Types of Commercial Driver’s Licenses in Texas

Traffic accidents involving commercial trucks can result in life-altering injuries and wrongful deaths. Federal and state laws require individuals to obtain special training and skills to operate a large truck. The aim is to reduce the risk of large truck accidents by ensuring drivers have the experience they need to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

What Are the Types of Commercial Driver’s Licenses in Texas?

A commercial driver’s license allows an individual to operate certain types of commercial motor vehicles. The class of the CDL dictates the type of vehicles the driver can operate and the loads they can transport. Classes are based on the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight (GVW), gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), and/or whether the vehicle is transporting passengers.

The three classes of CDLs in Texas are:

Class A Texas Commercial Driver’s License

A Class A CDL allows a person to drive a commercial motor vehicle or combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight of more than 26,000 pounds, including a towed unit with a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds, whichever is greater.

Class B Texas Commercial Driver’s License

A Class B CDL allows a person to drive a single commercial motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 26,000 pounds. You also need a Class B CDL if you drive a truck towing a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight or a GVWR of less than 10,000 pounds.

Class C Texas Commercial Driver’s License

A Class C CDL allows a person to drive a vehicle that does not meet the Class A or Class B license requirements. It is also required to drive a vehicle that transports 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or transport hazardous materials.

Endorsements Available for Texas Commercial Driver’s Licenses

Drivers can apply for endorsements to their CDLs that allow them to transport specific cargo or operate special types of commercial motor vehicles. The endorsements available for a CDL in Texas include:

• S Endorsement: Required to drive a school bus
• X Endorsement: Required to drive a tank vehicle transporting hazardous materials
• H Endorsement: Required to transport hazardous materials
• N Endorsement: Required to drive a tank truck
• P Endorsement: Required to transport passengers
• T Endorsement: Required to operate a truck with double or triple trailers

You must have a valid CDL to apply for endorsements. Some endorsements require you to complete additional tests and other requirements before receiving the endorsement.

General Requirements for a Commercial Driver’s License in Texas

All individuals must obtain a commercial learner’s permit before applying for a commercial driver’s license. You must have the learner’s license for a minimum of 14 days before you can schedule a driving test for a commercial driver’s license.

The basic requirements for a CDL in Texas include:

• Have a valid Texas driver’s license
• Be a resident of Texas and a U.S. citizen
• Provide proof of Social Security Number, identity, insurance coverage, medical status, and vehicle registration for each vehicle owned
• Pass a vision test
• Complete the required training and education courses
• Provide your thumbprints
• Pay the application fee
• Pass the knowledge and driving tests
• Have your picture taken

Individuals must complete Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) as required by federal law for certain types of CDLs. Entry Level Driver Training is required for first-time applicants for Class A and Class B CDL and Endorsements S, P, and H. Applicants who want to upgrade an existing CDL to Class A or Class B CDL must also take the Entry Level Driver Training course.

There are exemptions to the ELDT requirements, including drivers with valid CDL or S, P, or H endorsements issued before February 7, 2022.

Federal vs. Texas Trucking Regulations: Understanding Liability

Commercial truck operations are regulated by both federal and state laws, and these rules play a major role in determining fault after a truck accident. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes nationwide standards for large trucks involved in interstate transport, including rules on truck maintenance, cargo securement, driver qualifications, and hours-of-service (HOS) limits that help prevent fatigue-related crashes.

Texas also enforces its own trucking regulations through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for vehicles operating within state borders. These rules cover weight restrictions, commercial vehicle inspections, licensing compliance, and special permit requirements for heavy loads.

Violations of FMCSA or Texas trucking regulations can be key evidence in proving negligence. For example, if a trucking company allowed a driver to exceed legal driving hours or failed to maintain its fleet, it could be held liable for contributing to the crash.

Likewise, if a vehicle was overloaded, improperly maintained, or driven without proper licensing or endorsements, those violations could strengthen an injured victim’s claim. In some cases, attorneys use electronic logging devices (ELDs), black box data, or maintenance records to show that the trucking company ignored safety standards to save time or reduce costs. When regulations are ignored, and an accident happens, it may show negligence and increase the likelihood of recovering compensation.

Understanding these regulations also helps explain why truck accident claims are different from regular car accident cases. There are more rules, more evidence to collect, and more parties that may be responsible.

Working with a Texas truck accident lawyer ensures that all regulatory violations are thoroughly investigated to help build a strong claim.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Texas Commercial Truck Accident? (Beyond the Driver)

Many people assume that the truck driver is the only person responsible after a crash—but in commercial truck accidents, multiple parties may share legal responsibility. Under Texas law, liability is determined by examining who had a duty to keep others safe and whether they failed to meet that obligation.

While the driver may have caused the accident through speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or impairment, other parties may have contributed behind the scenes.

Trucking companies can be held liable if they fail to train or supervise their drivers, ignore safety protocols, skip maintenance, or pressure drivers to meet unrealistic schedules that encourage speeding or fatigue. Cargo loading companies may be responsible if improperly secured loads caused the truck to roll over, jackknife, or become unstable.

Manufacturers may face liability if a truck part, such as the brakes, tires, or steering system, was defective and caused the crash. In some cases, maintenance contractors, freight brokers, or logistics companies may also share responsibility depending on their involvement in managing the vehicle or its operations.

Because more than one party may share liability, commercial truck accident claims can be complex—but that also means there may be multiple insurance policies available to cover damages.

Identifying every responsible party is essential to maximizing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs. A truck accident attorney can investigate these relationships, gather evidence, and determine who is financially responsible for your injuries.

McCallen Truck Accidents Cause Severe Injuries

Training and experience do not prevent all truck accidents. Large truck crashes cause millions of dollars in damages. Accident victims may sustain traumatic injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Amputations and loss of limb
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Nerve damage and soft tissue injuries
• Back and neck injuries
• Crushing injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal organ damage

If you are injured in a truck crash, you may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages from the parties responsible for causing the crash. However, you must establish liability in order to recover compensation. An experienced truck accident attorney has the resources and skills to gather evidence to prove your claim and fight large trucking companies and insurance providers for fair settlements.

Learn More About Truck Accidents During a Free Consultation

Truck accident claims can be challenging to pursue. Learn about your legal options and get help from an experienced lawyer today by reaching out to schedule a free consultation.

Contact Car Accident Law Firm of The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa in McAllen, TX

For more information, contact the McAllen, TX Car Accident law firm of The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa to schedule a free initial consultation.

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