Introduction
Earning a Commercial Driver’s License in Texas is a straightforward process once you know the milestones. You’ll start by deciding which class of CDL you need—A, B, or C—based on the vehicles you plan to drive and whether you’ll add endorsements like air brakes, passenger, school bus, or HAZMAT.
Texas follows federal rules and state-specific procedures, so you’ll work through a clear sequence: application, a commercial learner’s permit (CLP), entry-level driver training (ELDT) when required, and the three-part skills test. A CLP lets you practice on public roads with a qualified CDL holder beside you.
In Texas, you must hold that CLP for at least 14 days before you’re eligible for the skills test, and it’s valid for up to 180 days. During this time, you’ll study the Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver’s Handbook, pass your knowledge exams in the required order, and make sure your medical certification and self-certification category are set up correctly.
Costs are predictable: the CLP is $25, your full CDL is typically $97 for ages 18–84, and replacements or address changes are $11. If you add a HAZMAT endorsement, there are additional TSA background checks and a different renewal cycle to keep in mind. Budget for training as well if you’re a first-time Class A or B applicant, upgrading classes, or adding certain endorsements—because ELDT is mandatory for those scenarios.
Medical certification matters, too. You’ll choose your self-certification category (interstate or intrastate; excepted or non-excepted) and, in most cases, keep a current DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate on file. Plan ahead and keep documents current. Nail these basics and your path from permit to professional license becomes manageable and predictable.
1) What are the basic requirements to get a Texas CDL?
Texas issues three CDL classes: Class A for combinations over 26,001 lbs. with trailers over 10,000 lbs.; Class B for single vehicles over 26,001 lbs. or large buses; and Class C for certain passenger counts or placarded hazardous materials when the vehicle doesn’t meet A/B thresholds. Choose the class that matches your job, then confirm if you need endorsements (e.g., passenger, school bus, air brakes, HAZMAT).
You’ll need a valid Texas driver license, proof of identity, SSN, and (as applicable) lawful presence. You must self-certify the type of commercial driving you’ll do and, for most categories, maintain a current DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate. Age rules are simple: 18+ for intrastate and 21+ for interstate commerce or HAZMAT. Plan on passing a vision exam, multiple knowledge tests, and a three-part skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic control, and road test).
2) How do you qualify for a Texas Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)?
The CLP is your first major milestone. To qualify, you must hold a valid Texas driver license, bring required identification and SSN, complete the CDL application, be fingerprinted, have your photo taken, pass a vision exam, and pass the knowledge tests for your class and planned endorsements. Texas requires you to take knowledge exams in a set order: Texas Commercial Rules → General Knowledge → Combination (Class A only) → Air Brakes (if applicable) → Endorsements.
The CLP is valid for 180 days (or until your Texas DL expires, whichever comes first) and can generally be renewed once without re-testing if you act before it expires. While driving on a CLP, a qualified CDL holder (21+) with the same class must ride beside you. Most importantly, you must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before taking the skills test—use that time to get real seat time and, where required, complete ELDT so you’re eligible to test.
3) How long does it take to get a CDL in Texas?
Most candidates can complete the process in a few weeks to a few months. The timeline hinges on how quickly you move through key steps: passing your knowledge exams, holding the CLP for at least 14 days, completing any ELDT requirements, and scheduling your skills test at a DPS or approved third-party site.
If you study consistently and book early, you can compress the schedule. If you need additional practice or are adding endorsements like passenger or school bus, expect more training time. External factors matter: appointment availability can vary by location and season, and your readiness for the pre-trip, basic controls, and road test is a big determinant. Keep your medical certificate current to prevent setbacks—Texas can downgrade a CDL/CLP if the medical card lapses, which would add time to regain status.
4) How much does it cost to get a Texas CDL, including permit and testing?
State fees are transparent. As of 2025, typical fees include: CLP $25; CDL new or renewal (ages 18–84) $97; Replacement/Address change $11. A CDL with HAZMAT has a different renewal cycle and fee structure and you’ll also pay TSA for the required security threat assessment and fingerprints. Training costs vary by provider and program length; third-party skills testing may charge separate testing fees.
Don’t forget indirect costs: study materials, potential ELDT tuition if you’re a first-time Class A/B applicant or adding specific endorsements, and the expense of securing an appropriate vehicle for the skills test if your school or employer doesn’t provide one. Map these line items early. The more precisely you budget, the less likely surprise costs will delay your testing window.
5) Do you need Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) to get a Texas CDL?
In many cases, yes. ELDT is federally mandated for first-time Class A or Class B applicants, anyone upgrading to a higher class, and for first-time school bus (S), passenger (P), or HAZMAT (H) endorsements. You must complete theory and, where applicable, range/road training with an FMCSA-registered provider listed in the Training Provider Registry. Your completion is uploaded electronically; DPS checks that record before the skills (or knowledge, for H) tests.
If you already held a qualifying CDL or S/P/H endorsement before February 7, 2022, ELDT generally doesn’t apply to you for that same credential. Otherwise, plan ELDT into your schedule so it aligns with the 14-day CLP requirement, letting you transition straight into the skills test when eligible. This coordination is one of the simplest ways to shorten your permit-to-license timeline.
6) What tests are on the Texas CDL exam, and how do you pass them?
You’ll face two phases: knowledge and skills. Knowledge exams cover state commercial rules, general knowledge, and (as needed) combination vehicles and air brakes—plus any endorsements you want. Texas requires you to take knowledge tests in a specific order, so study accordingly. A passing strategy is to master the Commercial Rules and General Knowledge first, then layer on your class-specific sections and endorsements.
The skills test has three parts: vehicle inspection (pre-trip), basic vehicle control, and the road test. Texas uses the CDL Skills Test Modernization model, which standardizes test elements and provides a checklist for the pre-trip. Practice with the exact vehicle class you’ll test in; any mismatches can trigger restrictions (e.g., no air brakes). Rehearse pre-trip out loud to lock in order and phrasing. Smooth, deliberate control on backing and clear scanning and space management on the road are the hallmarks of a passing drive.
7) Can you get a Texas CDL at 18, and what restrictions apply?
Yes—18- to 20-year-olds can qualify for a Texas CDL, but they’re restricted to intrastate driving (within Texas). They cannot transport placarded hazardous materials and are limited from certain combinations and routes that fall under interstate commerce. To cross state lines or carry placarded hazmat, you must be 21+.
This path is popular for graduates moving quickly into local or regional roles—think construction, intrastate delivery, or municipal services. Use the 18–20 window to build seat time, polish your safety record, and line up employer training. When you turn 21, you can update your self-certification to non-excepted interstate, add endorsements if desired, and expand your job options beyond Texas. Keeping your medical card current and a clean MVR during these years pays off when you upgrade.
8) How do endorsements like HAZMAT, Passenger, and School Bus work in Texas?
Endorsements add privileges and earning potential. Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) require ELDT if first-time, knowledge testing, and a skills test in an appropriate vehicle. HAZMAT (H) is different: you’ll pass a knowledge exam and complete a TSA Security Threat Assessment, including fingerprints and background checks. Fees and renewal cycles for HME differ from standard CDL renewals.
Plan endorsement timing smartly. For P/S, train and test in the right vehicle class to avoid restrictions. For H, start the TSA process early—it can take time. Always verify that endorsements you seek match your employer’s equipment and routes so you’re testing on what you’ll actually drive.
9) What documents do you need to bring to DPS for your Texas CDL?
At minimum, bring proof of identity, Texas residency, SSN, and, if applicable, lawful presence. You’ll also complete the CDL application, be fingerprinted, photographed, and take a vision exam. Texas will ask you to self-certify your commercial operation category, and—based on that—keep a valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate on file. New residents surrendering an out-of-state license may need evidence of current vehicle registration and insurance or a statement if they don’t own a vehicle.
Double-check your documentation before you schedule to avoid repeat trips. If your medical card is required, make sure it’s valid through testing day and beyond; lapses can downgrade your CDL/CLP and force you to re-test. Keep copies of your self-certification form, medical card, ELDT completion (if required), and any endorsement paperwork—especially for HAZMAT—to move cleanly from CLP to full CDL.
10) How do you schedule and take the Texas CDL skills test?
After you’ve held your CLP at least 14 days and completed any ELDT, you can schedule a skills test at a DPS testing location or an approved Third-Party Skills Tester (TPST). You must supply a representative CMV for the class and endorsements you seek; testing in a vehicle without air brakes or with an automatic transmission can place restrictions on your CDL. The skills test comprises pre-trip inspection, basic control, and road segments.
Arrive early with all documents and your medical card (if required). Conduct your own pre-trip before you’re called to the pad—lights, leaks, tires, coupling, and safety equipment—so you start confident. On the pad, think “slow is smooth”: set up your backing carefully and use safe pull-ups. On the road, verbalize mirrors and space checks, protect your following distance, and manage speeds. Pass all three parts and you’ll be issued your Texas CDL after fees are paid and your record is updated.