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Commercial Driver's License
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
$122 ($25 CLP + $97 CDL)
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
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
State Fee: Not listed as a separate fee on the DPS fees page
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)
Ready to pass the CDL Knowledge Test?
Practice exams built for the CDL licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Preparing for the written and skills tests? Read our CDL exam prep guide for study tips and what to expect on test day.
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
CDL Knowledge Test
Browse study guides
CDL Exam Prep Books
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic CDL Knowledge Test practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
CDL Knowledge Test
Passing Score
80%
Format
Written multiple choice
Key Topics Covered
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the CDL Knowledge Test.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — CDL Knowledge Test
Prepare for your CDL Knowledge Test with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, online courses, and practice tests.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $0 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | Not separately listed on fee schedule; no add-on fee found |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $0 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $0 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $0 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | Not separately listed on fee schedule; no add-on fee found |
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
180 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Texas has 10% above average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
Texas has above-average cdl truck drivers density — competitive market.
Texas ranks #20 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
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
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
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
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
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.
See our picks for the best CDL schools in Texas.
Start Your CDL Training in Texas
State-approved online courses you can start today.
Unique to Texas
Confirmed: CDL age 18–84 new/renewal with HAZMAT = $61 (5 years); without HAZMAT = $97 (8 years).
CDL Schools in Texas
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
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CDL Driver requirements in Texas verified against Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted: