Texas is one of the best states in the country for commercial drivers. No state income tax, massive freight demand from oil and gas, agriculture, and the largest highway network in the US. Before you can drive commercially in Texas, you need to pass the Texas DPS CDL knowledge test — which has a unique requirement most other states do not have.
⚠️ Texas-Only Requirement Most Candidates Miss
Texas requires a Special Requirements test based on Section 14 of the TX CMV Handbook before any other knowledge tests. This is unique to Texas — most states do not have it. Study Section 14 before your DPS visit or you will be sent home to study before retaking.
Free Texas CDL Practice Test — 20 Questions
These 20 questions cover general knowledge, air brakes, and Texas-specific rules. Every answer includes a full explanation and manual citation — the same style used by the actual TX DPS exam. Need 16/20 (80%) to match the real passing standard.
Want more practice? The PassMyCDL free lesson library covers all CDL knowledge test sections — general knowledge, air brakes, hazmat, and tanker. 48 lessons, no account needed.
Texas CDL at a glance — 2026 requirements
| Requirement | Texas rule |
|---|---|
| Min age (intrastate) | 18 years old — Texas-only driving |
| Min age (interstate) | 21 years old — across state lines |
| Min age (hazmat) | 21 years old |
| CLP hold period | 14 days minimum before skills test |
| CLP validity | 180 days (6 months) |
| CDL validity | 8 years (ages 85 and under) |
| Knowledge test language | English only (effective June 1, 2026) |
| Administering agency | Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) |
| Retest wait time | 24 hours after any failed knowledge test section |
New in 2026: As of June 1, 2026, Texas DPS administers all CDL knowledge exams in English only. This aligns with FMCSA requirements under 49 CFR 391.11. Previously Spanish was available — it no longer is.
Texas CDL test structure
- Questions 25
- Passing score 80% (20 correct)
- Source TX CMV Handbook Section 14
- Must pass before All other tests
- Other states Not required
- Questions 50
- Passing score 80% (40 correct)
- Source FMCSA CDL manual
- Required for All CDL classes
- Retake wait 24 hours
- Questions 25
- Passing score 80% (20 correct)
- Without it Air brakes restriction on CDL
- Fee $11 endorsement fee
- Retake wait 24 hours
- Questions 20
- Passing score 80%
- Required for Class A CDL only
- Covers Coupling, trailer control, rollover
- Retake wait 24 hours
Save time: Take the Special Requirements, General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Combination Vehicles tests in one DPS visit. Add tanker and hazmat if you plan those endorsements. One trip — all tests — full CLP issued the same day.
How to get your Texas CDL — step by step
- Confirm eligibility: 18+ for intrastate, 21+ for interstate or hazmat. Valid Texas driver's license or ID required. Check your driving record before investing in training.
- Get a DOT physical: Visit an FMCSA-certified medical examiner ($75–$150). The Medical Examiner's Certificate is required before your CLP application. The examiner submits results to the FMCSA National Registry electronically.
- Complete ELDT theory training: Required since February 2022 for all new CDL applicants. Can be done online through an FMCSA-registered provider before your DPS visit.
- Study for all knowledge tests: Read Section 14 of the Texas CMV Handbook (Special Requirements). Read the full FMCSA CDL manual (General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles). Use the practice test above and PassMyCDL free lessons.
- Visit a Texas DPS office: Bring your TX driver's license, Medical Examiner's Certificate, ELDT completion certificate, and fee payment. Pass the Special Requirements test first, then all other knowledge tests. CLP issued same day.
- Hold CLP for 14 days: Federal law — cannot be waived. Practice driving with a qualified CDL holder in the passenger seat during this period.
- Complete behind-the-wheel training: Your ELDT requires hands-on hours at an FMCSA-registered school. Schedule this to run concurrent with the 14-day hold.
- Pass the CDL skills test: Three parts — pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control (backing), and on-road test. Texas has many third-party testing sites with faster appointment availability than DPS offices.
- Receive your Texas CDL: Issued the same day as the skills test. Valid for 8 years. Keep your Medical Examiner's Certificate current throughout.
Texas CDL endorsements
| Endorsement | Code | Test questions | TX fee | Extra requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hazardous Materials | H | 30 questions | $11 + $86.50 TSA | TSA background check — 30–60 days |
| Tank Vehicle | N | 20 questions | $11 | Knowledge test only — no TSA, no wait |
| Hazmat + Tanker (X) | X | H + N tests | $22 + $86.50 TSA | Required for fuel hauling in Texas |
| Passenger Vehicle | P | 20 questions | $11 | Separate P skills test required |
| School Bus | S | 20 questions | $11 | Background check + separate skills test |
| Doubles/Triples | T | 20 questions | $11 | Knowledge test only |
Texas oil and gas demand makes the X endorsement (hazmat + tanker) especially valuable. Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale operations run constantly — fuel and water haulers are always in demand. Study guides: hazmat endorsement and tanker endorsement.
What to study for the Texas CDL test
The Texas CDL test draws from two sources — the federal FMCSA CDL manual and the Texas-specific CMV Handbook. Most study guides only cover the federal manual. To pass all Texas tests you need both.
- Texas CMV Driver's Handbook — Section 14: This is the source for the Special Requirements test. Covers Texas-specific rules for commercial drivers including state traffic laws, weight limits, and special operating requirements. Download free from the Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov).
- FMCSA CDL manual — General Knowledge section: Covers safe driving, cargo securement, vehicle inspection, and hazardous conditions. This is the same for all states.
- Air Brakes section: Required if you plan to drive any vehicle with air brakes — which is most Class A and many Class B vehicles in Texas. See the full air brakes guide for all PSI numbers and inspection steps.
- Combination Vehicles section: Required for Class A CDL. Covers coupling and uncoupling, trailer dynamics, and rollover prevention.
- Endorsement sections: If you plan hazmat or tanker endorsements, study those sections too. Both have separate 20–30 question tests at the DPS office.
Study order: Start with Section 14 of the Texas CMV Handbook (Special Requirements). Then the FMCSA General Knowledge section. Then Air Brakes. Then Combination Vehicles. Take the practice test on this page to check your readiness before your DPS visit.
Texas CDL trucking jobs — why Texas pays well
Texas is one of the highest-demand states for commercial drivers in the country. Here is why it consistently ranks among the best states for CDL careers:
- No state income tax: Texas has zero state income tax. A $70,000 CDL salary in Texas puts significantly more in your pocket than the same salary in California, New York, or Illinois.
- Oil and gas sector: The Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale produce millions of barrels daily. Fuel hauling and water transport for drilling operations pay premium rates — almost always requiring the X endorsement (hazmat + tanker).
- Low cost of living: Outside major metros, Texas housing and living costs run well below national averages. A CDL income goes further here than in most other states.
- Major freight corridors: I-10, I-20, I-35, and I-40 all pass through Texas. Dallas-Fort Worth is one of the largest freight distribution hubs in the US — demand for drivers is year-round and consistent.
- Agriculture: Texas is the top agricultural state in the country. Livestock, grain, and produce hauling create consistent year-round demand for both Class A and Class B drivers.
- Petrochemical industry: The Gulf Coast corridor — Houston, Beaumont, Port Arthur — is home to the largest concentration of petrochemical refineries in the world. Chemical tanker drivers in this area regularly earn $80,000–$100,000+.
For full salary data by job type, experience, and state, see How Much Do CDL Truck Drivers Make in 2026?
Texas CDL FAQ
How many questions are on the Texas CDL test?
The general knowledge test has 50 questions — need 40 correct (80%). Texas also requires a Special Requirements test (25 questions, 20 correct to pass) before all other tests. Each endorsement has its own 20–30 question test.
What is the Texas Special Requirements test?
A 25-question test based on Section 14 of the Texas CMV Handbook covering Texas-specific commercial driving rules. Unique to Texas — must pass it before any other CDL knowledge tests at the DPS office.
How much does a CDL cost in Texas?
Government fees total ~$122: $25 CLP + $61 CDL + $11 per endorsement. Hazmat adds $86.50 federal TSA fee. Training school costs are separate. Full breakdown: CDL cost guide.
What is the minimum age for a Texas CDL?
18 for intrastate (Texas-only) driving. 21 for interstate or hazmat. Many Texas carriers require 21 regardless of route type.
How long is a Texas CDL valid?
8 years for drivers ages 85 and under — longer than most states. Keep your Medical Examiner's Certificate current throughout the CDL period.
Ready to pass the Texas CDL test?
Start with 48 free lessons covering every CDL knowledge test section. When ready for endorsements, the Air Brakes, Hazmat, and Tanker packs include everything you need to pass first try.
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