Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) / Texas
2026 data Texas board official source

Texas Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

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Operates large commercial vehicles. Federal CDL recognized nationwide.

What the Texas data shows for Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)s

Becoming a licensed commercial truck driver (cdl) in Texas means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 244 training hours, a passing score on CDL Knowledge Tests and Skills Test, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 21. Texas regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "CDL Training Program".

The initial price tag is $115, and renewal costs $62 every 4 years. Texas doesn't require continuing education for this license, so upkeep costs stay confined to the renewal fee itself.

For commercial truck driver (cdl)s, the reciprocity picture is: Federal CDL recognized in all 50 states.

Licensing Requirements in Texas

Education / Training Hours
CDL Training Program
244 hours
Exam Requirement
CDL Knowledge Tests and Skills Test
Required
Initial License Fee
$115
Renewal Fee
$62
Renewal Cycle
Every 4 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
21 years

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Compare all states for Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) All Texas licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Texas licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) in Texas? ▼
Texas's requirements cover 244 hours of education or training, the CDL Knowledge Tests and Skills Test exam, and an initial fee of $115. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) in Texas? ▼
Certification as a commercial truck driver (cdl) in Texas means clearing the state's checklist: 244 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Texas licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) license to Texas from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for commercial truck driver (cdl)s nationally works like this: Federal CDL recognized in all 50 states. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Texas. Verify the specifics with the Texas licensing board.
Does Texas require a background check for Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the commercial truck driver (cdl) licensing process in Texas. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.