Omar Khawaja | September 8, 2026 | Truck Accidents
Driving commercial trucks and buses requires different skills from ordinary vehicles to prevent truck accidents. A commercial driver’s license (CDL) shows that a driver has met additional testing and qualification requirements to operate certain commercial vehicles.
Texas issues several classes of CDLs based on the type, weight, and use of the vehicle.
What Does a CDL Allow You To Drive in Texas?
A CDL allows a qualified driver to operate certain large trucks, buses, and other commercial motor vehicles. The type of vehicle a driver may operate depends on the class of CDL and any endorsements or restrictions on the license.
Texas recognizes three basic CDL classes:
- Class A CDL allows a driver to operate a combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of at least 26,001 pounds when the vehicle or vehicles being towed have a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds
- Class B CDL generally covers a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of at least 26,001 pounds, including one towing a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less. It also covers vehicles designed to transport at least 24 passengers, including the driver.
- Class C CDL covers certain vehicles that do not qualify as Class A or B but are designed to transport 16 to 23 people, including the driver, or transport hazardous materials requiring placards
The appropriate CDL class depends on the vehicle the person intends to drive. A CDL holder may generally operate vehicles within the license class and lower classes, subject to applicable endorsements and restrictions.
What Are CDL Endorsements?
A CDL alone does not authorize a driver to operate every type of commercial vehicle or transport every type of cargo. Some commercial driving jobs require an endorsement on the license.
Endorsements may be required to:
- Transport passengers
- Drive a school bus
- Transport hazardous materials
- Operate a vehicle with double or triple trailers
- Drive certain tank vehicles
Drivers generally must pass additional tests to obtain the endorsements required for their type of commercial driving.
How Do You Get a CDL in Texas?
Texas CDL applicants must complete several steps before they can operate a commercial vehicle on their own. A first-time applicant generally starts by obtaining a commercial learner permit (CLP).
The Texas CDL process may include:
- Holding a valid Texas driver’s license
- Providing required identification and other documents
- Meeting applicable medical requirements
- Passing vision and knowledge tests
- Obtaining a CLP
- Completing required entry-level driver training
- Passing vehicle inspection, basic control, and road tests
Texas generally requires applicants to hold a CLP for at least 14 days before taking the CDL skills test. Texas also requires CDL knowledge examinations to be taken in English as of June 1, 2026.
Do CDL Drivers Have Medical Requirements?
Many commercial drivers must meet medical standards in addition to licensing and testing requirements. Texas requires CDL holders and CLP applicants to certify the type of commercial driving they perform. Some drivers must maintain a valid medical examiner’s certificate.
The specific requirements depend on whether the driver operates in interstate or intrastate commerce and whether the type of driving falls within an exception.
Why Do CDL Requirements Matter After a Texas Truck Accident?
CDL requirements can become important when investigating a commercial truck accident. A driver may have been required to hold a particular CDL class or endorsement based on the vehicle and cargo involved.
An investigation may review:
- The driver’s CDL status and class
- Required endorsements
- Medical qualifications
- Driver training and experience
- Restrictions on the CDL
- The driver’s history of traffic violations or disqualifications
- The trucking company’s hiring and qualification records
A licensing violation does not automatically establish who caused a crash. However, a driver’s qualifications and compliance with commercial driving requirements may provide important evidence when determining whether unsafe conduct contributed to an accident.
Contact Omar Khawaja Personal Injury Lawyers To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Houston Truck Accident Attorney
A Houston truck accident lawyer can obtain driver records, investigate potential licensing and safety violations, and determine whether the driver’s qualifications played a role in the crash in Texas. An attorney can also help you pursue compensation for your injuries and other losses.
If you’ve been injured in Houston or Dallas, please call Omar Khawaja Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a truck accident lawyer or contact us online.
We proudly serve clients throughout Texas, with offices in Houston and Dallas.
Omar Khawaja Personal Injury Lawyers – Houston Office
5177 Richmond Ave. Suite 1065, Houston, TX 77056
(281) 888-2339
Omar Khawaja Personal Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office
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