Texas has five main driver's license classes, each allowing you to operate different types of vehicles
Texas sorts driver's licenses by what you're legally permitted to drive. The class you need depends on the vehicle's weight and what you're using it for — hauling cargo commercially, driving a passenger van, or just getting yourself around town. You can't straightforward choose the class you want; the Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues the class that matches the vehicle you'll be driving most.
The five classes are Class A, Class B, Class C, Class M, and Class DJ. Each one has weight thresholds and restrictions. If you drive something heavier or larger than your license allows, you're breaking the law, and you can face fines or have your license suspended. Getting the right class from the start saves you from that problem.
Key Takeaways
- Class C is the standard license for cars, pickup trucks under 26,001 pounds, and most everyday vehicles.
- Class A and Class B are commercial licenses for vehicles over 26,001 pounds, and both require a written knowledge test and a skills test.
- Class M is for motorcycles only and requires a separate endorsement or a standalone motorcycle license.
- Class DJ is for drivers under 18 and comes with restrictions on when and where you can drive.
- You must bring proof of residency, citizenship or legal presence, and a valid Social Security number or documentation of ineligibility to get any license class.
Class C: The standard license for most drivers
Class C is what most people get. It covers cars, vans, pickup trucks, and other vehicles under 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). If you're driving a standard sedan, a small SUV, or a half-ton pickup, Class C is your license.
To get a Class C license in Texas, you must be at least 16 years old, pass a written knowledge test, pass a vision test, and pass a driving skills test. If you're under 18, you'll get a Class DJ instead, which has nighttime driving restrictions and other limitations. Once you turn 18, you can renew it as a Class C without retesting.
A Class C license is valid for eight years if you're 18 or older. If you're under 18, it's valid for four years or until you turn 18, whichever comes first. You renew by mail, in person, or online through the DPS website, depending on what type of renewal you're doing.
Class A and Class B: Commercial licenses for heavy vehicles
Class A and Class B are commercial driver's licenses (CDLs). You need one if you drive a vehicle over 26,001 pounds GVWR, or if you drive certain hazardous materials or passenger vehicles. The difference between them is what you're hauling and how much it weighs.
Class A covers combination vehicles (like a tractor-trailer) where the towed unit weighs more than 10,000 pounds. Class B covers single vehicles over 26,001 pounds (like a dump truck or cement mixer) or buses carrying 16 or more people. Both require a written knowledge test specific to commercial driving, a pre-trip vehicle inspection test, a basic control skills test, and a road test. You also need a valid medical certificate from a Department of Transportation (DOT) examiner.
Getting a Class A or Class B takes longer than a Class C because of the testing requirements. You'll need to study the Commercial Driver's License Manual, which covers air brakes, hazmat rules, vehicle maintenance, and safe driving practices. Many people take a commercial driving school course before testing, though it's not required by Texas. The license is valid for four years.
Class M: Motorcycle endorsement or standalone license
Class M covers motorcycles, mopeds, and motorized bicycles. You can get it two ways: as an endorsement added to a Class C license, or as a standalone Class M license if you only ride motorcycles.
To get a Class M endorsement or license, you must pass a written knowledge test about motorcycle operation and pass a motorcycle skills test. Texas offers an alternative: if you complete an approved motorcycle safety course (like those run by the Motorcycle Safety Institute), you can waive the skills test. The course takes about eight hours and covers basic riding, hazard awareness, and emergency maneuvers. Many insurance companies offer discounts if you've completed the course, so it often pays for itself.
A Class M endorsement or license is valid for eight years. If you have a Class C and add a Class M endorsement, both expire on the same date.
Class DJ: Restricted license for drivers under 18
Class DJ is issued to drivers aged 16 and 17. It's the same as a Class C license but with restrictions on when and where you can drive. These restrictions exist because teenage drivers have higher crash rates, especially at night and with passengers.
With a Class DJ license, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you're driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You also cannot have more than one passenger under 21 years old in the vehicle unless a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat. These rules explore for the first six months after you get your license; after that, the passenger restriction lifts but the nighttime restriction stays until you turn 18.
When you turn 18, you can renew your Class DJ as a Class C without retesting. The restrictions automatically drop.
What documents you need to bring to the DPS office
Texas requires specific documents to issue any driver's license class. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies usually won't work. You'll need proof of identity (a birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth), proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days).
If you're not a U.S. citizen, you'll need to show legal presence in the United States. This can be a green card, visa, employment authorization document, or other USCIS documentation. Texas also issues licenses to people without legal status under a separate program, but those licenses are marked "Not for Federal Purposes" and cannot be used for air travel or federal building access.
Bring your current license if you have one. If you're under 18, bring a parent or guardian. If you're renewing by mail or online, you won't need to bring documents — you'll submit them digitally or they're already on file.
Testing requirements by license class
| License Class | Written Test | Vision Test | Skills Test | Medical Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class C | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Class A | Yes (CDL) | Yes | Yes (three parts) | Yes (DOT) |
| Class B | Yes (CDL) | Yes | Yes (three parts) | Yes (DOT) |
| Class M | Yes | Yes | Yes (or waived with safety course) | No |
| Class DJ | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a pickup truck with a Class C license?
Yes, as long as the truck's GVWR is 26,001 pounds or less. Most half-ton and three-quarter-ton pickup trucks fall under this weight. Check your truck's door jamb or registration to find the GVWR. If it's over 26,001 pounds, you need a Class A or Class B license.
Do I need a Class A or Class B license to tow a trailer?
Not always. If you're towing a trailer with a Class C vehicle and the combined GVWR is under 26,001 pounds, you can use a Class C license. If the towed unit weighs more than 10,000 pounds, you need a Class A. Check your vehicle's registration and the trailer's specifications to be sure.
Can I skip the motorcycle skills test if I take a safety course?
Yes. If you complete an approved motorcycle safety course in Texas, you can waive the riding skills test. You still have to pass the written knowledge test. The course usually takes one day and costs between $150 and $300, but many insurance companies discount your premium if you've completed it.
What happens if I drive a vehicle heavier than my license allows?
You can be cited for driving without the proper license class. Penalties include fines up to $200, license suspension, and points on your driving record. If you're caught driving a commercial vehicle without a CDL, the penalties are steeper.
How long does it take to get a Class A or Class B license?
The testing process itself takes a few hours, but many people spend weeks studying the Commercial Driver's License Manual first. If you attend a commercial driving school, that adds one to four weeks depending on the program. Once you pass all tests, the DPS issues your license the same day or within a few business days.