Rich Hyde | June 12, 2026 | Truck Accidents
Commercial drivers play a critical role in keeping goods, equipment, and passengers moving throughout Texas. However, commercial drivers must have the appropriate commercial driver’s license (CDL) for the vehicles they operate. In Texas, CDLs are divided into different classes and endorsements.
What Is a Commercial Driver’s License?
A commercial driver’s license is a special license required to operate certain large or specialized vehicles. Texas follows federal CDL classifications established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The type of CDL required depends primarily on the size, weight, and intended use of the vehicle.
The three primary CDL classifications are Class A, Class B, and Class C. Each classification authorizes the operation of different types of commercial vehicles.
Depending on the type of commercial vehicle operated, drivers may also need endorsements for passenger transportation, school buses, tank vehicles, hazardous materials, or double and triple trailers. Additional testing and background checks may apply for certain endorsements.
Class A Commercial Driver’s License
A Class A CDL allows drivers to operate the largest commercial vehicles on the road.
Generally, a Class A license is required when:
- The combined gross vehicle weight rating is 26,001 pounds or more; and
- The vehicle being towed exceeds 10,000 pounds.
Examples of vehicles commonly operated with a Class A CDL include:
- Tractor-trailers
- Semi-trucks
- Flatbed trucks
- Tanker trucks
- Livestock carriers
- Refrigerated freight trucks
Because of its broad scope, a Class A CDL often allows drivers to operate many vehicles that would otherwise require a Class B license when proper endorsements are obtained.
Class B Commercial Driver’s License
A Class B CDL is generally required for large single vehicles that are not towing heavy trailers.
Drivers typically need a Class B license when operating:
- Single vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more
- Vehicles towing trailers weighing less than 10,000 pounds
Common examples include:
- Dump trucks
- Cement mixers
- Garbage trucks
- Delivery trucks
- Box trucks
- Large buses
Many local and regional commercial driving positions involve Class B vehicles.
Class C Commercial Driver’s License
A Class C CDL applies to certain vehicles that do not meet Class A or Class B weight thresholds but are used to transport passengers or hazardous materials.
A Class C license may be required for:
- Passenger vans
- Small buses
- Airport shuttle vehicles
- Certain hazardous materials transport vehicles
The specific requirements depend on passenger capacity and cargo type.
CDL Requirements in Texas
Obtaining a commercial driver’s license in Texas involves several state and federal requirements designed to ensure commercial drivers can safely operate large vehicles. While the specific requirements may vary depending on the license class and endorsements sought, most applicants must satisfy several baseline qualifications before receiving a CDL.
To qualify for a Texas CDL, applicants generally must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a valid Texas driver’s license
- Be at least 18 years old for intrastate commercial driving within Texas
- Be at least 21 years old for interstate commercial driving, hazardous materials transportation, and most passenger-carrying operations
- Provide proof of identity, lawful presence, and Social Security number
- Meet applicable vision and medical certification requirements
- Obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and hold it for at least 14 days before taking the CDL skills examination
- Complete any required Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) mandated by federal regulations
- Pass the applicable knowledge examinations
- Pass the CDL skills test, including vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving components
Meeting these requirements is an important step toward lawful commercial driving, but it does not guarantee that every commercial driver will operate safely.
Why CDL Compliance Matters After a Truck Accident
Many CDL applicants must also obtain a valid Department of Transportation medical certification from an approved medical examiner. Failure to maintain required medical certification can result in the downgrade or loss of commercial driving privileges.
However, meeting CDL requirements does not guarantee that a driver will comply with all safety rules on the road. Many truck accidents are caused by negligence by a truck driver, trucking company, or another responsible party. If a commercial driver lacked the proper CDL, ignored endorsement requirements, or failed to meet medical certification rules, those issues may become important evidence in a personal injury claim.
Contact the Fort Worth Truck Accident Attorneys at Trial Tribe Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you were injured in an accident involving a commercial truck driver, you may have legal options for recovering compensation. Trial Tribe Injury Lawyers can investigate the crash, review the driver’s qualifications, and determine whether CDL violations or other safety failures contributed to your injuries.
For more information, contact Trial Tribe Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Fort Worth truck accident lawyer in Fort Worth, TX, today.
We are proud to serve clients throughout Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and the surrounding communities in Texas.
Trial Tribe Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth
4528 W Vickery Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 400-5000
Available 24/7
Trial Tribe Injury Lawyers – Coppell
202 W Sandy Lake Rd ste 105, Coppell, TX 75019
(817) 400-5000
Available 24/7