Requirements to obtain a Texas Commercial Drivers License:

-Take and pass the mandatory Texas CDL license examinations that apply to you.
-Be 21 years old (18 years old if ALL of your driving is within Texas and you do not transport hazardous materials or drive double or triple trailer rigs).
-Possess a valid medical certificate in accordance with MCSR regs. 49 CFR 391.41 - 391.49.
-Certify that you do not hold a driver license from more than one state and certify that your driver license is not currently suspended, revoked, or canceled in ANY state, nor subject to any of these actions.
-Surrender your current driver license.
-Provide proof of your identification.
-Pay testing and licensing fees.

As of June, 10th. 2009, All CDL applicants are required to pay DPS $60.00 to sign up for a CDL license.  The applicant is then given three opportunities to pass the five tests required for a class A CDL.  Should you fail any of the tests three times, you will be required to pay an additional $60.00 fee and restart with the tests all over again.

Step 1 - Consultation & Preparation for the Written Test:
With any of our Road Test plans, we offer FREE assistance with the Written Tests. We will show you what sections to study in the Texas Commercial Handbook.  If needed, we offer a comfortable & quiet testing room to study for your written test(s). We will then pre-test you for the written test(s) before we send you to the D.P.S. This process will accelerate your ability to pass!  See our sample questions below!  Payment in full is due upon signing up.

Step 2 - Taking the Written Tests:
* You need to pass 5 written tests for a Class A License.
* Upon successful completion of the written tests, request a Learner's Permit ($10.00).
* You must complete your Written & Driving test(s) at the same D.P.S. Location.
* The written test(s) CAN NOT be transferred.

Step 3 - Training on the Road:
All training is One on One. This means it will only be the instructor and yourself in the vehicle when training. Our automatic trucks help new drivers FOCUS on their driving skill and the road. We also have standard transmission trucks  to fit your individual needs.

All training includes:

1. Making safe left and right turns
2. How to avoid curbs
3. Backing up Safely
4. Parallel Parking		 5. Driving on Freeway
6. Pre-trip / Post-trip Inspection
7. Air brake Demonstration 
8. Splitting Tractor/Trailer

Step 4 - Taking the Road Test:
Upon completion of your training, we will accompany you to the DPS to take your Road Test. All testing will be done in our vehicles. The day you take your road test, is the day you receive your CDL license! 

 

Want to test your knowledge?

1)      What are the three parts in the air brake system?

 

a)      Service Brakes, emergency brakes and parking brakes

b)      Service brakes, emergency brakes and alternate brakes

c)      Safety Brakes, parking brakes and emergency brakes

d)      Dual Brakes, service brakes and emergency brakes

 

2)      Commercial vehicles should be equipped with the following emergency equipment:

 

a)      Properly charged and rated fire extinguisher

b)      Three red reflective triangles

c)      Spare electrical fuses

d)      All the above

 

3)      If your commercial vehicle is equipped with an engine brake(jet brake or engine retarder), you should:

 

a)      Turn it off whenever the road is wet, icy or snow covered

b)      Only use it when traveling on hilly roads

c)      Test it when traveling over 40 mph

d)      Don’t use it over residential areas

 

4)      What helps to keep an engine cool in hot weather

 

a)      leave the transmission in neutral on downgrades

b)      Don’t fill the radiator completely full

c)      Keep the engine oil at the full mark all the time

d)      Don’t use antifreeze in the cooling system

 

5)      If an oncoming car starts to drift into your lane on a two-lane road, you should:

 

a)      Stab the brakes and attempt to stop before hitting the car

b)      Steer left

c)      Steer right

d)      Slow down and continue straight

 

6)      What is the minimum tire tread depth for front tires

 

a)      4/32 inch in every major groove

b)      8/32 inch in every major groove

c)      2/32 inch in every major groove

d)      6/32 inch in every major groove

 

7)      What is the minimum tire tread depth for all tires except the front tires:

 

a)  4/32 inch in every major groove

b)  8/32 inch in every major groove

c)  2/32 inch in every major groove

d)  6/32 inch in every major groove

 

8)      During the trip, you should inspect:

 

Within the first 25 miles and every 150 miles or three hours thereafter

Within the first 100 miles and every 100 miles thereafter

Within the first 2 hours and every 2 hours thereafter

Within the first 50 miles and every 100 miles thereafter

 

9)      When placing reflective triangles on the road, you should:

 

a)      Make sure they are off the pavement

b)      Open them carefully to avoid hurting your fingers

c)      Anchor them with heavy rocks so the wind won’t blow them down

d)      Hold them between yourself and oncoming traffic

 

10)  Why should you be more careful when hauling livestock?

 

a)      The humane society could fine you for cruelty to animals

b)      The load can shift very easily

c)      They could damage the trailer floor

d)      They are more valuable than regular freight

 

 

 

 

Answers:

 

1)      a

2)      d

3)      a

4)      c

5)      c

6)      a

7)      c

8)      a

9)      d

10)  b


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