A CDL is a special type of driver’s license that allows you to operate large, heavy vehicles such as semi-trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles.
The Department of Transportation sets federal standards for the minimum safety rules for commercial driver’s licenses, drivers, and motor carriers. Texas has largely adopted the federal regulation of truck drivers.
In Texas, there are three types of CDLs: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Each class has its requirements and allows you to operate different types of vehicles. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of commercial driver’s licenses in Texas and what you need to do to obtain them.
Class A CDL
A Class A CDL is the most common commercial driver’s license type in Texas. With a Class A CDL, you can operate any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more if the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds.
Requirements for a Class A CDL
To obtain a Class A CDL in Texas, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old (21 years old for interstate travel)
- Have a valid Texas driver’s license.
- Pass a vision test.
- Pass a written knowledge test.
- Pass a skills test (driving test)
- Provide proof of citizenship or legal presence in the US
- Pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam.
- Provide a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
CDL Skills Test
The CDL skills test is divided into pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. During the pre-trip inspection, you’ll be tested on your ability to inspect your vehicle for safety and mechanical issues. The basic vehicle control portion of the test will assess your ability to control the vehicle in various situations, such as backing up and turning. Finally, the on-road driving portion will test your ability to operate the vehicle on public roads safely.
Class B CDL
A Class B CDL allows you to operate single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more and any vehicle towing a trailer with a GVWR of less than 10,000 pounds. This class is typically for drivers who operate buses, dump trucks, and other heavy-duty vehicles that do not require a trailer.
Requirements for a Class B CDL
To obtain a Class B CDL in Texas, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old (21 years old for interstate travel)
- Have a valid Texas driver’s license.
- Pass a vision test.
- Pass a written knowledge test.
- Pass a skills test (driving test)
- Provide proof of citizenship or legal presence in the US
- Pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam.
- Provide a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
Class B CDL Skills Test
The CDL skills test for a Class B CDL is like the test for a Class A CDL, but it does not include the pre-trip inspection portion. Instead, you’ll be tested on your ability to control the vehicle and drive safely on public roads.
Class C CDL
A Class C CDL is the most basic commercial driver’s license type in Texas. With a Class C CDL, you can operate any vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or hazardous materials.
Requirements for a Class C CDL
To obtain a Class C CDL in Texas, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old (21 years old for interstate travel)
- Have a valid Texas driver’s license.
- Pass a vision test.
- Pass a written knowledge test.
- Pass a skills test (driving test)
- Provide proof of citizenship or legal presence in the US
- Pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam.
- Provide a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
CDL Skills Test
The CDL skills test for a Class C CDL is like that for a Class B CDL. Still, it may also include additional endorsements for hazardous materials or passenger transportation.
CDL Classes and Endorsements
In addition to the three main classes of CDLs, there are also various endorsements that you can obtain to expand your driving capabilities. These endorsements allow you to operate specialized vehicles or transport specific types of cargo.
Some common endorsements include:
- Passenger (P) endorsement allows you to operate vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver)
- School Bus (S) endorsement allows you to operate a school bus
- Tank (N) endorsement allows you to transport liquids or gases in bulk.
- Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement: allows you to transport hazardous materials
- Double/Triple (T) endorsement allows you to tow multiple trailers at once.
You must pass a written knowledge and, sometimes, a skills test to obtain an endorsement.
Why Do Truck Drivers Need Endorsements
Truck drivers need license endorsements to operate specific types of vehicles or transport specific cargo legally.
Endorsements provide additional qualifications and training to ensure the safety and expertise of the driver in specialized areas. For example, it allows drivers to transport hazardous materials, while the Tank Vehicles endorsement is required to operate vehicles carrying liquids or gases in bulk containers.
Similarly, the Passenger endorsement is necessary for transporting passengers in vehicles designed for 16 or more people, and the school Bus endorsement is required to operate a school bus. The Double/Triple Trailers endorsement permits drivers to tow multiple trailers simultaneously.
Each endorsement has specific requirements, such as additional knowledge tests, background checks, and sometimes driving tests. These endorsements ensure drivers have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle the vehicle or cargo they are responsible for. Truck drivers need to obtain the required endorsements to comply with regulations and ensure the safety of themselves and others on the road.
CDL Classes and Training
You must complete a training program at a certified CDL school to obtain a CDL in Texas. These programs typically last 4-8 weeks, including classroom instruction, hands-on training, and practice driving. You can also attend a private training program or receive on-the-job training from a trucking company.
Contact a Top-Rated Houston Truck Accident Lawyer at Baumgartner Law Firm for Help!
Call a truck accident lawyer at Baumgartner Law Firm in Houston or contact us online to discuss an accident with a big rig, semi-truck, or other commercial vehicle. (281) 587-1111.
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy, Houston, TX, 77069
(281) 587-1111
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