Things You'll Need:
- Texas driver's license
- Age 18 (age 21 if crossing state lines)
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Step 1
Get a job at an employer willing to train you on how to drive a commercial vehicle. Otherwise, enroll in a commercial bus or truck driving school.
The job or school will provide you with a truck to gain the skills as well as the vehicle necessary to take the behind the wheel test later on. It is nearly impossible to get a CDL license in Texas without an employer or truck driving school. -
Step 2
Decide between you and your employer/school on what endorsements you might need. The endorsements in Texas are:
Endorsements:
T - double trailer or triple trailer
P - passenger
N - tanker
H - hazardous materials
X - N & H combined
S - school bus
Restrictions:
M - intra state only
P - license CDL driver must be in passenger front seat -
Step 3
Apply for a commercial driver's license at the nearest Texas Department of Public Safety. Your school or employer will tell you where to apply. You will have 90 days upon first application to complete all tests.
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Step 4
Pass the knowledge tests which consists of multiple choice and matching questions. An 80% is necessary to pass. This test will differ depending on the endorsements required by your employer or school.
Once the knowledge test has been passed, Texas will issue you a learner's permit in order to practice and prepare for the behind the wheel test. You have up to 90 days to take the skills test. -
Step 5
Practice commercial driving at your employer or truck driving school.
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Step 6
Pass the behind the wheel road test at the Texas Department of Public Safety which consists of three parts:
1) Pre-trip safety inspection (eg. current liability insurance, check lights, check for leaks, check brakes, etc.)
2) Air brake test (If equipped with air brakes. If you fail this test, you cannot proceed.)
2) Skills test (Go around cones both forwards and backwards)
3) On the road test (Drive around on real streets)
You cannot pass if you have an excessive number of deductions (30).
One this test has been passed, you have earned your CDL License in Texas.
