Texas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) FAQ’s

HOUSTON—A Commercial Driver’s License, or CDL, is required for the operation of any type of commercial vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 26,000 lbs; transports hazardous materials that require warning placards under Department of Transportation regulations; or that is designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver. Some examples of vehicles that require a CDL to operate are tow trucks, tractor trailers and buses.

In accordance with the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986, all states are required to comply with certain standards in regards to the licensing of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. Texas driver licensing standards comply with the law, requiring CMV drivers to obtain a Texas CDL when driving applicable vehicles. A CDL license can only be issued in the driver’s state of legal residence, and any driver possessing a CDL cannot have a driver’s license in any other state. Read on for the answers to the most commonly asked about obtaining a Texas CDL.

1. What are the eligibility requirements to obtain a Texas CDL?

·  You must be 21 years old. (18 years if all commercial driving is done within Texas, no hazardous materials requiring placarding are transported, and no double- or triple-trailer rigs are employed.)
·  You must be physically capable of obtaining a valid medical examiner’s card before taking any CDL skills test.
·  You must qualify for the license based on their driving record. Any of the following will disqualify you from obtaining a Texas CDL:
o  Possession of a license from any state other than Texas
o  Current disqualification of commercial driving privileges in Texas or any other state.
o  Suspension, revocation, denial or cancellation of current driver’s license.
o  Any conviction of impaired operation of a commercial motor vehicle within the 24 months immediately preceding your application.

1. What steps must be taken to apply for a Texas CDL?

Present sufficient proof of identity. This consists of either one piece of primary identification, two pieces of secondary identification, or multiple pieces of supporting identification. The first two categories are clear-cut, but supporting ·  identification will be accepted only at the discretion of the license examiner. (See question 7 for further details on documentation.)
·  Provide proof of your Social Security number.
·  If you own your own commercial vehicle, proof of registration and liability insurance must be provided.
·  You must complete the necessary application forms at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. These forms may vary depending on the types of endorsements you seek.
·  Pay the required fee. Each special endorsement and any related testing may require its own fee. (See question 4 for more information on endorsements.)
·  Pass the vision exam.
·  Pass the written tests, including any special testing for the various available endorsements.
·  Pass the skills test (driving test) in the vehicle of the type for which you will be licensed. You must provide this vehicle.   Read more