Checked against official Texas sources on Oct 7, 2026
Texas CDL practice test
Every state needs at least 80% on each CDL written test, and Texas follows the same federal rule. Below are the fees, ages and rules we checked against the official Texas source, and a free practice test.
FirstTry CDL is not affiliated with any DMV, FMCSA or government agency. Practice questions are exam-style questions built from the official CDL manual, not actual test questions.
Texas CDL facts
| What | What Texas says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CLP fee | $25 (expires 180 days from issue) | Official page |
| CLP renewal fee | $25 | Official page |
| CDL fee (new or renewal, age 18 to 84) | $97, expires in eight years | Official page |
| CDL fee with Hazardous Materials endorsement (age 18 to 84) | $61, expires in five years | Official page |
| CDL fee (age 85 and older) | $26, expires after two years | Official page |
| Replacement CDL or CLP fee | $11 | Official page |
| Fee to add a motorcycle to an existing CDL | $16 | Official page |
| Knowledge test fee | Not listed as a separate fee. The $25 CLP fee is paid when you apply, before testing. | Official page |
| CLP validity | 180 days, or until your Texas driver license expires, whichever is first | Official page |
| CLP renewal | Can be renewed one time, up to 30 days before it expires, without retaking the knowledge exams | Official page |
| CLP holding period | Hold the CLP at least 14 days before the skills test | Official page |
| Who can ride with a CLP holder | A CDL holder 21 years of age or older with the same class of CDL as the vehicle, in the seat next to you | Official page |
| Knowledge test retest rule | After a failed test, your application stays active for 90 days. After 90 days or three failed attempts, whichever comes first, you must submit a new application, pay fees again and retest | Official page |
| Skills test failure rule | If you fail the skills test, your application is held at the office for 90 days. After 90 days or three failed tests, a new application and fee are needed | Official page |
| Fee paid when you apply for the CDL | $97, paid with the CDL application when you schedule the skills test | Official page |
| Knowledge test order | Texas Commercial Rules, General Knowledge, Combination (if needed), Air Brakes (if needed), Doubles/Triples, Passenger, School Bus, Tanker, then HazMat (each only if needed) | Official page |
| Medical certificate | Self-certify with form CDL-4 (interstate), CDL-5 (intrastate) or CDL-10. Since June 23, 2025 you no longer send your medical certificate to DPS | Official page |
| Entry Level Driver Training | ELDT is not required before getting a CLP. It is checked before the skills test, or before the hazmat knowledge test | Official page |
| CLP and Texas license | You must already hold a valid Texas driver license. A CLP is not valid without it and cannot be used as ID | Official page |
| Skills test parts | Pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, road test, all in English | Official page |
| Knowledge test format | Multiple choice and matching questions. You need 80% or higher to pass each test | Official page |
| Medical Examiner's Certificate length | Valid for up to 24 months. A doctor may give a shorter one | Official page |
| CDL renewal online | Some CDL holders can renew online if they meet DPS eligibility rules | Official page |
| Skills test outside DPS | You may take the skills test with an authorized third party tester or in another state. They send your scores to DPS electronically | Official page |
Fees and rules change. Confirm on the official Texas CDL page before you go. Read the official Texas CDL manual.
CDL test formats
We show the national defaults for question counts and time limits. Check the official Texas manual for anything that differs.
| Test | Questions | To pass | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 50 | 40 (80%) | About 60 minutes |
| Air Brakes | 25 | 20 (80%) | 25 to 30 minutes |
| Combination Vehicles | 20 (25 questions in some states) | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Hazardous Materials | 30 | 24 (80%) | 30 to 40 minutes |
| Tanker | 20 | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Passenger | 20 | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| School Bus | 20 (25 questions in some states) | 16 (80%) | About 25 minutes |
| Doubles/Triples | 20 | 16 (80%) | About 20 minutes |
Practice any of them: all CDL practice tests.