Free Texas CDL Practice Tests — Your Complete Study Guide
Pass your Texas CDL permit exam with 80%+ on the first try
To obtain a CDL in Texas, you must pass three written permit tests — General Knowledge, Combination Vehicles, and Air Brakes — at the Texas Department of Public Safety. Similar to a regular driver's license permit exam, these are timed, multiple-choice tests based on the official Texas CDL handbook.
All of our practice material is built from the official Texas CDL handbook and federal resources, and curated by professionals with over 10 years of experience in the commercial transportation industry. Studying with practice tests that mirror the real exam format is one of the most effective ways to pass on your first try.
On this page you'll find free practice tests for all three sections. For the full question bank and additional study features, download the CDL Help app.
What Are You Preparing For?
Select one or more options so we can show you exactly which tests you need to take.
Most drivers choose Class A CDL. It's required for any combination vehicle over 26,001 lbs — tractor-trailers, semis, and 18-wheelers. If you're not sure, this is the safest pick.
Class A CDL
Combination vehicles over 26,001 lbs GVWR. Required for tractor-trailers, tanker trucks, flatbeds, and most long-haul jobs.
Class B CDL
Single vehicles over 26,001 lbs GVWR. Common for straight trucks, large buses, dump trucks, and box trucks.
Endorsements
HazMat, Tanker, Doubles & Triples, and Passenger are add-ons for specific job requirements. If you're unsure, you don't need them — they can be added later.
What You Need to Study
Endorsement Tests
Additional endorsements you may need depending on the type of vehicle or cargo you plan to operate.
CDL Requirements in Texas
- Must be at least 18 years old to apply for a CDL or Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) for intrastate (within Texas) commercial driving.
- Must be at least 21 years old to operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce (across state lines) or to transport hazardous materials.
- Must possess a valid Texas driver's license before applying for a CLP.
- Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence, along with proof of Texas residency and Social Security number.
- A CLP authorizes you to practice driving on public roads in a commercial motor vehicle with a qualified CDL holder (21 years of age or older, holding the same class CDL) sitting next to you.
- Must hold a CLP for at least 14 days before taking skills exams.
- Must meet federal medical certification requirements. As of March 23, 2025, Texas began accepting medical certification information electronically from the National Registry. Effective April 10, 2026, Texas will no longer accept paper medical certificates.
- Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required for first-time Class A or Class B CDL applicants, upgrades from Class B to Class A, and first-time Passenger (P), School Bus (S), or Hazmat (H) endorsements.
- Must pass all applicable written knowledge tests and skills/drive tests. CDL knowledge tests can be taken in English or Spanish; however, all CDL skills tests must be conducted in English.
- CDL classes: Class A (combination vehicles 26,001+ lbs GCWR with towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs), Class B (single vehicle 26,001+ lbs GVWR or vehicle designed for 24+ passengers), Class C (vehicles transporting 16+ passengers or hazmat under 26,001 lbs).
- Hazardous Materials endorsement requires a TSA background check and proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence.
Your Path to a Commercial Driver's License
To get a CDL, you must first study for and pass the permit exam at the DMV. After you receive your permit, you can take commercial vehicle driving classes and complete the required training. The final step is passing the official driving exam to earn your CDL. Our practice tests help you prepare for the DMV permit exam with real-style questions, and we also provide extra study materials and helpful resources to guide you through the process.
Official Texas CDL Handbook
The official Texas Commercial Driver License Manual covers every topic tested on the state's CDL knowledge exam — but its dense, reference-style format makes it difficult for self-study. A more effective preparation tool is our set of General Knowledge practice tests. Our free Texas CDL permit practice test is structured to closely match the format and content of the official exam and is fully updated as of February 2026. Each test includes 20 questions covering critical topics such as vehicle inspection, safe driving techniques, air brakes, cargo securement, driving emergencies, hazardous conditions, and Texas-specific commercial driving regulations. Unlike the official test, every practice question comes with a helpful hint and a detailed explanation of the correct answer — so you learn from every question, not just the ones you get right.
- Complete CDL regulations and Texas-specific requirements
- Safe driving techniques, vehicle inspection, and cargo handling
- All endorsement categories and testing requirements
Non-Domiciled CDL Information
Important information about non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses in Texas.
Federal regulations on non-domiciled CDLs are changing rapidly. The information below reflects the latest known state actions.
Texas DPS has suspended the issuance of all non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs, effective September 29, 2025. This includes suspending CDLs for non-citizens who are refugees, asylees, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. DPS is also identifying all individuals currently holding a non-domiciled CLP or CDL with an incorrect expiration date — notices of cancellation are being sent, and affected CLP/CDL privileges will be cancelled or downgraded to a Class C license based on current lawful presence confirmation through the federal SAVE database.[DPS][DPS]
Under the FMCSA final rule published on February 13, 2026 (effective March 16, 2026), eligibility for non-domiciled CLPs and CDLs is now restricted to foreign-domiciled individuals holding specific, verifiable employment-based nonimmigrant statuses — specifically H-2A (agricultural workers), H-2B (non-agricultural workers), and E-2 (treaty investors) visa holders. Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) are no longer accepted as proof of eligibility. This rule aligns the issuance of non-domiciled CDLs with FMCSA's statutory mandate to ensure the fitness of all CMV drivers, restoring the integrity of the CDL system and enhancing public safety.[DPS][FMCSA Final Rule]
English Language Proficiency (ELP)
Federal ELP enforcement applies to all CDL holders nationwide.
Federal ELP enforcement applies to all CDL holders nationwide. Here is how it is enforced in Texas.
Texas has taken aggressive state-level action on English Language Proficiency (ELP) for commercial drivers. On September 4, 2025, Governor Greg Abbott issued a directive to the Texas Department of Public Safety requiring strict "zero tolerance" enforcement of FMCSA English language proficiency regulations. Texas DPS Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Troopers and inspectors now conduct ELP reviews for all commercial license operators on Texas roadways. The Governor also directed DPS to cease issuing intrastate CDLs to drivers who cannot speak English sufficiently to communicate with department personnel. While CDL knowledge tests in Texas can still be taken in English or Spanish, all CDL skills tests must be conducted in English. In addition, Texas CDL holders are subject to federal ELP enforcement, which took effect on June 25, 2025. Under the federal two-step assessment, roadside inspections begin in English, and if a driver appears unable to understand or respond, the officer conducts a formal English Proficiency Assessment — a conversational interview (no interpreters or translation tools allowed) followed by a highway traffic sign recognition test. Drivers who fail are placed out of service. Texas has recorded over 7,000 total ELP violations — the highest count of any state nationwide.