Start with a Texas-specific mixed test, then practice every major CDL knowledge area required for the vehicle, class, and endorsements you plan to operate.
Texas follows federal CDL safety standards while administering state licensing, testing, restrictions, and Texas Commercial Rules. This hub combines current Texas-specific requirements with focused handbook topics so you can prepare for the CLP, knowledge exams, and skills test.
01Texas CLP rules
02General Knowledge
03Air Brakes
04Combination Vehicles
05HazMat and Tank
06Doubles and Passenger
07School Bus
08Vehicle Inspection
PRACTICE MODE
Texas CDL Test
Question order and answer order shuffle on each attempt. Choose one answer, read the explanation, then use Back or Next to continue.
Question 1 of 25Score 0
Before Texas can issue a commercial learner's permit, what license must an applicant generally already hold?
Answer: A valid Texas driver license
Texas DPS states that the first step toward a CLP is to hold a valid Texas driver license. The CLP is not valid by itself and must be carried with the base Texas driver license. Study: Texas DPS — How to Apply for a CDL
How long must a Texas CLP generally be held before the applicant may take the CDL skills test?
Answer: At least 14 days
Texas requires a CLP to be held for at least 14 days before the skills exam. This applies to first-time CDL applicants and specified upgrades or endorsements that require a skills test. Study: Texas DPS — How to Apply for a CDL
How long is a Texas CLP generally valid?
Answer: 180 days or until the base Texas driver license expires, whichever comes first
Texas DPS states that a CLP is valid for 180 days or until the applicant's Texas driver license expires, whichever occurs first. A CLP is a learner privilege tied to the base driver license. Study: Texas DPS — How to Apply for a CDL
What renewal option does Texas provide for a CLP?
Answer: One renewal, up to 30 days before expiration, without retaking the knowledge exams
Texas allows one CLP renewal, beginning up to 30 days before expiration, without requiring the knowledge exams to be retaken. Applicants should still verify current eligibility before relying on a renewal. Study: Texas DPS — How to Apply for a CDL
What score is required to pass each Texas CDL knowledge-exam section?
Answer: 80 percent or higher
The current Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook says an applicant must score at least 80 percent on each required knowledge-exam section. Study: Texas CDL Handbook — Commercial Driver License Examinations
Which knowledge exam does Texas administer first in the CDL testing sequence?
Answer: Texas Commercial Rules
Texas DPS lists Texas Commercial Rules first, followed by General Knowledge and then the additional tests required for the applicant's class, brakes, and endorsements. Study: Texas DPS — How to Apply for a CDL
After an unsuccessful Texas CDL knowledge test on the initial application date, what can make the application void?
Answer: Failing to complete all required tests within 90 days or reaching three failed attempts, whichever comes first
The Texas handbook states that the application remains active for 90 days after an unsuccessful knowledge test on the initial application date. It becomes void if all required tests are not completed within that window or after three failed attempts, whichever occurs first. Study: Texas CDL Handbook — Commercial Driver License Examinations
Beginning June 1, 2026, in what language does Texas DPS administer CDL and CLP knowledge examinations?
Answer: English only
Texas DPS states that all CDL and CLP knowledge examinations are administered in English only beginning June 1, 2026. CDL skills tests also continue to be conducted in English. Study: Texas DPS — How to Apply for a CDL
Which endorsements may be added to a Texas commercial learner's permit?
Answer: P, S, and N
The Texas CDL handbook limits CLP endorsements to Passenger (P), School Bus (S), and Tank Vehicle (N). H, T, and X are CDL-only endorsements. Study: Texas CDL Handbook — Endorsements and Restrictions
What restriction accompanies a Texas CLP with a P or S endorsement?
Answer: A no-passengers-in-a-CMV-bus restriction
A CLP carrying P or S must also restrict normal passenger carriage. The handbook allows only specified people such as examiners, auditors, trainees, and the qualified accompanying CDL holder while the learner is practicing. Study: Texas CDL Handbook — Endorsements and Restrictions
A Texas learner has an N tank endorsement. What cargo limitation applies while operating under the CLP?
Answer: The tank vehicle must be empty, and a tank that previously held HazMat must be purged of residue
The Texas handbook applies the X no-cargo-in-a-CMV-tank restriction to an N-endorsed CLP. The learner may operate only an empty tank vehicle, and a tank that previously contained hazardous materials must be purged of residue. Study: Texas CDL Handbook — Endorsements and Restrictions
Who must accompany a Texas CLP holder practicing on public roads?
Answer: A qualified CDL operator age 21 or older with the same class of CDL, seated next to the learner
Texas DPS requires a qualified CDL operator who is at least 21, holds the same class of CDL for the vehicle, and sits next to the CLP holder during public-road practice. Study: Texas DPS — How to Apply for a CDL
What is the minimum age to operate a CMV in ordinary intrastate Texas commerce, assuming all other requirements are met?
Answer: 18 years old
Texas allows qualified intrastate commercial drivers to begin at age 18. Interstate and certain federal operating categories can require age 21. Study: Texas DPS — CDL Medical Certification Requirement
What minimum age generally applies to non-excepted interstate commercial driving from Texas?
Answer: 21 years old
Texas DPS states that non-excepted interstate commercial drivers must be at least 21 years old. Intrastate-only operation can have a lower minimum age. Study: Texas DPS — CDL Medical Certification Requirement
Which combination meets the basic Texas Class A CDL weight definition?
Answer: A combination with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more when the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 pounds GVWR
Texas Class A covers combinations rated at 26,001 pounds or more when the GVWR of the towed vehicle or vehicles exceeds 10,000 pounds. Endorsements may still be required for particular cargo or vehicle types. Study: Texas DPS — Classes of Driver Licenses
Which vehicle can require a Texas Class B CDL?
Answer: A single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more
A Texas Class B CDL covers a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more and certain vehicles towing 10,000 pounds or less. It also covers vehicles designed for 24 or more passengers including the driver. Study: Texas DPS — Classes of Driver Licenses
When can a Texas Class C CDL be required?
Answer: For a non-Class-A/B vehicle designed for 16 to 23 people including the driver, or one carrying placarded HazMat
Texas Class C CDL authority applies when the vehicle is not Class A or B but is designed for 16 to 23 people including the driver or carries hazardous materials requiring placards. Study: Texas DPS — Classes of Driver Licenses
Which applicant is covered by federal Entry-Level Driver Training requirements that Texas verifies?
Answer: A first-time Class A or B applicant, a qualifying class upgrade, or a first-time H, P, or S endorsement applicant
Texas lists ELDT for first-time Class A or B applicants, applicants upgrading an existing CDL to Class B or A, and first-time applicants for H, P, or S endorsements. Study: Texas CDL Handbook — Entry-Level Driver Training
Before Texas can issue a CDL with an H hazardous-materials endorsement, what federal step must be cleared?
Answer: A TSA security threat assessment
Texas cannot issue an H endorsement until TSA completes the required security threat assessment and grants clearance. The process includes identity, immigration-status, fingerprint, and background checks. Study: Texas DPS — Hazardous Materials Endorsement
What additional training applies to a first-time Texas H endorsement applicant?
Answer: Hazardous Materials Entry-Level Driver Training
Texas DPS requires first-time H endorsement applicants to complete ELDT before completing the endorsement process. The HazMat knowledge exam and TSA security assessment are separate requirements. Study: Texas DPS — Hazardous Materials Endorsement
When does the Texas N tank endorsement definition generally apply to attached tanks?
Answer: When an individual tank exceeds 119 gallons and the aggregate rated capacity is at least 1,000 gallons
The Texas handbook uses both thresholds: individual rated capacity greater than 119 gallons and aggregate rated capacity of 1,000 gallons or more, for tanks permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle or chassis. Study: Texas CDL Handbook — Endorsements
What are the three major parts of the Texas CDL driving skills test?
Answer: Vehicle Inspection, Basic Vehicle Control, and Road Test
Texas DPS identifies the driving test as Vehicle Inspection (Pre-trip), Basic Vehicle Control, and Road Test. The test vehicle must represent the class and type of CLP held. Study: Texas DPS — How to Apply for a CDL
How many driver licenses may a person operating a commercial motor vehicle legally have at one time?
Answer: One
Texas DPS highlights the federal single-license requirement: it is illegal for a person operating a CMV to have more than one driver license at a time. Study: Texas DPS — Commercial Driver License
If a Texas Class B bus skills test is taken in a bus under 26,001 pounds GVWR, what limitation can result?
Answer: The CDL is restricted to operating buses under 26,001 pounds GVWR
Texas DPS states that a Class B applicant who skills-tests in a bus below 26,001 pounds GVWR will be restricted to buses under 26,001 pounds GVWR. Study: Texas DPS — How to Apply for a CDL
What does the Texas T endorsement authorize, subject to applicable operating laws?
Answer: Towing double or triple trailers
Texas lists T as the double/triple trailer endorsement. It is a CDL-only endorsement and requires the specialized knowledge examination for multiple trailers. Study: Texas DPS — Endorsements and Restrictions
Use practice to find the handbook sections you still need.
01
Answer without guessing from memory
Use the first attempt to expose weak knowledge instead of memorizing answer positions.
02
Read every explanation
When a rule is Texas-specific, confirm it in the current Texas DPS material linked below.
03
Retake after review
Aim for consistent mastery across both the Texas mixed test and every focused test your CDL goal requires.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Texas CDL practice test FAQ
Is this Texas Texas CDL practice test free?
Yes. The 25-question practice test, instant feedback, scoring, and answer explanations are available without registration.
Are these official Texas DPS exam questions?
No. They are original study questions written from Texas DPS and standard CDL handbook topics. The Texas DPS controls the real knowledge and skills examinations.
Should I still read the Texas Commercial Driver Handbook?
Yes. Use the current Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook and Texas DPS instructions as the final authority, especially for licensing steps, restrictions, medical rules, and state-specific procedures.
What score should I aim for while practicing?
Texas requires 80 percent or higher on each required CDL knowledge-exam section. For practice, aim to score comfortably above that and review every missed explanation.
FACT-CHECKED STUDY BASIS
Texas DPS and federal sources
These are original study questions, not copied licensing-exam questions. Texas DPS guidance and the current Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook control state procedures; federal standards apply where incorporated.
Important: CDL Test Practice is an independent study website and is not affiliated with Texas DPS or FMCSA. Rules and procedures can change; verify current official instructions before applying or testing.