Texas CDL Practice Test 2026

Free TX CDL test prep — general knowledge, air brakes, hazmat & tanker

20 Free Practice Questions

Full Explanations & Citations

TX Special Requirements

2026 DPS Fees

50 Qs

General Knowledge

80%

to pass

TX Special

Test required

$122

total DPS fees

8 years

CDL validity

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.

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QUESTION 1 OF 20 — TEXAS-SPECIFIC RULES

How to get your Texas CDL — step by stepTexas CDL at a glance — 2026 requirements

$25

CLP permit fee

$61

CDL license fee

$11

Per endorsement

8 yrs

CDL renewal cycle

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

Test	Texas Special Requirements
Questions	25
Passing score	80% (20 correct)
Source	TX CMV Handbook Section 14
Must pass before	All other tests
Other states	Not required

Test	General Knowledge Test
Questions	50
Passing score	80% (40 correct)
Source	FMCSA CDL manual
Required for	All CDL classes
Retake wait	24 hours

Test	Air Brakes Test
Questions	25
Passing score	80% (20 correct)
Source	Air brakes restriction on CDL
Fee	$11 endorsement fee
Retake wait	24 hours

Test	Combination Vehicles Test
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?

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

18 for intrastate (Texas-only) driving. 21 for interstate or hazmat. Many Texas carriers require 21 regardless of route type.

8 years for drivers ages 85 and under — longer than most states. Keep your Medical Examiner’s Certificate current throughout the CDL period.