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Get your Texas CDL — government fees ($122), ELDT training, skills test, and step-by-step guide. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Commercial Driver's License
Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
68% of data points are verified against official sources. 8 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
$122
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
8 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Obtain a Texas Driver License
Must hold a valid Texas driver license. If you do not have one, apply at a DPS office.
Obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
Visit a DPS office with required documents, pass the vision exam and CDL knowledge test(s) to receive your CLP.
CLP valid for 180 days or until DL expiration, whichever comes first. Renewable once.
Fee: $25Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete required ELDT from a provider registered on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry.
Required for first-time CDL applicants
Hold CLP for Minimum 14 Days
Practice driving with a qualified CDL holder (age 21+) seated next to you.
Schedule and Pass CDL Skills Test
Schedule appointment at a DPS CDL testing location or through a TPST provider. Pass all three parts: vehicle inspection, basic control skills, and road test.
Three testing options: DPS office, DPS mobile team, or third-party tester
Apply for CDL at DPS Office
Complete CDL application, pay fees, provide thumbprints, and have photo taken.
Fee: $97Commercial Driver’s Licenses are divided into three classes based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of the vehicle being operated.
Class A CDL
26,001+ lbs GCWR
Towing: Towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class B CDL
26,001+ lbs GVWR
Towing: Towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class C CDL
Under 26,001 lbs GVWR
Towing: Does not meet Class A or B thresholds
Common examples
Government Fees
Endorsement Fees
Training Cost
CLP ($25) + CDL ($97) + state skills test ($0)
Government Fees (You Still Pay)
Training Cost
Note: $0 (company-paid programs available)
Costs vary by school and program length
Ready to start your CDL training?
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
State Fee: $0
Skills test administered at DPS offices at no additional fee beyond CDL application
Three-Part Exam
Third Party Skills Testing (TPST) program authorizes qualified companies certified by DPS to administer CDL skills examinations
Third-party fee: $100–$400 (Varies by third-party testing provider)
Intrastate Minimum Age
18 years old
Interstate Minimum Age
21 years old (federal requirement)
Medical Card (DOT Physical)
Required
Valid State Driver's License
Required
Clean Driving Record
No disqualifying offenses per 49 CFR 383.51
Residency Requirement
Must be a resident of Texas
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $0 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $0 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $0 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $0 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $0 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $0 |
HAZMAT Note: The HAZMAT endorsement (H and X) requires a TSA background check ($85.25) and fingerprinting in addition to the state fee shown above. The TSA security threat assessment must be completed before the state will issue the endorsement.
CLP Fee
$25
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
6 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Renewal Cycle
8 years
Renewal Fee
$97
8-year renewal; $61 with HAZMAT endorsement (5-year renewal)
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
Online renewal available if eligible. HAZMAT endorsement requires retesting and new TSA background check at renewal.
Regulatory Board
Visit a DPS office with required documents, surrender out-of-state CDL, pass vision exam, and pay fees. Knowledge and skills tests may be waived for valid out-of-state CDL holders.
Transfer Fee
$97
Same as new CDL fee
Timeline
Within 90 days of establishing Texas residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening; knowledge and skills tests typically waived for valid CDL transfers
Qualified military service members may have the CDL skills test waived. Must have at least 2 years of military CMV operation experience. School bus and passenger endorsement skills tests are not waived.
Eligibility
Active duty or separated within 12 months with at least 2 years of military CMV operation experience
Search accredited CDL training programs and compare costs, schedules, and job placement rates.
160 Driving Academy →Nationwide CDL training with flexible schedules, financial aid options, and job placement assistance.
TruckingTruth School Reviews →Real student reviews and ratings of CDL schools to help you choose the right program.
Employer-Sponsored CDL Programs
Many trucking companies offer paid CDL training in exchange for an employment commitment. These are not affiliate links — check directly with carriers like Schneider, Werner, CRST, and Swift for current company-sponsored training programs in Texas.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Texas range from $3,000 to $7,000. Costs vary by school and program length
Some links above may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Unique to Texas
Texas CDLs are valid for 8 years, one of the longest validity periods among states. CDL with HAZMAT endorsement costs $61 (vs $97 without) but is only valid for 5 years. Endorsement fees are generally included in the CDL fee rather than charged separately.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Texas.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#39 of 51
Cost
#25 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032)
Entry Level
$45,230
25th percentile
Median
$53,070
-8% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$63,910
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
212,700 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers" covers CDL holders driving tractor-trailers specifically. Wages for other CDL vehicle types may differ.
Source: BLS OEWS – Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.6%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+53,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
228,600
per year (avg.)
2.1M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Source: How do I apply for a Commercial Driver License? - Texas DPS
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: How do I apply for a Commercial Driver License? - Texas DPS
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: How do I apply for a Commercial Driver License? - Texas DPS
Study guides and practice tests for the commercial driver's license exam.
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All data verified as of 2026-03-21. Sources consulted:
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides. Complete your permit prep before attending a driving school.
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