Texas · DPS

How to get your CDL permit in Texas

In Texas you get your CLP from DPS by passing the federal CDL knowledge tests plus Texas's own signs, rules and commercial rules tests, all in English only. The permit costs $25, lasts 180 days, and can be renewed once.

Last checked September 26, 2026 against official DPS sources

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Minimum age: 18 (in Texas only) · 21 to cross state lines
Permit fee: $25
Permit valid for: 180 days, renewable once
Wait before road test: 14 days
Knowledge test language: English only
Passing score: 80% on CDL tests · 70% on Texas signs, rules and Class A/B tests

Step by step

1Hold a valid Texas driver license. You must be at least 18; you must be 21 to drive a truck across state lines.
2Study the Texas CDL handbook (DL-7C), including Section 14, which covers Texas-only commercial rules.
3Pick your commerce type (interstate or intrastate, excepted or non-excepted) and get a DOT medical exam if you are non-excepted.
4Gather your documents using the DPS checklist (form DL-69) and apply with DPS. Pay the $25 CLP fee.
5Pass the Texas signs and rules tests, the Class A or B exam, the Texas commercial rules test, and the CDL General Knowledge test.
6Add Combination Vehicles for Class A, Air Brakes if your truck has them, and any endorsement tests you want. All tests are in English.
7Practice for at least 14 days with a qualified CDL holder in the front seat, and finish ELDT with a registered provider.
8Take your skills test with DPS or a DPS-certified third-party tester before your CLP expires.

What to bring

Your valid Texas driver license
The documents on DPS form DL-69, the official 'what to bring' list for a commercial license
Your DOT medical examiner's certificate, if you self-certify as non-excepted
Payment for the $25 CLP fee

Medical card

You self-certify to one of four commerce types. If you choose a non-excepted type, DPS must have a valid medical examiner's certificate or it will deny your permit. Medical examiners now send exam results electronically through FMCSA to the state.

Fees

Commercial learner's permit (original)	$25
CLP renewalOne renewal allowed, for another 180 days.	$25
Non-domiciled CDL or CLPOnly for applicants who qualify under current non-domiciled rules.	$121

Fees change. Confirm the current amount with DPS before you go.

The tests you'll take

Texas signs test (everyone)
Texas rules test (everyone)
Class A or Class B exam (everyone)
Texas commercial rules test (Section 14 of the handbook)
General Knowledge (everyone)
Combination Vehicles (Class A)
Air Brakes (if your truck has air brakes)
Endorsements as needed: HazMat, Tanker, Doubles/Triples, Passenger, School Bus

Testing in Texas

Since June 1, 2026, all CDL and CLP knowledge tests are given in English only. Spanish is no longer offered, and interpreters are not allowed.
You need 80% on the CDL tests. The Texas signs, rules and Class A/B exams need 70%.
Most skills testing is now done by DPS-certified third-party testers, who set their own prices.
If you skip the Air Brakes test, your license will be restricted to vehicles without air brakes.

Study for these tests in the Texas classroom

Good to know in Texas

Texas adds its own tests on top of the federal ones. Study Section 14 of the handbook, not just the general CDL chapters.
You can renew your CLP once for 180 more days without retaking the knowledge tests.
At 18 to 20 you can get a Texas CDL, but it is limited to driving inside Texas.
DPS may restrict your CDL to in-state driving if you can't communicate in English.
HazMat can't go on a CLP. Passenger, School Bus and Tanker permit holders face extra limits, such as no passengers and empty tanks only.
Before paying a CDL school, check that it is still listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry. Thousands of providers were removed in 2025–2026.

Non-domiciled applicants

Since June 1, 2026, DPS issues non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs only to people in H-2A status, in person, for up to 1 year. H-2B and E-2 eligibility has not been announced yet, and EAD-based holders can't renew.

Confirm with DPS before you go

We couldn't confirm these from official sources, so we left them out rather than guess:

The full list of identity, Social Security and residency documents — check DPS form DL-69 before you go.
Whether the Texas commercial rules (Section 14) test is scored as its own separate test.
Whether you need an appointment for knowledge tests — confirm with DPS.
How long you must wait to retake a failed test, and whether there is a retest fee.
The vision standard DPS uses for commercial applicants.
The exact counter price for your full CDL. State law sets a $96 base, but DPS may charge more.
How and where DPS accepts a medical certificate directly from a driver.

Federal rules that apply in every state(show)

Age: You can get a CLP at 18, but until you turn 21 you can only drive a commercial vehicle inside your own state. Hauling hazmat requires you to be 21.
Knowledge tests: Everyone takes General Knowledge. Class A adds Combination Vehicles, and anyone driving a truck with air brakes takes Air Brakes. You need at least 80% on each test.
14-day wait: You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the skills (road) test. Some states make you wait longer.
Driving on a CLP: A CDL holder with the right class and endorsements must sit in the front seat whenever you drive. Hazmat is never allowed on a CLP. With a passenger or school bus permit you can't carry passengers, and with a tank permit the tank must be empty.
Entry-Level Driver Training: You must finish ELDT with a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before your Class A or B skills test. You do not need it to get the permit itself.
Medical card: You self-certify the kind of driving you will do. Most new drivers are 'non-excepted interstate' and need a DOT physical from a certified medical examiner, who now sends the results to your state electronically.
Clearinghouse check: Before issuing a CLP, your state checks FMCSA's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. A 'prohibited' status blocks the permit until return-to-duty is complete.

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Official sources

This page is a study aid, not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with Texas Department of Public Safety. Rules and fees change, so always check with DPS before you apply.