TL;DR

Texas CDL applicants must meet FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements before taking their CDL skills test.
There are three CDL classes in Texas — Class A, Class B, and Class C — each with different vehicle and endorsement requirements.
Costs for Texas CDL training vary widely, but completing your theory training online with Get Drivers Ed is one of the most affordable options available.
You must be at least 18 for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate commerce, and pass medical, written, and skills exams administered by the Texas DPS.
Get Drivers Ed offers FMCSA-approved online ELDT courses that satisfy Texas's federal training mandate before your CDL road test.

Introduction

If you've been searching for a clear, no-nonsense breakdown of what it actually takes to earn your commercial driver's license in the Lone Star State, you've landed in the right place. With Bureau of Labor Statistics truck driver data showing strong and sustained demand for qualified commercial drivers nationwide, there's never been a better time to pursue this career path. Consider this your complete guide to Texas CDL training decoded — from who qualifies and what it costs, to the exact steps you need to follow to get behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle legally and confidently.

Texas Requirements Overview

Before you can obtain a CDL in Texas, you must satisfy both state and federal requirements. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration mandates that all new CDL applicants complete an approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) program prior to taking their CDL skills test. This federal rule applies to every state, including Texas, and ensures that new commercial drivers meet a consistent national training standard.

In Texas, CDL licensing is overseen by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Here's a quick overview of the core eligibility requirements you'll need to meet:

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Age: Must be at least 18 years old for intrastate (within Texas) driving; 21 years old for interstate (crossing state lines) or hazardous materials transport.
Valid Texas Driver's License: You must hold a current, valid Texas driver's license before applying for a CDL.
Medical Certification: You must pass a DOT physical examination and obtain a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate. The U.S. Department of Transportation sets the physical standards all commercial drivers must meet.
Knowledge Tests: You must pass written CDL knowledge exams, including a general knowledge test plus any endorsement-specific tests relevant to your license class.
Skills Test: A three-part skills test covering pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving must be completed at a Texas DPS-approved location.
ELDT Compliance: Per FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training requirements, your theory training provider must be listed on the FMCSA's Training Provider Registry (TPR).

CDL classes in Texas include Class A (combination vehicles over 26,001 lbs towing), Class B (single large vehicles), and Class C (vehicles carrying 16+ passengers or hazardous materials). You can also add endorsements such as Hazmat (H), Passenger (P), School Bus (S), and others depending on your career goals.

Step-by-Step Process in Texas

Earning your Texas CDL doesn't have to be overwhelming when you break it down into manageable steps. Here's a straightforward roadmap to follow:

Step 1 – Determine Your CDL Class and Endorsements: Decide whether you need a Class A CDL Training for tractor-trailers and combination vehicles, or a Class B CDL Training for straight trucks, buses, and large single-unit vehicles. If your route involves transporting hazardous materials, you'll also want to look into the CDL Hazmat Endorsement.
Step 2 – Obtain Your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP): Visit a Texas DPS office, provide identification and proof of residency, pass the required knowledge tests, and pay the CLP fee. Your CLP must be held for a minimum of 14 days before you can take your CDL skills test.
Step 3 – Complete Your ELDT Theory Training: Enroll in an FMCSA-approved online theory course through Get Drivers Ed. This satisfies the federal training requirement and prepares you thoroughly for both your knowledge exams and your skills test.
Step 4 – Schedule and Pass Your CDL Skills Test: Once your CLP has been held for at least 14 days and your ELDT theory training is complete, schedule your skills test through Texas DPS. The test includes a vehicle inspection, basic controls evaluation, and an on-road driving portion.
Step 5 – Apply for Your Full CDL: After passing your skills test, visit a Texas DPS location to complete your CDL application, pay the applicable fees, and receive your commercial driver's license.

If you're pursuing specialized roles such as transporting passengers, consider adding a CDL Passenger Endorsement, or if you're aiming to drive school buses, the CDL School Bus Endorsement is a smart addition to your license.

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What Does Texas CDL Training Cost?

CDL training costs in Texas can range significantly depending on the type of program you choose. Full-service truck driving schools that include both theory and behind-the-wheel training can run anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 or more. However, the theory portion of your training — now required by federal law — can be completed online at a fraction of that cost. Get Drivers Ed offers FMCSA-approved ELDT theory courses that are accessible, affordable, and self-paced, making it easy for working Texans to complete training on their own schedule without breaking the bank.

Local DMV Resources

In Texas, CDL licensing is handled by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Division rather than a traditional DMV. You can find your nearest DPS office, schedule appointments, and access CDL-specific resources by visiting the official Texas DPS website. For a general overview of CDL requirements by state and vehicle class, the DMV CDL requirements guide is also a helpful supplemental resource. Be sure to verify all fees, test scheduling procedures, and required documents directly with your local Texas DPS office, as details can change.

Why Choose Get Drivers Ed in Texas

Get Drivers Ed is a trusted, FMCSA-approved training provider listed on the Training Provider Registry — which means completing your ELDT theory training with us fully satisfies the federal requirement you need to take your Texas CDL skills test. Our courses are 100% online, self-paced, and designed to help you retain the information that matters most for both your written knowledge exams and real-world driving scenarios. Whether you're a first-time CDL applicant or looking to add endorsements to an existing license, Get Drivers Ed gives Texas drivers a convenient, cost-effective path to getting road-ready. Our courses cover Class A, Class B, Hazmat, Passenger, and School Bus endorsement training — all from the same trusted platform.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a CDL in Texas?

The timeline for earning a Texas CDL depends on how quickly you complete your theory training, pass your knowledge tests, and schedule your skills test. At minimum, you must hold your Commercial Learner's Permit for 14 days before testing. Most applicants complete the full process in four to eight weeks, though self-paced online ELDT courses through Get Drivers Ed can help accelerate the theory portion significantly.

Do I need to attend an in-person CDL school in Texas to meet ELDT requirements?

No — while the skills (behind-the-wheel) portion of your training must be completed in person, the ELDT theory component can be completed entirely online through an FMCSA-approved provider like Get Drivers Ed. This gives Texas applicants the flexibility to finish their required theory training on their own schedule before heading to a local driving range or third-party skills tester for their road evaluation.

What endorsements can I add to my Texas CDL?

Texas CDL holders can add several valuable endorsements including Hazardous Materials (H), Passenger (P), School Bus (S), Tank Vehicles (N), Doubles/Triples (T), and a combination of these. Each endorsement requires passing an additional knowledge test, and some — like Hazmat — require a TSA background check. Get Drivers Ed offers FMCSA-approved online ELDT courses for several of these endorsements to help you qualify quickly.

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Get Started Today

Now that you have Texas CDL training decoded, there's nothing standing between you and a rewarding commercial driving career. Whether you're pursuing a Class A license to haul freight across the country or a Class B license to serve your local Texas community, Get Drivers Ed has the FMCSA-approved online courses you need to meet federal training requirements, pass your knowledge exams, and launch your CDL journey with confidence. Don't wait — enroll today and take the first step toward your commercial driver's license.

Enroll Now at Get Drivers Ed