How to get a CDL in Texas

Looking to expand your career and earnings? Get your Texas CDL! You’ll have unparalleled freedom to drive a commercial vehicle across the state or even the country.

Texas State CDL Requirements

The first step to getting your CDL is to know what is needed to get a CDL in Texas. We’ve prepared an easy-to-understand summary of the Texas CDL requirements here. If you want to dive further into the details, visit the Texas department of public safety website. In the meantime, getting a CDL in Texas has the following requirements:

• Minimum age of 18 for driving within Texas.
• Minimum age of 21 for driving across state lines and the country.
• Have a valid Texas driver’s license.
• Have a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) 14 days prior to taking the CDL test.
• Complete Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) from an FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) approved program. ACE Driving Academy is an FMCSA registered provider.
• Pass a three-part driving test in the commercial vehicle for which you’re applying to drive.
• Provide documentation of identity.
• Be fingerprinted.
• Pass a vision test.

Get Your CDL Permit

Before you can take the test to get your Texas CDL, you must have a permit for a minimum of 14 days. It’s valid for 180 days or when your Texas driver’s license expires, whichever comes first. But it can be renewed once (up to 30 days prior to expiring) without having to retake the written knowledge test. And just like the CDL itself, there are a few requirements to apply for your permit.

• U.S. citizenship or proof of lawful presence
• Proof of Texas residency
• Proof of Identity
• Social Security Number
• Medical Examiner’s Certificate / Department of Transportation (DOT) physical
• Pass the knowledge exam 

The medical certification, in the form of a DOT physical,  is a requirement to ensure you are medically safe and capable to drive the commercial vehicle or have an exemption or waiver. Medical certifications must be renewed. This keeps both you and fellow motorists safe.

How to Pass the CDL Permit Test

The key to passing any test is preparation. In order to help students prepare we’ve created a series of free CDL permit practice test. The written CDL permit exam is broken into three parts. We recommend taking each test multiple times.

1. General Knowledge – approximately 50 questions. Take the test!
2. Air Brakes – approximately 25 questions. Take the test!
3. Combination Vehicles – approximately 25 questions. Take the test!

Where to Take CDL Classes in Texas

The other requirement that must be met before you can apply for your Texas CDL and start your new career is to attend CDL classes at an approved ELDT program. This is a relatively new requirement (as of February 2022), but it makes a lot of sense.

Fortunately, your local ACE Driving Academy in Waco, TX is a registered and approved program by the FMCSA. The next question most people have is how much does CDL training in Texas cost and do you offer free CDL training? The cost of CDL training depends on the individual and which tuition assistance programs they are eligible for. Learn more about how to pay for CDL training and if free CDL training is available.

When you’re ready to embark on a new career and explore the amazing state of Texas or the whole of the country, reach out to your local Texas CDL school near you. We will walk you through all you need to know and do to make your driving career dreams come true.

How Long Does It Take to Get a CDL in Texas?

It takes approximately 3-4 weeks to get a CDL in Texas. This includes training and testing. Our Texas CDL training course is 160 hours and includes classroom, road, and range training. When attending full time it takes three to four weeks to complete CDL training