Texas CDL Endorsements And Restrictions

In Texas, the government can grant endorsements to certain special categories of drivers, allowing them to perform sensitive tasks not covered by standard license conditions. Consider it the inverse of a license restriction issued more frequently and targets carriers for extra scrutiny. A DPS endorsement indicates that you have been deemed deserving of special driving privileges.

CDL Endorsement Codes and Descriptions

Endorsements have legal weight and allow you to participate in work requiring special permission, but they can be revoked if any conditions are broken. Drivers who have been DPS-endorsed are held to a higher standard, so be especially mindful of your driving habits. If you want to apply for a job that requires a driver's license endorsement, make sure you meet all of the requirements first. The following is a list of Texas License Endorsements:

H - Texas Hazardous Materials Endorsement (Knowledge test only)

  • Prepare for the written Texas Hazardous Materials Endorsement CDL tests.
  • This endorsement code allows the driver to transport hazardous materials, requiring special training and close supervision. It is only available to those with a commercial driver's license (CDL).

N - Texas Tank Vehicle Endorsement (Knowledge test only)

  • Prepare for the written Texas Tank Vehicle Endorsement CDL tests.
  • This endorsement code allows the driver to operate a tank vehicle, requiring specialized training not provided by a standard driver's education course. It is only available to CDL holders.

P - Texas Passenger Endorsement (Knowledge and Skills Tests)

  • Prepare for the Texas CDL written tests for Passenger Endorsement.
  • This endorsement code allows the driver to operate a passenger vehicle, such as a city bus. It necessitates training in passenger safety as well as large vehicle maneuvering. It is only available to CDL holders.

S - Texas School Bus Endorsement (Knowledge and Skills Tests)

  • Prepare for the CDL written tests for Texas School Bus Endorsement.
  • This endorsement code allows the driver to operate a school bus, a job with high expectations from children, parents, the community, and the government. It is only available to CDL holders.

T - Texas Double/Triple Trailers Endorsement (Knowledge test only)

  • Prepare for the Texas CDL written tests for the Double/Triple Trailers Endorsement.
  • This endorsement code allows the driver to tow two (also known as double) or three (also known as triple) trailers of a specified weight. Non-commercial drivers can only obtain this DPS endorsement.

X - Combination of tank vehicle and hazardous materials endorsements (Knowledge test only)

  • Prepare for the written tests for the Texas Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials Endorsement "X" CDL
  • This endorsement code allows the driver to operate a hazardous material and tank vehicle combination, a task with unique applications in the military and industrial sectors (CDL only).

Texas CDL Restriction Codes and Descriptions

To ensure that the roads are safe for everyone – including you – the state of Texas may impose restrictions on your license. Motor vehicles can be dangerous at any time, and if the DPS identifies you as posing a unique risk in the driving you to do, they may decide to restrict your license. The most common type of license restriction in Texas is aimed at young drivers. It's part of a graduated licensing program to reduce teen driving fatalities, the leading cause of death in that age group. Texas law places a class B restriction on young drivers, given the danger. The Texas driver's license restriction codes are listed in the official Texas driver's license database.
  • A - With corrective lenses
  • B - A licensed driver 21 years of age or older must be in the front seat
  • C - Daytime driving only
  • D - Speed not to exceed 45 mph
  • E - No expressway or highway driving
  • F - Must hold valid learner license to MM/DD/YY.
  • G - TRC 545.424 applies until MM/DD/YY.
  • H - Vehicle not to exceed 26,000 lbs. GVWR
  • I - Motor carrier not to exceed 250 CC.
  • J - Licensed driver age 21 or over on sight
  • K - Moped
  • L - Vehicle without air brakes (for vehicles requiring CDL)
  • M - CDL intrastate commerce only
  • N - Ignition interlock required
  • O - Occupational/Essential Need driver's license (no CMV)
  • P - Stated on license
  • Q - A licensed driver 21 years of age or older (LOFS) must be in the front seat (vehicle above a Class B)
  • R - A licensed driver 21 years of age or older (LOFS) must be in the front seat (vehicle above a Class C)
  • S - Outside mirror or hearing aid
  • T - Automatic transmission
  • U - Applicable prosthetic device
  • V - Medical variance documents required
  • W - Power steering
  • X - Vehicle not to exceed Class C
  • Y - Valid Texas vision or limb waiver required
  • Z - Applicable vehicle devices
Some of these driver's license restrictions apply only to commercial driver's licenses, so you shouldn't be concerned if you already have a regular Texas driver's license. If you have a restriction placed on your driver's license, the DPS clerk will explain what it means and the conditions for removing the restriction from your license.

Removing Driver's License Restrictions

Each restriction category has its own set of conditions for removal. The youth condition can only be satisfied with the time, and people with permanent disabilities will have to adjust to a restricted license. On the other hand, others can meet minimal effort and paperwork requirements.