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.