Texas's CDL manual and DMV CDL Practice Tests

for all endorsements

Texas's CDL Manual

Commercial Driver Handbook

In Texas individuals who hold a valid CDL may drive all vehicles in the class for which that license is issued, including their personal vehicle, so long as all applicable restrictions and endorsements are adhered to. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is the state regulatory agency for Career Schools and Colleges, including Commercial Truck Driving training locations. Programs regulated by the TWC are required to meet strict compliance guidelines that promote quality services including setting qualification standards for instructors and course material. More information can be found at the Texas Department of Public Safety site.

CDL Exemptions Individuals who operate any of the following vehicles are not required to obtain a CDL but must have the correct class of driver license for the vehicle they are operating. Individuals must also certify to the Texas Class A or B Driver License Application.

  • Military or commercial vehicles when operated for military purposes by military personnel.
  • A vehicle controlled and operated by a farmer, used to transport agricultural products, machinery or supplies within 150 miles of the individual's farm.
  • Fire-fighting or emergency vehicles necessary to the preservation of life or property or the execution of emergency governmental functions whether operated by an employee of a political subdivision or by a volunteer fire fighter.
  • Recreational vehicles driven for personal use (although a CDL is not required, individuals must obtain the proper license class for the vehicle weight).
  • A vehicle that is owned, leased, or controlled by an "air carrier" as defined by Texas Transportation Code, Section 21.155, and that is driven or operated exclusively by an employee of the air carrier only on the premises of an "airport," as defined by Texas Transportation Code, Section 22.001, on service roads to which the public does not have access.
  • A vehicle used exclusively to transport seed cotton modules or cotton burrs.

Minimum Requirements For Getting A CDL In Texas:

  • Must hold a valid Texas Driver License.
  • Apply in-person at any driver license office and complete the appropriate application.
  • Present documents to verify identity.
  • Present documents to verify Texas residency.
  • Present evidence of a Social Security Number (a CDL cannot be issued to individuals who do not have a Social Security Number).
  • Meet the self-certification of medical status Depending on the type of certification, an individual may need to present a medical examiners certificate.
  • Meet the nonresident commercial requirements (in some states this is also referred to as "non-domicile commercial resident") if they are from a foreign jurisdiction other than Canada or Mexico.
  • Present proof of Texas vehicle registration and liability insurance on all vehicles registered in the individual's name.
  • Complete the Supplement Application Texas Commercial Driver License Certifications and Record of CDL Examination.
  • Consent to be photographed, fingerprinted and provide your signature.
  • Pass a vision test.
  • Pass the knowledge tests for the appropriate driver license including endorsements.
  • Pay the required fee(s).
  • Provide a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for the driving test. The CMV must be representative of the type of license in which the individual is applying for.

DMV CDL Practice Tests

General Knowledge

The general knowledge test is the first of several tests that you will have to complete in order to get your CDL. The questions cover general information about commercial vehicles, driving, and vehicle inspections. The test has a total of 50 questions, and requires at least 40 correct answers to pass.

Air Brakes

You must have an Air brake endorsement on your driver's license to drive a vehicle equipped with an air brake system. This test will test your knowledge of the function, parts, and braking distance of air brakes. The test will consist of 25 questions, and at least 20 correct answers are needed to pass.

Combination

The combination endorsement allows you to drive a vehicle with a power unit and one trailer. This test will cover the "ins and outs" of operating articulated vehicles. The exam consists of 25 questions, and requires at least 20 correct to pass.

Hazardous Material

The Hazardous Material endorsement allows the driver to operate a vehicle containing items such as poisons, explosives, flammables, etc. You will also have to pass the TSA Hazardous Material Threat Assessment to get this endorsement. There are 30 questions, 24 correct required to pass.

Tanker

The Tanker endorsement allows the driver to operate a vehicle weighing more than 26,000 pounds designed to transport any liquid or gaseous material within a tank that is permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle. There are 20 questions, 16 correct required to pass.

Doubles / Triples

The Doubles/Triples endorsement is required for drivers to pull 2 trailers (doubles) or 3 trailers (triples) connected to a single power unit. There are 20 questions on this test, and 16 correct answers are required to pass.

Passenger

Bus drivers must have a commercial driver's license with a passenger endorsement in order to operate a vehicle which seats 16 or more, including the driver. There are 20 questions on this test, and 16 correct answers are required to pass.

School Bus

School Bus Endorsement is required for any driver who operates a school bus. After the permit tests the training can be only completed by a local school district. There are 20 questions on this test, and 16 correct answers are required to pass.

Pre Trip Inspection

The Pre-Trip exam is an oral exam where you are expected to check the vehicle parts to insure it is safe for road use. The amount of parts you need to check increase with the size of the vehicle, and by type of vehicle.