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Get your Texas CDL — government fees ($122 ($25 CLP + $97 CDL)), ELDT training, skills test, and step-by-step guide. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-04-02. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Commercial Driver's License
Most information on this page has been verified.
80% of data points are verified against official sources. 5 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
$122 ($25 CLP + $97 CDL)
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
8 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Get your personalized Texas CDL Driver roadmap — week-by-week plan, budget, & checklist. — plan, budget, & checklist.
Get My Free RoadmapObtain a Texas Driver License
Must hold a valid Texas driver license. If you do not have one, apply at a DPS office.
Obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
Visit a DPS office with required documents, pass the vision exam and CDL knowledge test(s) to receive your CLP.
CLP valid for 180 days or until DL expiration, whichever comes first. Renewable once.
Fee: $25Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete required ELDT from a provider registered on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry.
Required for first-time CDL applicants
Hold CLP for Minimum 14 Days
Practice driving with a qualified CDL holder (age 21+) seated next to you.
Schedule and Pass CDL Skills Test
Schedule appointment at a DPS CDL testing location or through a TPST provider. Pass all three parts: vehicle inspection, basic control skills, and road test.
Three testing options: DPS office, DPS mobile team, or third-party tester
Apply for CDL at DPS Office
Complete CDL application, pay fees, provide thumbprints, and have photo taken.
Fee: $97Commercial Driver’s Licenses are divided into three classes based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of the vehicle being operated.
Class A CDL
26,001+ lbs GCWR
Towing: Towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class B CDL
26,001+ lbs GVWR
Towing: Towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class C CDL
Under 26,001 lbs GVWR
Towing: Does not meet Class A or B thresholds
Common examples
Government Fees
Endorsement Fees
Training Cost
CLP ($25) + CDL ($97) + state skills test ($0)
Government Fees (You Still Pay)
Training Cost
Note: $0 (company-paid programs available)
Costs vary by school and program length
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
State Fee: Not listed as a separate fee on the DPS fees page
Skills test administered at DPS offices at no additional fee beyond CDL application
Three-Part Exam
Third Party Skills Testing (TPST) program authorizes qualified companies certified by DPS to administer CDL skills examinations
Third-party fee: $100–$400 (Varies by third-party testing provider)
Ready to pass the CDL Knowledge Test?
Practice exams built for the CDL licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Preparing for the written and skills tests? Read our CDL exam prep guide for study tips and what to expect on test day.
Prepare with realistic CDL Knowledge Test practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)
Intrastate Minimum Age
18 years old
Interstate Minimum Age
21 years old (federal requirement)
Medical Card (DOT Physical)
Required
Valid State Driver's License
Required
Clean Driving Record
No disqualifying offenses per 49 CFR 383.51
Residency Requirement
Must be a resident of Texas
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $0 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | Not separately listed on fee schedule; no add-on fee found |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $0 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $0 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $0 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | Not separately listed on fee schedule; no add-on fee found |
HAZMAT Note: The HAZMAT endorsement (H and X) requires a TSA background check ($85.25) and fingerprinting in addition to the state fee shown above. The TSA security threat assessment must be completed before the state will issue the endorsement.
CLP Fee
$25
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
180 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Texas has 10% above average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
Texas has above-average cdl truck drivers density — competitive market.
Texas ranks #20 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
Renewal Cycle
8 years
Renewal Fee
$97
8-year renewal; $61 with HAZMAT endorsement (5-year renewal)
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
Online renewal available if eligible. HAZMAT endorsement requires retesting and new TSA background check at renewal.
Regulatory Board
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
Visit a DPS office with required documents, surrender out-of-state CDL, pass vision exam, and pay fees. Knowledge and skills tests may be waived for valid out-of-state CDL holders.
Transfer Fee
$97
Same as new CDL fee
Timeline
Within 90 days of establishing Texas residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening; knowledge and skills tests typically waived for valid CDL transfers
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Qualified military service members may have the CDL skills test waived. Must have at least 2 years of military CMV operation experience. School bus and passenger endorsement skills tests are not waived.
Eligibility
Active duty or separated within 12 months with at least 2 years of military CMV operation experience
Search accredited CDL training programs and compare costs, schedules, and job placement rates.
160 Driving Academy →Nationwide CDL training with flexible schedules, financial aid options, and job placement assistance.
TruckingTruth School Reviews →Real student reviews and ratings of CDL schools to help you choose the right program.
Employer-Sponsored CDL Programs
Many trucking companies offer paid CDL training in exchange for an employment commitment. These are not affiliate links — check directly with carriers like Schneider, Werner, CRST, and Swift for current company-sponsored training programs in Texas.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Texas range from $3,000 to $7,000. Costs vary by school and program length
Some links above may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Browse CDL training programs in Texas or see our picks for the best CDL schools in Texas.
Start Your CDL Training in Texas
State-approved online courses you can start today.
Unique to Texas
Confirmed: CDL age 18–84 new/renewal with HAZMAT = $61 (5 years); without HAZMAT = $97 (8 years).
CDL Schools in Texas
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#39 of 51
Cost
#25 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032)
Entry Level
$45,230
25th percentile
Median
$53,070
-8% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$63,910
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
212,700 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers" covers CDL holders driving tractor-trailers specifically. Wages for other CDL vehicle types may differ.
Source: BLS OEWS – Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.6%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+53,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
228,600
per year (avg.)
2.1M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Source: How do I apply for a Commercial Driver License? - Texas DPS
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: How do I apply for a Commercial Driver License? - Texas DPS
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: How do I apply for a Commercial Driver License? - Texas DPS
Compare approved cdl courses available in Texas. Prices and availability verified 2026.
160 Driving Academy
160-hour, 4-week comprehensive CDL training including classroom instruction, yard skills, and on-the-road driving. Classes start every Monday.
160 hours · 4 weeks, full-time (classes start every Monday)
Best for: Students wanting a structured 4-week program
160 Driving Academy
Same 160-hour CDL Class A program with tuition covered by carrier partners like SWIFT in exchange for an employment commitment.
160 hours · 4 weeks, full-time
Best for: Students who want zero upfront cost
Roadmaster Drivers School
Comprehensive CDL training program with classroom, range, and road instruction at Roadmaster's Texas campus locations.
200 hours · 3-4 weeks intensive
Best for: Students wanting intensive hands-on training
We may earn a commission if you enroll through links on our site. This does not affect our recommendations or the price you pay.
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CDL requirements in nearby states
Texas ranks #26 out of 51 for lowest cdl licensing fees ($122 ($25 CLP + $97 CDL)). See full ranking →
More rankings: Lowest Renewal Cost
Related Guides
Study guides and practice tests for the commercial driver's license exam.
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Other professional licenses in Texas
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Texas.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted:
Moving to Texas? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your CDL license to Texas →
Transfer your CDL license from Texas to: Arkansas → | Louisiana → | New Mexico → | Oklahoma →