If you are searching for Texas CDL requirements to become a professional commercial driver in Texas, you are in the right place! Applying for a Texas CDL requires specific eligibility, from documentation, medical fitness, and different training and testing. This post will outline all you should know about Texas CDL requirements in detail, ensuring a smooth application process. At the end of this post, you will have a clear path on how to qualify for a CDL in Texas. Scroll down for more!
What are the Texas CDL requirements?
To obtain a Texas CDL, you will be obliged to satisfy certain requirements. Below is an overview summary of all requirements involved in the process of applying for your Texas CDL:
Age requirements
To apply for a CDL in Texas, you must be at least 18 years old. However, this age only entitles you to drive intrastate, or in other words, you are only allowed to drive within Texas. You must be at least 21 years old if you intend to drive across state lines or transport hazardous materials.
Documentation
Preparation of the required documents in advance would serve to smoothen the application process of obtaining your CDL. You will need to provide the following:
- Proof of identity: You must provide a passport, birth certificate, or any legally accepted document providing your identity.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence: If you are a U.S. citizen, you must provide your proof of citizenship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must provide documentation of legal residence such as a valid Green Card.
- Proof of Texas residency: Two documents related to your proof of Texas residency are also required. You must provide documents with your current Texas address, such as utility bills or a lease agreement.
- Social Security Number (SSN): You will be required to verify your SSN with the United States government. You will not be issued a CDL without a valid SSN.
- Valid driver’s license: You must possess a valid driver’s license to apply for a CDL
- Vehicle registration: If you are a new resident in Texas and currently hold an out-of-state driver’s license, you must provide valid registration of your vehicle.
- Insurance proof: In case you own a vehicle, you should provide proof of insurance. If you do not possess a vehicle, you need to complete a statement declaring this fact.
Medical requirements
To safely operate a commercial vehicle in Texas, a commercial driver needs to meet minimum medical requirements. Depending on the type of driving you plan to operate, you will be required to complete a self-certification of medical status (CDL-4, CDL-5, or CDL-10). This certifies whether you plan to drive intrastate or interstate and whether you will transport hazardous materials.
If aiming at becoming a non-excepted driver, you are required to go through a DOT physical examination to obtain a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC). This examination must be done by a licensed medical professional, including these major physical checklists:
- Vision: Minimum 20/40 acuity and a 70-degree field of vision in each eye
- Hearing: Be able to hear a whispered voice from at least five feet away
- Blood pressure: Be under control to meet DOT standards.
Commercial Learner’s Permit
First-time applicants must apply for a CLP before taking the full CDL. A CLP is valid for 180 days, and you must hold this permit for at least 14 days before taking the skills test. You must pass the following written tests to get a CLP:
- Texas commercial rules
- General knowledge test
- Air brake test (if you plan to operate a vehicle with an air brake)
- Combination vehicle test (for a Class A)
- Endorsement tests (for obtaining additional endorsement)
To be well-prepared for the CDL written tests, it is highly recommended that you take reliable practice tests such as those practiced by CDL Prep. Our tests are meticulously designed, and specially tailored for Texas written tests, helping you familiarize yourself with the test structure.
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Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) certificate
The FMCSA states that all entry-level drivers seeking a Class A or B CDL, upgrading from Class B to Class A, or endorsement like hazardous materials, are required to undergo the ELDT program. The program includes classroom and behind-the-wheel training in the operation of the vehicle and basic safety standards. After finishing the training program from an approved provider, you are issued a certificate to continue your next process.
Pass skills test
After meeting the eligibility and maintaining your CLP for 14 consecutive days, you are qualified to take the skills test. This test consists of three main sections:
- Vehicle inspection test: You will have to show how to inspect a commercial vehicle to ensure that its most important systems and safety features are in good condition.
- Basic vehicle control skills test: This section requires performances of simple maneuvers like backing, parallel parking, and tight turns to demonstrate your ability to handle the vehicle safely.
- On-the-road test: This final test takes place in real traffic conditions. You will be tested for proper traffic rules, observing and reacting to situations, and driving the vehicle safely.
Satisfied driving record
The Texas Department of Public Safety will review your driving record within the last 10 years before giving you a CDL. You must be a driver with a clean record, free from major offenses such as:
- DUI convictions
- Reckless driving
- Multiple traffic violations
- Hit-and-run incidents
To learn more about driving record violations that affect your eligibility, you can check our post on What disqualifies you from getting a CDL in Texas.
FAQs
1. Can an 18-year-old get a CDL in Texas?
Yes, an 18-year-old can apply for a CDL in Texas. However, at this age, drivers are restricted to intrastate driving only, meaning they can operate commercial vehicles only within Texas. Applications must be at least 21 years old to be qualified to drive across state lines or transport hazardous material. For the age brackets from 18 to 20 years, this intrastate restriction allows younger drivers to get experience first before taking responsibility when crossing state lines or transporting hazardous materials.
2. What is required to get a CDL in Texas?
Generally, you are required to meet the following requirements to qualify for a CDL in Texas:
- At least 18 years old.
- Documentation such as proof of identity, lawful presence, and social security number.
- Medical Fitness
- Commercial Learner’s Permit.
- Entry-Level Driver Training certificate.
- Skills test.
- Clean driving record.
All details are listed in the section above. Read carefully to determine your readiness for a Texas CDL.
Final thoughts
Overall, you have to meet several Texas CDL requirements to ensure your competence in operating a commercial vehicle in Texas. From documentation and medical requirements to training and excessive testing, it prepared you for the responsibilities and challenges expected from being in a career in commercial driving. Satisfying all these requirements can take effort and time, but it is a worthwhile investment since a CDL can open many doors for many job opportunities in high-demand and rewarding industries like commercial driving. So, why wait? Start to prepare for all requirements and step closer to your Texas CDL today!
