Your Complete Guide to Getting a CDL in Texas: Requirements, Costs, and Timeline

Aspiring CDL driver in Texas prepares to enter the commercial driving industry, symbolizing new opportunities on the open road.

Breaking into the commercial driving industry in Texas requires more than just the ability to operate a large vehicle—it demands proper licensing, training, and compliance with both state and federal regulations. Whether you're eyeing opportunities in last mile delivery, long-haul trucking, or specialized transport, understanding the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) process in the Lone Star State is your first critical step toward a rewarding career.

What Is a Commercial Driver's License?

A Commercial Driver's License authorizes you to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) for business purposes. In Texas, this professional license is regulated by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and adheres to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) standards. The CDL system ensures that drivers possess the specialized skills needed to safely operate vehicles like tractor-trailers, buses, tankers, and delivery trucks.

Understanding CDL Classes in Texas

Texas issues three classes of CDLs, each permitting operation of different vehicle types based on gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and gross combination weight rating (GCWR):

• Class A CDL: Permits operation of any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) towed exceeds 10,000 pounds. This includes tractor-trailers, flatbeds, livestock carriers, and tanker vehicles. Class A holders can also operate Class B and C vehicles.

  
  

• Class B CDL: Permits operation of any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or any such vehicle towing another vehicle with a GVWR not exceeding 10,000 pounds. This class is required for school buses, straight trucks, dump trucks, and delivery vehicles. Class B holders can operate Class C vehicles.

  
  

• Class C CDL: Permits operation of vehicles designed to transport 16 to 23 passengers (including the driver) or vehicles used to transport hazardous materials requiring placarding. This class is typically required for passenger vans and certain specialized vehicles.

Eligibility Requirements for Texas CDL

Before beginning the CDL process, ensure you meet these fundamental requirements:

• Age: Must be at least 18 years old for intrastate commerce (driving within Texas only) or 21 years old for interstate commerce (driving across state lines, transporting hazardous materials, or carrying passengers)

• Texas Driver License: Must possess a valid Texas driver license in good standing

• Single License Requirement: Cannot hold more than one driver license from any state or jurisdiction

• Clean Driving Record: Your driving privileges must not be suspended, revoked, canceled, or disqualified in Texas or any other state

• Social Security Number: Required for verification with the U.S. government. CDLs cannot be issued without a valid SSN

• U.S. Citizenship or Legal Presence: Must provide evidence of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence in the United States

• English Proficiency: Must be able to speak and read English sufficiently to converse, understand traffic signs, and respond to official inquiries

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Medical Certification Requirements

All CDL applicants must meet Federal DOT medical requirements through a DOT physical examination conducted by a certified medical examiner registered on the FMCSA National Registry.

As of June 23, 2025, medical examiners are required to electronically submit examination results directly to FMCSA and state licensing agencies—drivers no longer need to manually submit medical certificates to DPS.

Medical requirements include:

• Vision: 20/40 or better in each eye (with or without corrective lenses) and ability to distinguish traffic signal colors

• Hearing: Ability to perceive a forced whisper at a distance of at least 5 feet (with or without hearing aid)

• Physical Condition: No medical conditions that would interfere with safe operation of a commercial vehicle

The DOT physical exam typically costs between 75and75 and 150 in Texas. Medical certificates are valid for up to 24 months, depending on the examiner's assessment.

Self-Certification Categories

All CDL holders must self-certify to one of four categories of commercial operation:

1. Non-Excepted Interstate Commerce (Category 1): Operating in interstate commerce and required to meet Federal DOT medical requirements

2. Excepted Interstate Commerce (Category 2): Operating in interstate commerce but excepted from Federal DOT medical requirements

3. Non-Excepted Intrastate Commerce (Category 3): Operating only in Texas and required to meet state medical requirements

4. Excepted Intrastate Commerce (Category 4): Operating only in Texas for excepted activities (such as oil/water well servicing or mobile crane operations) and excepted from medical requirements

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The Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) Mandate

Since February 7, 2022, federal law requires all entry-level CDL applicants to complete standardized training through an FMCSA-registered training provider. This requirement applies to:

• Individuals obtaining a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time

• Drivers upgrading from Class B to Class A

• Drivers obtaining a School Bus (S), Passenger (P), or Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement for the first time

ELDT consists of two components:

Theory Training: Covers approximately 30 knowledge topics including vehicle operation, safety procedures, and regulations. This portion can be completed online through registered providers, with costs typically ranging from 25to25 to 119. Students must achieve a minimum score of 80% on the theory assessment.

Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) Training: Includes range training and on-road driving instruction. There is no mandated minimum number of hours—training continues until the instructor certifies the student as proficient in all required skills.

Upon completion, training providers submit certification directly to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. This certification must be on file before you can take your CDL skills test.

Step-by-Step Process to Obtain Your Texas CDL

Step 1: Complete Entry Level Driver Training

Enroll with an FMCSA-registered training provider and complete both theory and behind-the-wheel training. Verify your provider is listed on the Training Provider Registry at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov.

Step 2: Obtain Your DOT Medical Certificate

Schedule and pass a DOT physical examination with a certified medical examiner. The examiner will electronically submit your results to the FMCSA National Registry.

Step 3: Gather Required Documentation

Collect proof of identity, Social Security number, Texas residency, and lawful presence. You'll also need proof of Texas vehicle registration for all vehicles registered in your name (or sign a statement affirming you don't own a vehicle).

Step 4: Apply for Your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)

Complete the CDL application online before visiting a driver license office. Schedule an appointment, pay the $25 CLP fee, and pass the required knowledge tests in this order:

• Texas Commercial Rules

• General Knowledge

• Combination (Class A only)

• Air Brake (if applicable)

• Any additional endorsements

Your CLP is valid for 180 days or until your Texas driver license expires, whichever comes first. It can be renewed once without retaking the knowledge exams.

Step 5: Practice with Your CLP

You must hold your CLP for a minimum of 14 days before taking the skills test. During this period, you can practice driving a commercial vehicle on public roads, but only with a qualified CDL holder (21 or older with the same class of CDL) in the passenger seat.

Step 6: Schedule and Pass Your CDL Skills Test

After holding your CLP for 14 days and completing ELDT requirements, schedule your skills test at a DPS testing location. The skills test costs approximately $97 and includes three components:

• Pre-Trip Inspection: Demonstrate your ability to inspect the vehicle and identify safety concerns

• Basic Vehicle Control: Execute maneuvers including straight line backing, offset backing, and alley dock backing

• On-Road Driving Test: Demonstrate safe driving in various traffic conditions

You must provide a commercial motor vehicle representative of the CDL class you're applying for. Most CDL training schools include a road test in their program packages.

Step 7: Receive Your CDL

Upon passing all tests, pay the license issuance fee (ranging from $61 to $97 depending on class and endorsements). Texas CDLs are valid for up to eight years for most drivers. You'll receive your physical license within 14-30 business days by mail.

Total Cost Breakdown

Understanding the financial investment required for CDL certification helps you plan effectively:

• ELDT Theory Training: 25to25 to 119 (online providers)

• Full CDL Training Programs: 3,000to3,000 to 7,000 (includes behind-the-wheel training, often with job placement assistance)

• DOT Physical Exam: 75to75 to 150

• Commercial Learner's Permit: $25

• CDL Skills Test: Approximately $97

• CDL License Issuance: 61to61 to 97

• Additional Endorsements: $25 per endorsement test (Hazmat endorsement also requires an $86.50 TSA background check)

Total estimated cost ranges from $3,500 to $8,000 depending on your training choice and endorsements needed.

Financing and Assistance Options

Several options exist to help manage CDL training costs:

• Employer Sponsorship: Many trucking companies cover training costs in exchange for a commitment to work for them after certification

• Payment Plans: Most training schools offer installment payment options

• Workforce Solutions: Texas Workforce Commission programs may cover training costs for qualifying individuals

• Grants and Scholarships: Federal and state workforce development grants may be available

• Veterans Benefits: GI Bill benefits may cover CDL training for eligible veterans

Timeline Expectations

The time required to obtain your CDL varies based on your chosen training path:

• Fast-Track Programs: 3-4 weeks (full-time, intensive training)

• Standard Programs: 6-8 weeks (part-time or evening/weekend schedules)

• Extended Programs: 8-12 weeks or longer (flexible scheduling, community college programs)

Remember to factor in the mandatory 14-day CLP holding period before your skills test.

CDL Endorsements

Endorsements expand your employment opportunities by authorizing you to operate specialized vehicles or transport specific cargo:

• H (Hazardous Materials): Required for transporting materials requiring placarding. Requires ELDT, knowledge test, and TSA background check ($86.50)

• S (School Bus): Required for driving school buses. Requires ELDT, knowledge test, and skills test

• P (Passenger): Required for vehicles designed to transport 16+ passengers. Requires ELDT, knowledge test, and skills test

• N (Tank Vehicles): Required for tanker operations. Knowledge test only

• T (Doubles/Triples): Required for pulling multiple trailers. Knowledge test only

• X (Hazmat + Tank): Combination of H and N endorsements

CDL Restrictions to Avoid

Certain actions during your skills test can result in restrictions on your CDL:

• E Restriction: No manual transmission vehicles (if tested with automatic)

• L Restriction: No air brake equipped vehicles (if tested without air brakes)

• K Restriction: Intrastate only (if certified for intrastate commerce)

To maximize job opportunities, test with a manual transmission and air brake equipped vehicle.

Maintaining Your CDL

Once you obtain your CDL, maintaining it requires ongoing compliance:

• Medical Certification: Keep your medical certificate current. DPS will send a courtesy notification 60 days before expiration. Failure to maintain medical certification will result in CDL downgrade, requiring you to retake all knowledge and skills exams

• License Renewal: Texas CDLs are valid for up to eight years. Renewal fees are $96 for commercial licenses

• Traffic Violations: CDL holders face stricter consequences for traffic violations. Maintain a clean driving record to protect your commercial driving privileges

• Drug and Alcohol Testing: CDL holders are subject to random drug and alcohol testing as mandated by federal regulations

Key Takeaways

Obtaining your CDL in Texas is a structured process that prioritizes safety and competence. The key to success lies in:

1. Choosing an FMCSA-registered training provider that meets federal ELDT requirements

2. Ensuring you meet medical certification requirements before beginning the process

3. Preparing thoroughly for both knowledge and skills tests

4. Understanding the total financial commitment and exploring assistance options

5. Maintaining compliance with all regulatory requirements after certification

The commercial driving industry in Texas offers strong earning potential and career stability.

With proper preparation and a commitment to safety, your CDL opens doors to opportunities in last mile delivery, regional hauling, long-haul trucking, specialized transport, and more. The investment in training and certification pays dividends throughout a rewarding career serving the backbone of America's logistics infrastructure.

For more information, visit the Texas Department of Public Safety Commercial Driver License page at dps.texas.gov or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at fmcsa.dot.gov.