2024 Texas CDL Requirements Guide | GetJerry.com (2024)

To apply for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Texas, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid Texas driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Truckers, bus operators, and other commercial motor vehicle drivers in Texas must hold a commercial driver’s license to operate large vehicles with unique driving challenges. Although the process of applying for a Texas CDL can get pretty complicated, the requirements are fairly straightforward and include a clean driving record, proof of identity and residency, and valid registration and insurance for any vehicles you own.

But the exact requirements depend on the class of CDL you’re getting, as well as any endorsem*nts you may need to operate a specific vehicle.

There are three types of CDL in Texas. From most to least comprehensive, they are: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Here are the types of vehicle each class allows you to operate:

For example, tractor-trailers, triple trailers, and livestock carriers require a Class A CDL to operate. For a regular truck or a school bus, you’d probably need a Class BCDL. And for certain smaller buses or passenger vans or HAZMAT vehicles, you’ll need a Class CCDL, likely with an endorsem*nt for transporting passengers or hazardous materials.

There are six types of endorsem*nts for Texas CDLs to allow the driver to operate specific types of vehicles:

Certain CDL endorsem*nts, such as an H endorsem*nt, require you to take extra tests and may have additional criteria.

If you’re only going to operate the commercial vehicle within state lines (i.e. intrastate commercial driving), the minimum age requirement for a Texas CDL is 18 years. That said, only drivers 21 years of age or older can get a CDL with an H or X endorsem*nt or cross state lines.

For interstate commercial driving, you will need a medical examiner’s certificate to prove that you meet these requirements.

If your license and record are in order, you’ll need to meet a few more requirements. First, you’ll need to apply for a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) before you can apply for a full CDL. To do that, you’ll need:

You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before taking skills exams for your CDL. During that time, you’re authorized to practice on public roads with a CDL holder 21 years old or older. The CLP is valid for 180 days and can be renewed once up to 30 days before expiration.

Before you can upgrade from the CLP to the CDL, you’ll need to pass certain tests and fulfill a few more requirements. First, make an appointment at your driver’s license office and bring your completed CDL application along with all the identifying documents you used to get your CLP. There’s another application fee for the CDL itself—$61 for a CDL with a Hazardous Materials Endorsem*nt and $97 for others. You’ll get your fingerprints and picture taken, and you must pass a vision exam.

Then come the knowledge tests:

These written tests are made up of multiple choice and matching questions, and you must answer 80% correctly to pass.

Once you’ve passed your skills test, congratulations! You’ve got your Texas CDL.

Once you’ve got your CDL, it is valid for eight years—just like any other Texas driver’s license. The exception is a CDL with an H endorsem*nt, which expires after just five years (that’s why the fees are lower!). Renewal fees for any CDL are the same as the original application fee: $61 with an H endorsem*nt and $97 for other CDLs.

The process of getting a CDL in Texas can be expensive, but finding a new low car insurance premium is an easy way to free up some extra cash.

Then, when you choose the quote that works best for you, Jerry’s team of insurance agents spring into action, handling all your paperwork and even helping you cancel your old policy so you can get to saving! You won’t need to get on the phone or fill out forms in duplicate since everything happens by text and in the app.

And the best part? On average, Jerry users save over $800 a year on car insurance.