How to Get a Texas Class A CDL

A Complete Guide to Getting a Texas Class A CDL.

Commercial Driver's License

4 Steps to Get A Texas Commercial Driver's License

1. Review Texas CDL Requirements

Before you begin the process of getting a Texas commercial driver's license, the best thing to do is review the state's CDL requirements (page 7). In Texas, you can get an Interstate or Intrastate CDL. An interstate CDL from Texas allows you drive outside of the state borders, whereas an intrastate requires you to drive within Texas. There are different requirements for each. Some of these requirements include a minimum age requirement and CDL physical requirements. By reviewing this information ahead of time, you will be prepared to move onto the next steps without any unexpected surprises. In order to be eligible to apply for an Interstate Texas Class A CDL, a person must:

Reside in Texas
Be 21 years of age
Be able to read and speak English
No loss of limb that has not been waved
No impairment of hand, finger, arm, foot, or leg that interferes with driving
No diabetes that requires insulin for control
No heart problems
No respiratory dysfunction
No high blood pressure
No rheumatic, arthritic, orthopedic, muscular, neuromuscular, or vascular problems that would affect vehicle control
No epilepsy or other condition that can cause loss of consciousness
No mental, nervous, organic, or functional disease or psychiatric disorder likely to interfere with vehicle control
Vision 20/40 or better in each eye, not color blind
Have good hearing
Not addicted to drugs
Not addicted to alcohol

2. Get Your Texas Commercial Learner's Permit

Just like getting a regular driver's license in the state of Texas, a permit is required to move forward with the steps of obtaining a Texas Class A CDL. Before getting a Learner's License, a person must meet the following requirements:

No multiple licenses
No driver license suspensions, revocations, disqualifications, or cancellations
No convictions in any type of motor vehicle for driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident, or committing any felony involving a motor vehicle
No convictions whatsoever in any type of motor vehicle for serious traffic violations
No convictions in any type of motor vehicle for accident connected traffic law violations and no record of at-fault accidents

(Source: Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook)

3. Add CDL Endorsements

If you wish to add an endorsement to your Texas CDL, you will need to pass specific written CDL endorsement tests. Be sure to research your endorsements beforehand as some, such as the Hazardeous Materials (HazMat) endorsement, may also require a background check before they can be added to your CDL license in Texas. Consult the CDL endorsements section of the Texas manual (page 12) for more information.

4. Take Texas CDL Written and Skills Test

In Texas, a CDL driving test must be passed in which the driver completes a 2-part exam that includes knowledge tests and skills tests. An applicant must visit a driver's license office to take both the written and skills tests. Not every office offers CDL skills testing, so a person needs to be sure to check with their respective local DMV office. Once both tests have been passed, a driver can be issued an actual CDL license from the State of Texas. To learn more about what to expect on both tests, you can read through the Texas Commercial Driver's License Manual.

Go To CDL Training School In Texas

Going to CDL school in Texas is a great way to go about getting a Commercial Driver's License. By getting training from a CDL school in Texas, you will learn the classroom information needed to pass the written exam and get the hands-on training required to master the skills tests. For many people, this makes the process of getting a Texas CDL much easier and greatly improves their chance of success.

Driver Solutions is proud to offer a company paid CDL training program which not only helps new drivers get a Texas Class A CDL license but also provides job placement assistance with PAM Transport to find Texas truck driver jobs. This means the driver can learn the skills needed to get a CDL without the burden of upfront school tuition costs AND have a Texas driving job opportunity available upon completing trucker training!

Start Texas CDL Training Now!

Apply Now

We can find a Texas truck driving school offering company-sponsored training so you can get a Texas Class A CDL. It is easy for you to get started today, there are only a few steps to get your CDL license. To learn more, check out our How To Get A CDL page. Take a few moments to apply online today and you'll be able to schedule a time to speak with a Driver Solutions representative about the truck driver job opportunities and CDL training schools in Texas!

CDL Training School Locations

Driver Solutions works with CDL training schools located in the hiring areas we serve throughout the United States, including Texas. We are continuing to form new partnerships and our representatives will always work to find the best location near you. Currently, we're able to help new drivers find truck driving schools to get a Class A CDL in and around the following states:

4 Tips For CDL Test Success

In order to pass your CDL test, you must really want it and be willing to put in the work. Being prepared and confident in yourself are some of the most important factors when it comes to passing that CDL exam ON THE FIRST try with FLYING COLORS. Matt from Bonafide Trucking did a video series with us on the 4 different steps to help you do just that.

Step 1: CDL Test Prep

Step 2: How To Know The Answers

Step 3: How To Not Fail The Exam

Step 4: Passing Your Road Test And Pre-Trip Inspection

If you're ready to take the leap, when you sign on with Driver Solutions we can partner you with some of the top trucking companies in the industry, including, PAM Transport. Through PAM Transport you will go through the company-sponsored CDL training program and then fulfill your commitment with PAM to have a year of experience under your belt and a lifetime of opportunities! Learn more about PAM Transport as a company by clicking here!