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Getting a CDL permit (CLP) in Texas

Updated 2026-11-02. Written from official sources, cited below.

The commercial learner permit (CLP) is your first stop at Texas DPS. You get it by passing a set of knowledge tests. Then you hold it at least 14 days, finish federal entry-level training and take the skills test for your CDL.

Short version
  • You need a Texas driver license first. A CLP isn't valid without it.[1]
  • Knowledge tests are English only since June 1, 2026. Spanish versions and interpreters aren't allowed.[2]
  • You don't need entry-level training to get the CLP, but you must finish it before the skills test.[3]
  • Hold the CLP at least 14 days before the skills test. It's valid for 180 days.[1]
  • Fee: $25 for an original CLP.[4]

Before you go to DPS

DPS asks you to bring proof of the following for a CLP application:[1]

  • U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, identity, and a Social Security number (a CLP or CDL can't be issued without one).
  • A self-certification of medical status (form CDL-4, CDL-5 or CDL-10), plus a medical examiner's certificate if the type you choose requires one.
  • Texas registration and proof of insurance for each vehicle you own. If you don't own one, you sign a statement saying so.

Most commercial driving needs a DOT medical card, which comes from an examiner on FMCSA's National Registry.[5] Since June 23, 2025, you don't need to hand your medical certificate to DPS. The National Registry sends it to DPS electronically, usually within a few days.[3]

Fill out the CDL application ahead of time and make an appointment at a driver license office.[1]

The knowledge tests

At the office you'll pay the fee, give thumbprints, have your photo taken and pass a vision exam. Then you take the knowledge tests for the license class and any endorsements you want. DPS gives them in this order:[1]

  1. Texas Commercial Rules
  2. General Knowledge
  3. Combination (Class A only)
  4. Air Brakes (if applicable)
  5. Endorsements

To pass each knowledge test, you need at least 80% correct.[6] If you fail the combination test, you can't be issued a Class A CLP or CDL.[6] If you're issued a permit after failing air brakes, it will restrict you from driving a commercial vehicle with air brakes.[7]

English only since June 1, 2026

Since June 1, 2026, all Texas CDL and CLP knowledge tests are given only in English, and interpreters aren't allowed. The skills test has always been in English.[2] DPS says applicants who can't show enough English proficiency during testing or issuance won't be eligible for a Texas CDL or CLP.[1] DPS publishes the Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver's Handbook and other study materials free on its website.[2]

After you have the permit

  • Practice with a qualified driver. The CLP lets you drive a commercial vehicle on public roads only with a CDL holder age 21 or older, licensed for that class, sitting next to you.[1]
  • Watch the dates. Hold the CLP at least 14 days before the skills test. It's valid for 180 days or until your Texas driver license expires, whichever comes first. You can renew it once, up to 30 days before it expires, without retaking the knowledge tests.[1]
  • Finish entry-level driver training (ELDT). Since February 7, 2022, DPS must check FMCSA's Training Provider Registry and confirm you've completed the required training before giving you a skills test.[3] Your school must report your completion to FMCSA by midnight of the second business day after you finish.[8]

Scheduling the skills test

You can book DPS skills tests online. DPS publishes daily estimates of the next open appointment at each office, including "CDL Drive Test," and says appointments can be booked up to six months ahead. The estimates don't count earlier slots that open up when someone cancels, and offices take a limited number of walk-ins.[9] Waits vary a lot by office, so check the current estimates before you book.

You'll need to bring a commercial vehicle for the test that's representative of your CLP type.[1]

Third-party skills testers

Under the DPS Third Party Skills Testing program, companies certified by DPS can give CDL knowledge and skills tests to their own students or employees for Classes A, B and C.[10] Ask your school or employer whether it's a certified third-party tester. If you test with a third party or in another state, your scores are sent to DPS electronically. DPS asks you to confirm they've been submitted before you book your DPS appointment.[3]

The skills test

The skills test has three parts: vehicle inspection (pre-trip), basic vehicle control and a road test.[1] The truck you test in matters. Testing in an automatic puts a "no manual transmission" restriction on your CDL; see Class A vs Class B, and manual vs automatic.[7]

Next step: find training locations near you, then ask each school when its students usually test and whether it offers third-party testing. See also how much CDL school costs and how long it takes.

Find training by area: Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Rio Grande Valley, Laredo, Beaumont-Port Arthur, Midland-Odessa, Killeen-Temple, or all areas.

Sources

  1. Texas DPS, How do I apply for a Commercial Driver License?. https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/how-do-i-apply-commercial-driver-license (accessed 2026-11-02)
  2. Texas DPS news release, DPS Announces Changes to CDL Knowledge Testing (June 1, 2026). https://www.dps.texas.gov/news/dps-announces-changes-cdl-knowledge-testing (accessed 2026-11-02)
  3. Texas DPS, Commercial Driver License (CDL) Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/faq/commercial-driver-license-cdl-frequently-asked-question (accessed 2026-11-02)
  4. Texas DPS, Driver License Fees (Commercial Driver License fees). https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/driver-license-fees (accessed 2026-11-02)
  5. FMCSA, Medical (CDL). https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/medical (accessed 2026-11-02)
  6. 49 CFR 383.135, Passing knowledge and skills tests (eCFR). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-383/subpart-H/section-383.135 (accessed 2026-11-02)
  7. 49 CFR 383.95, Restrictions (eCFR). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-383/subpart-F/section-383.95 (accessed 2026-11-02)
  8. 49 CFR 380.717, Training certification (Cornell LII). https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/380.717 (accessed 2026-11-02)
  9. Texas DPS, Driver License Wait Times (daily estimates). https://www.dps.texas.gov/apps/Viewer/Document/Vue/WAITTIMES (accessed 2026-11-02)
  10. Texas DPS, CDL Third Party Skills Testing Program. https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/cdl-third-party-skills-testing-program (accessed 2026-11-02)
Sources and update dates
FMCSA Training Provider Registry, registered locations list, as of 2026-11-01 (downloaded 2026-11-01): tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov. Tuition is not in the federal data: for WIOA-eligible program prices see the Texas Workforce Commission's Eligible Training Providers list.
Page built 2026-11-01. Always confirm price, schedule and eligibility directly with the school. Being listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry means the provider self-certified that it meets federal entry-level driver training rules. FMCSA does not approve or certify training providers. Not affiliated with FMCSA, TWC or Texas DPS. About this data and corrections