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Fees set by Texas Department of Public Safety: Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), original or renewal $25 (valid 180 days); CDL, age 18 to 84, new or renewal $97 (8 years); CDL with HazMat endorsement, new or renewal $61 (5 years); Replacement CDL or CLP $11; Adding motorcycle to a CDL $15 new, $16 to an existing CDL; Skills test through a Third Party Skills Testing provider set by the provider. Skills-test fees charged by third-party testers, ELDT training, and the DOT medical exam are extra and vary by provider.

Texas gives CDL skills tests at Department of Public Safety driver license offices, but only at certain offices (DPS publishes the list of CDL testing locations) and only by appointment: book at txdpsscheduler.com or by emailing cdlappointments@dps.texas.gov. You can also test through a DPS-certified Third Party Skills Testing (TPST) provider, usually a truck driving school or an employer, which tests its own students or employees. Bring a commercial vehicle that matches the class of CLP you hold.

DPS says skills-test appointments fill up fast during the summer because only certain offices test, so book early and consider a TPST provider if the nearest DPS office has no dates. Knowledge tests are given at any of the more than 200 driver license offices statewide and rarely have the same backlog.

You must already hold a Texas driver license before applying for a CLP, and the CLP is not valid without it. The CLP must be held for 14 days before any skills test, including class upgrades and passenger or school bus endorsements. A CLP lasts 180 days and can be renewed once, up to 30 days before it expires, without retaking the knowledge tests. You self-certify your medical status on form CDL-4, CDL-5, or CDL-10 and provide a Medical Examiner's Certificate where required. Thumbprints and a vision exam are part of the CLP visit; new residents must show Texas vehicle registration for each vehicle they own.

It depends on the vehicle weight rating, trailer weight, passenger use, school bus use, and whether hazardous materials are transported. The selector tool gives a starting point, and your state licensing agency makes the final determination.

ELDT generally applies when you are getting a Class A CDL, Class B CDL, Class B-to-Class A upgrade, or a Passenger, School Bus, or HazMat endorsement for the first time.

Yes. HazMat ELDT is theory training and must be completed before the hazardous materials knowledge test. The TSA security threat assessment is a separate requirement.

Yes. You can compare CDL classes, review endorsement topics, and use the selector tool first. Texas study material add organized practice material, PDFs, audio, and training access.