https://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/

CommercialLicense.htm

Before the Skills Test

You must present one valid form of identification to the License Permit Specialist before the skills test.

All questions should be asked prior to your skills test. Once the test starts, the License Permit Specialist is not permitted to engage in general conversation.

During the Skills Test

No pets or unauthorized passengers are allowed in the vehicle during the skills test.

The skills test will consist of the following maneuvers:

Pre-Trip Inspection

Start

Parallel parking

Off set backing

Straight-line backing

Upshifting (if applicable)

Downshifting (if applicable)

Lane change

Merge

Use of lanes

Right-of-way

Traffic signs and signals

Left and right turns

Intersections

Railroad Crossing

Curves

Roadside Stop/Start

If at any time a dangerous or illegal maneuver is

performed, the skills test will be immediately ended and will result in an automatic failure.

After the Skills Test

After you complete the skills test, you will be informed if you passed or failed.

If you do not pass the skills test, your application will be held in the driver license office for 90 days from the date of your initial application. After 90 days or three failed tests a new application and fee must be submitted. Preparing for the CDL Skills Test

To prepare for the CDL skills test, review the Texas Commercial Driver License Handbook. This handbook is available online at https://www.dps.texas.gov/

DriverLicense under “Commercial Driver License Services” and may be downloaded for free.

Your Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) allows you to legally practice driving a commercial motor vehicle with a licensed CDL driver in the front seat. Practice all the maneuvers covered in the Driver Handbook before

scheduling your skills test.

Scheduling a Skills Test

To schedule a skills test at select driver license office locations, go online to https://www.dps.texas.gov/ DriverLicense/appointments.htm.

Vehicle Assessment

Before you begin the skills test, the vehicle you bring must pass a safety inspection to ensure the vehicle is safe and can be legally operated on public roadways. The License Permit Specialist will check for:

Current registration, liability insurance, and inspection certificate (VIR or VIC)

Trailers over 7,500 pounds must present VIR or VIC

Working headlights (for bright and dim) and taillights

Working turn signals (all models)

Working horn

Current license plates (front and back)

Working windshield wipers

Rearview mirror (if applicable)

Working safety belts

Working hazard warning lights

Working flashing lights (school buses: two red

alternately flashing lights, front and back)

“School Bus” sign (if applicable)

Working brakes: full-service and parking

Pre-trip air brake system (for Class A and Class B, if applicable)

Working brake lights, clearance lamps, side marker lamps, and reflectors

Creating a faster, easier, friendlier

driver license experience and a safer Texas

DRIVER LICENSE DIVISION

Commercial Driver License (CDL)

How to Prepare

for a Commercial

Skills Test

DL-60A (rev. 7/2020)

Class A CDL

A Class A-CDL vehicle is a combination of truck and trailer with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more pulling a trailer with a GCWR of 10,001 pounds or more. To apply for a Class A CDL, several tests are required.

Step 1

A Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) is required to allow you to legally practice driving while a Class A-CDL driver is in the front seat with you. You must already have a valid non-CDL driver license or CDL to obtain a CLP.

To apply for a CLP, you will need to complete the CDL Application (CDL-1) and pay the $25 fee prior to testing. You will also need to pass the required Knowledge

Examinations: Texas Commercial Rules, General

Knowledge, Combination, Air Brakes (if applicable) and any endorsement test requested.

CDL-1, plus CDL-4 (Interstate) or CDL-5 (Intrastate) or CDL-10, and FMCSA-5876 (or FMCSA-5875).*

Forms are available online at https://www.dps.texas. gov/Driver License. Scroll down and select Driver

License Forms and then search Forms By Letter.

All forms are also available at your local driver license office with the exception of FMCSA-5876 (or FMCSA- 5875) which may be downloaded from the FMCSA

website.*

Step 2

You are required to hold the CLP for 14 days before you can apply for a Class A CDL. Schedule your skills test and complete the required forms below, and submit them to a driver license office with the $97 fee.

CDL-1, plus CDL-4 (Interstate) or CDL-5 (Intrastate) or CDL-10, and FMCSA-5876 (or FMCSA-5875).*

Forms are available online at https://www.dps.texas. gov/Driver License. Scroll down and select Driver

License Forms and then search Forms By Letter.

All forms are also available at your local driver license office with the exception of FMCSA-5876 (or FMCSA- 5875) which may be downloaded from the FMCSA

website.*

Step 3

Pass a skills test. To take your skills test, you are required to bring a vehicle that meets the weight requirements of a Class A CDL vehicle as noted in the first paragraph above. Endorsements

For a Class A CDL, you are eligible to apply for the following endorsements which require additional testing:

Tanker

Hazmat

Doubles/Triples

Passenger

School Bus

Class B CDL

A Class B-CDL vehicle has a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or is designed to transport 24 passengers or more, including the driver. To apply for a Class B CDL, several tests are required.

Step 1

A Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) is required to allow you to legally practice driving while a Class B-CDL or a Class A-CDL driver is in the front seat with you. You must already have a valid non-CDL driver license or CDL to obtain a CLP.

To apply for a CLP, you will need to complete the CDL Application (CDL-1) and pay the $25 fee prior to testing. You will also need to pass the required Knowledge

Examinations: Texas Commercial Rules, General

Knowledge, Air Brakes (if applicable) and any endorsement test requested.

CDL-1, plus CDL-4 (Interstate) or CDL-5 (Intrastate) or CDL-10, and FMCSA-5876 (or FMCSA-5875).*

Forms are available online at https://www.dps.texas. gov/Driver License. Scroll down and select Driver

License Forms and then search Forms By Letter.

All forms are also available at your local driver license office with the exception of FMCSA-5876 (or FMCSA- 5875) which may be downloaded from the FMCSA

website.*

Step 2

You are required to hold the CLP for 14 days before you can apply for a Class B CDL. Schedule your skills test and complete the required forms below, and submit them to a driver license office with the $97 fee.

CDL-1, plus CDL-4 (Interstate) or CDL-5 (Intrastate) or CDL-10, and FMCSA-5876 (or FMCSA-5875).*

Forms are available online at https://www.dps.texas. gov/Driver License. Scroll down and select Driver

License Forms and then search Forms By Letter.

All forms are also available at your local driver license office with the exception of FMCSA-5876 (or FMCSA- 5875) which may be downloaded from the FMCSA

website.*

Step 3

Pass a skills test. To take your skills test, you are required to bring a vehicle that meets the weight requirements of a Class B CDL vehicle as noted in the first paragraph above. Endorsements

For a Class B CDL, you are eligible to apply for the following endorsements which require additional testing:

Tanker

Hazmat

Passenger

School Bus

Class C CDL

A Class C CDL vehicle has a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less and is designed to transport hazardous materials, or is designed to transport 16 to 23 passengers including the driver. To apply for a Class C CDL, several tests are required.

Step 1

You are not required to have a non-CDL Class C driver license to apply for a Class C CDL, but may require a Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) for the passenger endorsement. This will allow you to legally practice driving while a licensed CDL driver is in the front seat with you. You must already have a valid non-CDL driver license or CDL to obtain a CLP. You are required to hold the CLP for 14 days before you can apply for a Class C CDL for the passenger endorsement .

Step 2

To apply for a Class C CDL, schedule your skills test, complete the required forms below, and submit them to a driver license office with the $97 fee. You will also need to pass the required Knowledge Examinations: General

Knowledge and Road and Sign Rules.

CDL-1, plus CDL-4 (Interstate) or CDL-5 (Intrastate) or CDL-10, and FMCSA-5876 (or FMCSA-5875).*

Forms are available online at https://www.dps.texas. gov/Driver License. Scroll down and select Driver

License Forms and then search Forms By Letter.

All forms are also available at your local driver license office with the exception of FMCSA-5876 (or FMCSA- 5875) which may be downloaded from the FMCSA

website.*

Step 3

Pass a skills test. To take your skills test, you are required to bring a vehicle that meets the weight

requirements of a Class C CDL vehicle, unless you are also applying for a passenger endorsement. In this case, you must take the skills test in a vehicle designed to transport 16 to 23 passengers including the driver. Endorsements

For a Class C CDL, you are eligible to apply for the following endorsements which require additional testing:

Hazmat

Passenger

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) forms are issued by authorized Medical Examiners.

Additional information is available online at

https://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/

medCertReq.htm

Must hold a valid CDL license when applying for a Hazmat Endorsement and a security background check is required.

If the skills test is taken in a passenger vehicle that does not meet the Class B CDL weight requirements, a weight restriction will be placed on the license.

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