Getting a CDL in Texas requires passing a written test, a skills test, and a medical exam, then submitting your paperwork to the Texas Department of Public Safety

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Texas is issued by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and lets you legally operate trucks, buses, or other commercial vehicles. The process takes several weeks and involves three separate tests: a written knowledge test, a behind-the-wheel skills test, and a medical certification. You cannot skip any of these steps, and you must pass them in order.

Texas does not require you to attend a formal truck driving school, but many people do because it can make passing the skills test easier and sometimes lowers your insurance costs later. Whether you go to school or study on your own, you will need to pass the same tests everyone else does.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a valid Texas driver's license and pass a medical exam before you can take any CDL test.
  • The written test covers vehicle safety, braking, and cargo rules; you study from the Texas CDL manual, which DPS provides free online.
  • The skills test includes a pre-trip inspection, a backing exercise, and a road test, all performed in the actual vehicle you plan to drive.
  • You must pass the written test before scheduling the skills test, and you must have medical certification before DPS will issue your license.
  • The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks from start to finish, depending on how quickly you schedule tests and receive medical clearance.

Step 1: Get a valid Texas driver's license and medical certification

Before you take any CDL test, you must already hold a current Texas driver's license. If you do not have one, you will need to get a standard license first by passing the written and vision tests at your local DPS office.

You also need a medical certificate from a certified medical examiner. This is not your regular doctor—it must be someone on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. The exam checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general health. You can find certified examiners through the FMCSA website or by calling your local DPS office. The exam costs between $50 and $150 and is valid for two years. You do not need the certificate before you take the written test, but you will need it before DPS issues your license.

Step 2: Study the Texas CDL manual and take the written test

The Texas CDL manual is free and available on the DPS website. It covers vehicle safety, braking systems, cargo securement, hazardous materials (if you want that endorsement), and traffic laws specific to commercial driving. Most people spend two to four weeks studying before taking the test.

The written test has 50 questions and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You take it at a DPS office, and it costs $10. You can retake it if you fail, but you must wait one day before your next attempt. Once you pass the written test, you can schedule your skills test.

Step 3: Schedule and pass the skills test

The skills test has three parts: a pre-trip inspection, a backing exercise, and a road test. You must bring the actual vehicle you plan to drive—you cannot use a test vehicle provided by DPS. The vehicle must be in safe working condition and must match the class of license you are testing for (Class A for tractor-trailers, Class B for straight trucks or buses, Class C for smaller commercial vehicles).

The pre-trip inspection takes about 10 minutes. The examiner asks you to point out and explain the function of key parts: lights, brakes, mirrors, tires, and coupling devices. You do not have to touch anything; you just have to know what to look for and why it matters.

The backing exercise tests your ability to control the vehicle in tight spaces. You will back straight, back at an angle, and back into a parking space. This part is often the hardest for first-time test takers.

The road test lasts about 30 minutes and covers normal driving, turns, lane changes, and stopping. The examiner watches how you handle the vehicle and whether you follow traffic laws. You must pass all three parts to pass the skills test. The skills test costs $140 and is administered by third-party examiners contracted by DPS.

Endorsements and restrictions you may need

A basic CDL lets you drive most commercial vehicles, but certain jobs require endorsements—additional certifications added to your license. A Hazmat endorsement is required if you transport hazardous materials; it requires an extra written test and a background check. A Passenger endorsement is required to drive buses or vans carrying 16 or more people. A Tanker endorsement is required for vehicles carrying liquid cargo in bulk.

You can take endorsement tests at the same DPS office where you take your main CDL test. Each endorsement test costs $10 and covers specific safety rules for that cargo or vehicle type. You do not need endorsements to get your basic CDL, but you cannot legally transport those materials or passengers without them.

What happens after you pass all tests

Once you pass the skills test and have your medical certificate on file, DPS will issue your CDL. Your license arrives by mail within two weeks. Your CDL is valid for five years in Texas, after which you must renew it. Renewal requires a new medical exam and a written test, but not a skills test.

If you fail the skills test, you can retake it after one day. You do not have to retake the written test unless it has been more than six months since you passed it. Many people pass the written test on their first try but need two or three attempts at the skills test, especially the backing exercise.

Truck driving school versus self-study

Texas does not require formal truck driving school to get a CDL. You can study the manual on your own, take the written test, and schedule the skills test independently. However, many people attend a school because instructors can teach backing techniques and vehicle handling in person, which some people find easier than learning alone.

Truck driving schools in Texas range from four weeks to several months and cost between $3,000 and $7,000. Some schools partner with trucking companies that hire graduates, which can lead to a job offer before you finish. Others are independent and do not may provide employment. The school does not replace the DPS tests—you still have to pass the written and skills tests on your own, even after attending school.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the CDL written test online?

No. All CDL written tests in Texas must be taken in person at a DPS office. You cannot take it from home or at a third-party testing center. You schedule an appointment at your local DPS office and take the test there.

What if I fail the skills test?

You can retake it after one day. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it, but each attempt costs $140. If you fail the backing exercise, many people find it helpful to practice with a professional instructor or attend a truck driving school before trying again.

Do I need a CDL to drive a pickup truck for work?

No. A CDL is required only for vehicles over 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Most pickup trucks fall below that limit. Check your vehicle's registration or door placard to find the GVWR. If you are unsure, call your local DPS office.

How long does the whole process take?

Most people complete the process in four to eight weeks. This includes time to study the manual (two to four weeks), schedule and pass the written test (one week), schedule and pass the skills test (one to two weeks), and receive your medical certificate and license (one to two weeks). If you attend truck driving school, add four to twelve weeks depending on the program length.

What if my medical exam shows a health problem?

The examiner will tell you on the spot if you fail. Some conditions (like uncontrolled diabetes or severe vision problems) may disqualify you permanently. Others may may have access to you with restrictions, such as wearing corrective lenses or limiting driving hours. You can ask the examiner what options exist or seek a second opinion from another certified examiner.