Want to know how to get a Texas Commercial Drivers License (CDL)? If you are applying for the first time, just follow our simple instructions and you’ll be on the road in not time.
Requirements for the Texas Commercial Driver’s License – these are the pre-requisites:
* Effective Feb 7, 2022, new CDL applicants must complete a certified driver safety training program.
1: You must be a Texas resident
You must be a citizen in the state of Texas and/or have permission to work in the United States. Legitimate personal identification may include a Social Security Card (you must have an SSN to obtain a CDL in Texas), a Birth Certificate, a Texas Drivers License, or a Green Card. You must certify that you are not subject to any of the CDL disqualifications for drivers. You must be able to speak and read the English language.
2: You must meet the minimum age requirements
The minimum age is 18 years old to hold a Texas CDL and drive a commercial vehicle within the state of Texas. Minimum age is 21 to drive a commercial motor vehicle across Texas state lines, transport passengers, or haul hazardous materials. You must not have more than one driver’s license. The applicant’s driving privileges shall not be suspended, revoked, canceled, or disqualified. That includes Texas or other states.
3: Meet the minimum medical requirements established by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (below)
- Vision: your vision in both eyes must be 20/40 with visual impairment devices such as glasses or contacts. You need to distinguish colors. You should be able to perceive a forced whisper at a distance of five feet.
- Blood Pressure: maximum blood pressure allowed is 160/100.
- Diabetes: Diabetes must be controlled through diet or medication. Diabetes controlled by insulin injections is not permitted. Blood sugar level limit is 200.
- Schedule 1 Drugs: These include: Amphetamines, narcotics, or any habit-forming drugs. Evidence of their use will result in the loss of your CDL, so do not use them while performing work as a CDL driver.
- Cardiovascular: Applicants diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases such as congestive heart failure or cardiac insufficiency will need to provide the Medical Examiner with a stress test. You will also need to provide a physicians note stating that you can drive a commercial motor vehicle without restrictions. This is a required document that your examiner will need to review prior to issuing your commercial driver’s license.
4: Pass the Texas Commercial Driver’s License Knowledge Test
Study for your Texas CDL test with the most successful paid training program. It is called the High Road CDL program. You must answer 80 questions correctly. Each knowledge test covers the 20 general areas outlined in 49 CFR 383.111(a). A separate test for drivers seeking to operate CMV’s with air brakes in the state of Texas must cover the seven areas outlined in 49 CFR 383.111(b).
5: Pass the Texas Commercial Drivers License Knowledge and Skills Test
Study for your Texas CDL test with the most successful paid training program. It is called the High Road CDL program. You must answer 80 questions correctly. Each knowledge test covers the 20 general areas outlined in 49 CFR 383.111(a). A separate test for drivers seeking to operate commercial motor vehicles with air brakes in the state of Texas must also test on the seven areas outlined in 49 CFR 383.111(b).
6: Pass the Road Skill Test
You must take the skills test in a commercial motor vehicle representative of the type of vehicle that the applicant operates or expects to operate. There are three parts to the road skill test: a Pre-Trip Inspection, Basic Vehicle Control, and Road Test. The Pre-Trip Inspection test is a walk about the vehicle. The driver will advise the examiner of the vehicle components. The Basic Vehicle Control test includes alley dock backing, straight-line backing, and offset right or left backing. The road test is conducted on an actual street, usually in traffic, so come prepared.
Once you receive your CDL, you can expect to enjoy the benefits of this opportunity such as (depending on the trucking company), weekly pay, health benefits, and 401(k) participation.
How to get a Texas Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Frequently Asked Questions
The following actions can jeopardize your CDL from 60 days to a lifetime:
Driving while intoxicated. A DWI can severely impact your ability to retain your CDL.
Leaving the scene of an accident or commission of a felony will disqualify your license.
Excessive speeding, reckless driving, improper or erratic lane changes.
Railroad and highway grade crossing violations.
Driving the motor vehicle in the commission of a felony will cause permanent loss of driving privileges.
To improve border security, the State has implemented the Texas Hold ’em Initiative. The goal of this Initiative is to reduce human and illegal contraband transported in a commercial vehicle. Anyone who knowingly transports an alien is subject to federal penalties, including a fine, imprisonment, and lifetime disqualification of commercial driving privileges. Related: Texans are not for sale
Class A: Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight of 26,001 pounds or more, with trailer(s) weighing 10,000 pounds or more.
Class B: Any single vehicle with a gross weight of 26,001 pounds or more, or any such vehicle towing another weighing 10,000 pounds or less.
Class C: Any vehicle or combination of vehicles that do not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, designed to transport 16 or more passengers (which includes the driver), or any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded to transport hazardous material:
Class D: Many states issue a “Class D” license, which is not part of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) standards. Some use it to classify regular passenger car driver’s licenses, while others classify specific weights or types of vehicles. FMCSA varies from state-to-state.
A single-vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) that is over 26,000 lbs. A combination vehicle with a GVWR over 26,000 lbs and towing a unit over 10,000 lbs GVWR. A passenger vehicle designed to carry 16 or more people, including the driver. Any size vehicle that requires hazardous material (Hazmat) placards or carrying a select agent or toxin listed in 42 CFR Part 73.
Yes. Texas’s State has the authority to substitute two years of experience safely operating trucks or buses equivalent to civilian commercial vehicles for the skills test portion of the CDL test. U.S. Military drivers must apply within one year of leaving a military position requiring a commercial vehicle operation. FMCSR 49 CFR 383.77 requires the applicant to certify to State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLA). This includes a safe driving experience. The driver has not held more than one license (except a U.S. Military driver’s license) in the past two years. If the Texas driver’s license is suspended, revoked, or canceled and has not had any motor vehicle convictions for disqualifying CDL offenses listed elsewhere in the regulations. Click on the link for an Application for Military Skills Test Waiver form.
Yes. You must provide the commercial motor vehicle representing the type of license you are applying for. Vehicles owned by you are required to provide Texas vehicle registration and liability insurance coverage. With your consent, you will be photographed, fingerprinted, and provide your signature.
Yes.