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How to Get a CDL in Texas

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To get your CDL in Texas, you need to meet the minimum age requirement, pass both knowledge and driving skills tests and complete the mandatory commercial vehicle driver training in order for you to safely operate a commercial vehicle.

Texas Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)

Before you can get your CDL in Texas, you must first get your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before taking the CDL skills test. The CLP will permit you to get commercial vehicle driving experience with a CDL license operator sitting next to you, who is at least 21 years old and holds the same CDL class for the vehicle you are driving.

Texas CLP Requirements

  • Have a valid Texas driver’s license
  • Be a citizen or legal resident of the U.S.
  • Have proof of identity
  • Have a social security number (SSN)
  • Complete a Self-Certification of Medical Status form
  • Submit a Medical Examiners Certificate
  • Proof of insurance for the vehicle that you own
  • Have 10 years of clean driving record

How to Get Your Texas Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)

  1. Complete the CDL application form
  2. Go to your local Texas Department of Public Safety office, or schedule a driver’s license appointment in advance
  3. Submit the following:
    1. Completed CDL application form
    2. U.S. citizenship or evidence of lawful presence
    3. Identity
    4. SSN
  4. Pay the CLP fee: $25
  5. Provide thumbprints
  6. Have picture taken
  7. Pass vision test
  8. Pass the knowledge test(s) for the appropriate driver license, and any endorsements you’ll be adding, in the following order:
    1. Texas Commercial Rules
    2. General Knowledge
    3. Combination (Class A Only)
    4. Air Brake (if applicable)
    5. Endorsements (if applicable)

Once you pass the permit written tests you will be issued a CLP, which is valid for 180 days from the date of issuance.

How to Prepare for the Texas CLP Knowledge Tests

To pass the CDL permit test in Texas, you’ll need to study the CDL manual (English | Spanish) to prepare for the written general knowledge test. This test covers basic driving skills, Texas traffic laws, and essential topics like vehicle control, basic control skills, and safe driving skills.

The final step is to practice by taking sample CDL permit tests, which you can find online or in CDL test preparation books:

Texas CDL Requirements

To get a CDL in Texas, you’ll need to meet certain criteria, like CDL age requirements:

  • Be 18 years old to drive a commercial vehicle within the state of Texas
  • Be 21 years old to drive out of state and across the country
  • Possess a valid Texas driver’s license
  • Have a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) at least 14 days before taking your CDL skills test
  • Successfully complete the federally mandated Entry-Level Driver’s Training (ELDT) from a registered provider

Texas CDL Application Process

After you get your CLP and successfully completed your Entry-Level Driver’s Training (ELDT), you can:

  • Book your skills test at your local Texas CDL testing location
  • Bring the commercial vehicle for the license class you will perform test in
  • Bring proof of insurance for commercial vehicle
  • Pass the skills test (vehicle inspection, basic control skills test, and road test)
  • Pay CDL fee: $97

Once you pass the skills test, you will be issued a CDL.

Resource:

Where to Take CDL Training in Texas

You can get CDL training in Texas at private trucking schools, and community or vocational colleges. Some trucking companies also offer free CDL training in exchange for a work commitment. You’ll attend the company’s training school, then drive for them for a certain period of time.

The CDL school must be registered with the FMCSA.

How Long Does It Take to Get a CDL in Texas?

Getting your commercial driver’s license or CDL in Texas typically takes around 3 to 4 weeks from start to finish. Typically, CDL school consists of about 160 hours of training: in-class, range and public road training. 160 hours of training full-time will take 3-4 weeks to finish.

Texas CDL Fees

  • Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) Fee – Original / Renewal: $25. Valid for 180 days from the date of issuance.
  • Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Fee: $97. Valid for 8 years.
  • Hazardous Materials Endorsement Fee: $61. Valid for 5 years.
  • Replace or Update CLP / CDL Fee: $11
    • Replace lost, stolen or damaged CLP / CDL
    • Update address or name
    • Add or remove endorsements or restrictions

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