CDL state guide
Texas CDL Requirements — Complete Guide (2026)
Get your CDL in Texas. Learn the knowledge test requirements, fees, minimum age, CLP process, and where to apply for your Texas Commercial Driver's License. This guide is a planning page built from official Texas Department of Public Safety source links, with reminders to verify final fees and test availability before you apply.
Quick answer
Start with the CLP, medical certification, and the General Knowledge test
Most Texas CDL applicants need a valid regular driver license, must be at least 18 for intrastate commercial driving or 21 for interstate operation, and must pass the required knowledge tests before the CDL skills test. The CLP must be held at least 14 days before skills testing.
At a glance
Texas CDL at a glance
| Minimum age | 18 intrastate / 21 interstate |
|---|---|
| General Knowledge test | 50 questions, 80% to pass |
| CLP fee | $25 CLP listed by Texas DPS fee schedule |
| CDL fee | $97 8-year CDL listed by Texas DPS fee schedule |
| CLP holding period | 14 days minimum before the CDL skills test |
| CDL valid for | Up to 8 years |
| Issuing agency | Texas Department of Public Safety |
Classes
CDL classes available in Texas
Texas follows the federal CDL class structure: Class A for qualifying combination vehicles, Class B for many single heavy vehicles, and Class C for certain passenger or hazardous-material vehicles below Class A/B thresholds. The class you apply for should match the vehicle you will test in and the commercial work you plan to do.
Texas separates CLP, CDL, endorsement, medical certification, and skills-test steps, so use the DPS page before paying or booking.
Process
How to get your CDL in Texas
- Confirm eligibility with Texas Department of Public Safety and make sure your regular driver license is valid.
- Complete any required DOT medical certification and keep your medical status current.
- Study the official Texas CDL manual before taking knowledge tests.
- Pass General Knowledge and any class or endorsement tests needed for your CLP.
- Hold the CLP for at least 14 days and practice with a qualified CDL holder when required.
- Complete ELDT when it applies, especially for first-time Class A/B, Hazmat, Passenger, or School Bus paths.
- Use Texas DPS CDL testing/scheduling and approved skills-test options where available.
Texas CDL applicants normally work through DPS driver license offices and the DPS appointment system; verify CDL office availability before traveling.
Knowledge tests
CDL knowledge tests in Texas
The General Knowledge test is the common starting point. Additional tests depend on your class, vehicle, air-brake system, cargo, and endorsements. Test counts below are practical planning figures; verify the current testing screen and endorsement list with Texas Department of Public Safety.
| Test | Questions | Passing score | When it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 50 questions | 80% | Required starting test for most CDL applicants. |
| Air Brakes | Usually 25 questions | 80% | Needed if the vehicle has air brakes and you do not want an air-brake restriction. |
| Combination Vehicles | Usually 20 questions | 80% | Common for Class A combination vehicle applicants. |
| Hazardous Materials | Usually 30 questions | 80% | Requires extra federal/TSA and ELDT steps when applicable. |
| Passenger | Usually 20 questions | 80% | Needed for passenger-carrying commercial vehicles. |
| School Bus | Usually 20 questions | 80% | Usually requires Passenger plus school-bus-specific testing. |
| Tank Vehicle | Usually 20 questions | 80% | Needed for qualifying tank vehicles or certain liquid/gas cargo. |
Endorsements
CDL endorsements in Texas
Texas CDL applicants can usually pursue the standard federal endorsements: H Hazardous Materials, N Tank Vehicle, P Passenger, S School Bus, T Double/Triple Trailers, and X Tanker plus Hazmat. Hazmat, Passenger, and School Bus paths can involve extra checks, ELDT, or skills-test requirements.
Fees
Texas CDL fees
| CLP application fee | $25 CLP listed by Texas DPS fee schedule |
|---|---|
| CDL application/license fee | $97 8-year CDL listed by Texas DPS fee schedule |
| Skills test fee | May be separate if a third-party skills tester is used; confirm with Texas Department of Public Safety or the approved tester. |
| Endorsement fees | Often listed separately by endorsement or transaction; verify before adding Hazmat, Passenger, School Bus, Tanker, or other endorsements. |
| Renewal fee | Renewal cost can differ from original issuance. Check your state fee schedule before renewal. |
Official resources
Official Texas CDL resources
Study path
Next steps for Texas CDL prep
FAQ
Texas CDL questions
How old do I need to be to get a CDL in Texas?
Plan for 18 for intrastate commercial driving and 21 for interstate driving, hazardous materials, and many cross-state jobs. Verify final restrictions with Texas Department of Public Safety.
How long do I have to hold a CLP in Texas?
Federal CDL rules require at least 14 days before taking the CDL skills test. Texas may add scheduling or documentation steps.
What score do I need on CDL knowledge tests?
Use 80% as the planning benchmark for CDL knowledge tests unless Texas Department of Public Safety states a different rule for a specific test.
Where should I verify Texas CDL fees?
Use the official Texas Department of Public Safety CDL page, fee schedule, or office because CLP, CDL, endorsement, renewal, duplicate, and skills-test fees can be listed separately.
Other state CDL guides
Compare nearby state CDL rules
Commercial driver license fees, testing offices, and skills-test scheduling can differ across state lines. Use these related state pages when comparing CDL paths.
Source note: Last checked June 29, 2026 against the official Texas Department of Public Safety CDL page and linked manual/office resources. US Permit Prep is independent and not affiliated with any DMV, state agency, or FMCSA.
