All About Texas Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A Commercial Driver's License is required if you want to drive a large or commercial vehicle on public roads in Texas or anywhere in the United States (CDL). A CDL allows you to drive 18-wheelers, buses, hazardous-materials trucks, and other vehicles. You must first obtain a CDL permit before you can obtain a CDL. Individuals with a valid CDL in Texas are permitted to drive all vehicles in the class for which the license was issued, including their vehicle, as long as all applicable restrictions and endorsements are followed. To obtain the permit, you must have specialized skills and training. So, how do you get CDL training in Texas?

Need For A CDL

To drive any commercial vehicle – any vehicle owned by a company or registered for the transportation of products or passengers – the federal government requires you to have a CDL. Commercial vehicles are typically heavier than standard automobiles and require special maneuvering skills.

Texas CDL Classes

Class A CDL

To operate any combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, where the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle(s) towed exceeds 10,000 pounds, you must have a Class A commercial driver's license. You can also drive Class B and C vehicles with a Class A CDL. To transport hazardous materials, you must have an H or X endorsement. Tractor-trailers, tractor-trailer buses, flatbeds, livestock carriers, double and triple trailers (only with a T endorsement), and tanker vehicles are some examples (only with an N or X endorsement).

Class B CDL

To operate, you must have a Class B commercial driver's license:

Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, OR
Any vehicle combination in which the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is less than 10,000 pounds, OR
Any vehicle capable of transporting 24 or more passengers, including the driver (only with a P endorsement)
You can also drive Class C vehicles if you have a Class B CDL.

Straight trucks, large buses (school buses, city buses, or tour buses), segmented buses, dump trucks with small trailers, box trucks (such as couriers, delivery drivers, and furniture/appliance delivery), and motor homes are examples. An S endorsement is required for school buses.

Class C CDL

To operate, you must have a Class C commercial driver's license:

Vehicles that do not meet the Class A or B criteria, AND
Are intended for transportation of either
From 16 to 23 passengers (only with a P endorsement)
Hazardous materials that necessitate placarding the vehicle (only with an H endorsement)

Passenger vans and small, non-tanker HAZMAT vehicles are examples.

Texas CDL Endorsements, Restrictions, and Exemptions

CDL Endorsement

Certain endorsements may be required depending on the type of vehicle you drive. An endorsement authorizes the operation of specific types of vehicles and the transportation of specific items. Other tests are also required to obtain an endorsement.

H Endorsement (Hazardous Materials) – You must obtain this endorsement to transport hazardous materials such as gases, explosives, flammables, or combustible liquids.
N Endorsement (Tank Vehicle) –The N Endorsement (Tank Vehicle) is for vehicles transporting liquids or liquefied gaseous materials.
P Endorsement (Passenger) – This allows you to operate a vehicle that carries a certain number of passengers, as determined by the state in which you live. In Texas, that number is 16 or higher.
S Endorsement (School Bus) – School bus drivers must have the S Endorsement on their CDLs.
T Endorsement (Double/Triple Trailer) – The T endorsement allows you to tow a double or triple trailer.
X Endorsement (N and H Combination) – With this endorsement, you can transport hazardous materials in a tank vehicle.

CDL Restrictions

Various restrictions can be added to your CDL license; the following are some of the most common codes for your Texas CDL:

E - No CMV with a manual transmission.
H - The vehicle must not weigh more than 26,000 pounds. GVWR
K - Only for intrastate travel.
L - CMV without air brakes
M - There is no Class A passenger vehicle.
N - There are no Class A or B passenger vehicles.
O - There will be no tractor-trailer CMVs.
Q - A licensed driver 21 or older (LOFS) must be in the front seat (vehicle above a Class B)
R - The front seat must be occupied by a licensed driver 21 years of age or older (LOFS) (vehicle above a Class C)
T - Transmission (automatic)
V - Medical documentation is required.
X - There is no cargo in the CMV tank vehicle.
Y - You must have a valid Texas vision or limb waiver.
Z - There are no CMVs equipped with full air brakes.

CDL Exemptions

Individuals who operate any of the following vehicles are not required to obtain a CDL but must have the appropriate class of driver's license for the vehicle. Individuals must also sign and return the Texas Class A or B Driver License Application.

When military personnel operates military or commercial vehicles for military purposes.
A vehicle driven and controlled by a farmer and used to transport agricultural products, machinery, or supplies within 150 miles of the farmer's farm.
Firefighting or emergency vehicles must preserve life or property or perform emergency governmental functions, whether operated by a political subdivision employee or a volunteer firefighter.
Personal recreational vehicles are driven for pleasure (although a CDL is not required, individuals must obtain the proper license class for the vehicle weight).
A vehicle owned, leased, or controlled by an "air carrier," as defined by Texas Transportation Code, Section 21.155, and driven or operated solely by an employee of the air carrier on the premises of an "airport," as defined by Texas Transportation Code, Section 22.001, on service roads to which the public has no access.
A vehicle that only transports seed cotton modules or cotton burrs.

Texas CDL Requirements

A few conditions must be met before applying for a CDL license in Texas.

According to federal law, to drive interstate or haul hazardous materials, you must be 21 years old.
If you're only going to drive intrastate, that is, within Texas' borders, you only need to be 18 or older.
A valid non-commercial driver's license and a clean driving record are required in Texas to obtain a CDL license. You are ineligible to apply if your license is currently suspended or revoked in any state.
You'll give up your regular license when you get your CDL, but you must first have regular driving experience.
You must also be a U.S. citizen or legal resident, have proof of Texas residency and be in good health.
A commercial driver's license (CDL) is only valid in one state.

Apply For A Texas CDL

To apply for a CDL in Texas, bring the following documents to your local DMV:

Proof of U.S. citizenship is required (birth certificate, passport, resident card)
Social Security Number
two pieces of proof of Texas residency (mortgage statement, valid voter registration card, Texas motor vehicle registration)
Proof of identity (Texas driver's license)
Medical status self-certification
A certificate from a medical examiner
Proof of Texas vehicle registration and insurance

You must then take and pass a written CDL test and any endorsements you wish to add to your license. You will also need to pay an application fee, provide your thumbprint, pass a vision exam, and have your picture taken.

Tests For Texas CDL

CDL Knowledge Test

Knowledge tests, including endorsements, are required for the appropriate driver's license and must be taken in the following order: Texas Commercial Rules, General Knowledge, Combination (Class A Only), Air Brake (If applicable), and Endorsements.

CDL Road Skills Test

After passing the knowledge test, the applicant can take the road test, which consists of a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and a road test. The Pre-Trip inspection includes a full walk-around of the vehicle, and the driver is required to point out vehicle components and explain to the examiner what is being checked and why. Straight-line backing, offset right or left backing, and alley dock backing are part of the Basic Vehicle Control test. The road test is held on public roads and requires drivers to demonstrate their abilities in normal traffic situations. Before taking the Skills Test, the applicant must present a valid driver's license and a valid (unexpired) CLP (if required).

Texas CDL Fees

Age 18 to 84 Standard CDL (new or renewal) - $61 (Valid for 5 years)
Standard CDL (new or renewal) - $26 (expires after 2 years) (on your birthday)
$11 for a replacement CDL or CLP
Commercial Learner's Permit - $25 (new or renewal) (expires 180 days from issuance, renewals must be renewed before expiration date)
CDL non-domiciled (new or renewed) - $121 (Expires when the period of lawful presence expires, as determined by U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
Temporary non-domicile CDL (non-renewable) - $21 (Expires in 60 days or when the period of lawful presence expires, whichever comes first)
Add $15 to the CDL fee if you have a motorcycle with a CDL (expires when CDL expires)
Renewal of a motorcycle with a CDL - add $8 to the CDL fee (expires when CDL expires)
$16 to add a motorcycle to an existing CDL (expires when CDL expires)

Disqualification of Texas CDL

One year minimum for alcohol, leaving the scene of an accident, or committing a felony.
Alcohol, leaving the scene of an accident, or committing a felony while operating a commercial motor vehicle placarded for hazardous materials - At least three years for the first offense; lifetime for the second.
Two serious traffic offenses within three years (excessive speeding, reckless driving, improper or erratic lane changes, following too closely, etc.) - 60 days
Three serious traffic offenses within three years (excessive speeding, reckless driving, improper or erratic lane changes, following too closely, etc.) - 120 days
Violations of railroad-highway grade crossings: 60 days for the first offense; 120 days for the second offense within three years; and at least one year for the third offense within three years.
Using a motor vehicle to commit a felony - Lifetime