Texas Driver Safety and Training

Earning a CDL License in Texas can be a confusing task. Knowing the right procedure, list of requirements and passing the tests may sound easy, but here are a few tips to get you started into getting your Texas CDL License.

• Check if your local Texas driver's license office offers CDL testing. Not all driver's license offices are the same, some don't offer CDL testing, so check first with your local office or nearby counties for information. Here's a link to a Texas DPS page that offers information on some driver's license offices. (http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/driver_licensing_control/rolodex/search.asp) You might still need to call, so find contact numbers for the driver's license office in the county you are checking.



• Know the Requirements. A prerequisite for drivers is being at least over 21 years old and must already be licensed. Bringing your Social Security card along with your license is for verifying your identity.



• Know your vehicle's (truck's) weight class and fill out the appropriate Texas CDL license form. Each class has its own application form, so applying for the wrong one might take you more time in getting your CDL License.
  
  
  
  • Class A is for a combination of vehicles that weigh from 26,001 pounds or more,
  
  
  • Class B is for a single vehicle that weighs 26,001 pounds or more,
  
  
  • Class C is for single or combination vehicles that don't fall into either Class A or Class B criteria, and might be designed for a specialized purpose.
  
  
  
  



• Review the Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook. The written and skills exam questions will be based on the contents here. Here is a link to the PDF version of the handbook: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/InternetForms/Forms/DL-7C.pdf. Additionally, signing up for a CDL practice test will also help you pass your Texas CDL Licensing exams.



• Have a commercial vehicle for your driving test. Applicants are required to provide the vehicles they will be tested on. Usually, when applying for a Texas CDL, the driving test will be performed using the vehicle that the applicant will be driving, once they obtain their license.



• After you have passed, there will be a fee for your CDL license. It is usually just a little over $60. Applicants will also be required to take a photo and get their fingerprints on record after this process.

By following these tips and maintaining a good driving record, an applicant will stand a greater chance at obtaining their Texas CDL License quickly, with relatively less hassle and confusion.

Labels: commercial drivers license, texas cdl, texas drivers license

Getting your Texas Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is a wonderful accomplishment, because it means you are on your way to an exciting and rewarding career as a professional truck driver. But the process of obtaining the license can be confusing and the exam process very challenging, leading many potential drivers to delay or even forego earning a Texas CDL.

Before you begin, it is helpful to get a copy of the Texas CDL Handbook. The handbook will tell you what steps to follow to get your CDL license, and you'll also use it as a tool to study for your written exams at the Texas Department of Safety. You'll also need to pass a pre-trip inspection exam on the type of vehicle you wish to drive.

Next, get a learner's license so you can practice driving a commercial motor vehicle for the skills exams you'll take to earn your CDL. To earn a learner's license, you'll need to pass one or more written tests, depending on the type of commercial motor vehicle you want to drive. All applicants for a Texas CDL must take the General Knowledge exam. Other endorsements for which you may need to take written exams include:

• Passenger


• Double/Triple Trailers


• Tank Vehicles


• Hazardous Materials


• School Bus

Last, you'll take a set of skills tests to earn your CDL. If you can't pass the air brake inspection skills test, you won't be allowed to take the road test. The road test must be taken in the same class of vehicle for which you want to be licensed.

You'll need to present proof of your identity and social security number to receive your Texas CDL. To avoid making unnecessary trips to the Department of Public Safety, start gathering your paperwork early. If you want a Hazardous Materials Endorsement on your Texas CDL, you'll need to pass a federal threat assessment. This program requires a time-consuming fingerprint check, so start the process as early as possible.

While operating a commercial motor vehicle with a learner's license, you must have a licensed CDL operator with the proper class of license in the front seat with you. Remember, the CDL exams are difficult and even experienced commercial motor vehicle drivers who retake the exams often fail them. A CDL test prep course can help you retain more information, giving you a better chance of passing the written tests the first time you take them.

Labels: cdl practice test, commercial drivers license, texas cdl, texas cdl handbook