Texas CDL Inormation

Commercial Driver License

Produced by the Texas Department of Public Saftey Public Information Office.For additional information, please call 512-424-2080.www.txdps.state.tx.usAll drivers who operate a commercial motor vehicle are required to have a commercial driver license. CDLdrivers must be 21 years old to drive a commercial motor vehicle across state lines. CDL drivers can drivewithin the state at age 18. The total number of CDL holders in 2001 was 772,118--this includes people licensedto drive large trucks, 18-wheelers and school buses.

Different Classes of CDLs

Class A: Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more,provided the gross vehicle weight rating of the vehicle or vehicles towed exceeds 10,000 pounds.

Class B: Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, any one of thosevehicles towing a vehicle that does not exceed 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating, and any vehicledesigned to transport 24 passengers or more, including the driver.

Class C: Any single vehicle or combination of vehicles that is not a Class A or Class B if the vehicle is: 1)designed to transport 16 to 23 passengers including the driver; or 2) used in the transportation of hazardousmaterials that require the vehicle to be placarded under federal regulation 49 CFR, part 172, Subpart F.

Applying for a Texas CDL

A driver currently licensed in Texas will be required to present the current driver license, proof of SocialSecurity Number (example: original Social Security card or tax return), proof of liability insurance if the driverowns any vehicles, as well as an application and a qualification certification form.

CDL drivers moving to Texas from another state must present Texas registration on any vehicles they own.In addition, they must surrender the valid out-of-state CDL to waive CDL testing. In addition, to maintain aHazardous Materials endorsement, the last Hazmat test date must be less than two years old to waive that test.

DPS will conduct a National Driver Register and Commercial Driver License Information System check toverify a "clear" status before a CDL will be issued.

Fees for A Texas CDL

An original CDL costs $60 for six years. A driver with a valid Texas driver license who converts to a CDLwill be given a $4 credit for each full year remaining on the current license.

Applicants pay $10 for each change in the class or type of license, endorsements, or restrictions or toupgrade the class of vehicle on a CDL.

The fee for a duplicate license is $10.

Hazardous Materials Endorsement

CDL drivers who want a hazmat endorsement must pass an additional multiple choice test that checksknowledge of handling hazardous materials as cargo. Hazmat and CDL tests are given at any DPS driver licenseoffice.

A driver who wishes to maintain the hazmat endorsement must take the hazmat test each time the CDL isrenewed (each 6 years). In 2001, CDL drivers with hazardous materials endorsements totaled 340,000.

Produced by the Texas Department of Public Saftey Public Information Office.For additional information, please call 512-424-2080.www.txdps.state.tx.us Rev. 08/04

 

Texas Department of Public Saftey