How Much Does It Cost To Get A CDL In Texas?- Updated Answer 2025

You are planning to obtain a CDL to start your commercial driving career in Texas? So, understanding “How much does it cost to get a CDL in Texas” is crucial to preparing your budget for the upcoming journey. For a quick answer, obtaining Texas CDL can take you from $3,000 to $10,000. In this post, we provide you with a detailed breakdown of what you can expect to pay, from training, and permits to license fees. Keep reading for a better plan for your way to becoming a licensed CDL driver in Texas.

How much does it cost to get a CDL in Texas?

Obtaining a CDL in Texas requires going through various processes, all of which have a related cost. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, below is a detailed breakdown of the various costs that you should expect while pursuing your Texas CDL:

Medical examination fee

To obtain a CDL, all drivers must provide medical certification to prove their physical fitness to drive a commercial vehicle. If you plan to drive a vehicle weighing over 10,00 pounds across states or carry hazardous materials, you have to undergo and obtain a Medical Examiner’s Certificate from a medical provider approved by the FMCSA. The cost of a medical examination varies depending on the provider and your health insurance. Generally, most medical examinations range from $50 to $150.

Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) fee

Before you are eligible to practice driving and get a CDL, you must obtain a Commercial Learners’ Permit – CLP. This permit will allow you legally to practice operating a commercial vehicle with supervision. The initial cost for CLP in Texas is $25. The permit is valid for 180 days, and you can review it before expiration for another $25.

CDL training fee

The largest expense for getting a CDL and becoming a professional commercial driver in Texas is the fee for the CDL training program. In Texas, CDL training programs will cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000, covering tuition, classroom, practical driving instruction, and even accommodation if you train at a location far from your residence place. This range varies depending on the school and the scope of the program involved. Typically, programs offering extra services such as job placement, extended driving practice, or special training will cost more.

CDL license fee

Once you have passed all the required testing, you are supposed to pay the licensing fee for your physical CDL. Here are the different fees for different types of CDL in Texas:

• New license CDL for ages 18-24: $97 valid for 8 years
• New license CDL with Hazardous Materials endorsement: $61 valid for 5 years
• New license CDL for ages 85 or older: $25 valid for 2 years

Additional fees and consideration

Besides the fees listed above, you can be expected to pay the following extra costs if necessary:

• Miscellaneous: There are all other small expenses that you have to pay, including material fees for studying, the fee for a background check if you plan to haul hazardous materials, and possible administrative fees. The total fees can be anywhere from $50 to $220.
• Replacement CDL/CLP fee: If your CDL or CLP is lost, stolen, or damaged, or even if you have changes such as address updates or additional endorsements, you will be charged a replacement fee of $11. The replacement does not change the original expiration date.
• Renewal fee: If you renew your CDL, you must pay the same as the initial fees based on your age and endorsements. Check our post on Texas CDL renewal for more detailed information.
• Adding endorsements: If you want to add extra endorsements to expand driving types and increase your employment opportunities, you must pay additional $10 per each endorsement.
• Motorcycle with CDL: You can get a motorcycle endorsement for your CDL with extra costs:
  • New motorcycle added to CDL fee: $15 with the same validity as your CDL
  • Renewal motorcycle added to CDL renewal fee: $8 which expires when your CDL expires
  • Add a motorcycle to existing CDL: $16 with an unchanged expiration date on CDL
• Non-domiciled CDL: This type of CDL is for residents of other countries to legally operate commercial vehicles within the U.S. This is normally issued to a foreign driver in the U.S. for seasonal employment or on contract assignment but does not establish a U.S. domicile. A new or renewal cost of non-domiciled CDL costs $121 which is valid until the expiration of individual lawful presence in the U.S.

Overall, here is a summary of the cost of a CDL license in Texas:

The total cost will range anywhere from $3,300 and upwards over $10,000, depending on the options you choose and any endorsements you want to add.

FAQs

1. How much does CDL school cost in Texas?

It typically costs around $3,000 to $10,000, depending on the level of training, school reputation, and the services provided. Schools with additional services, such as job placement, extended practice driving, and access to advanced vehicles can add to the total cost.

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

The time period to obtain a CDL in Texas varies, depending on your availability and the format for the training. Generally, it can take 3 to 6 weeks. There is added time to schedule and pass both written and skills tests.

If you want to know more about the estimated time for getting a Texas CDL, you can check our post on How long it takes to get a CDL in Texas.

Final thoughts

Now you have the answer to the question “How much does it cost to get a CDL in Texas?” The total cost can vary, covering CDL training, licensing, medical exams, and other fees. Whether you are budgeting for basic CDL requirements or planning additional endorsements, understanding different costs can help you prepare better without unexpected expenses. Take time to consider financial aid options to reduce financial stress while pursuing your commercial driving career.