back and forth between Class E and Class M.

How long is a Class A or Class B commercial license valid?

Commercial licenses (Class A, B, CD, CDE) are valid for four years. Class E passenger licenses are valid for five years if you are under 85, and two years if you are 85 or older.