What a Class B License Covers in Texas
A Class B commercial driver's license (CDL) in Texas lets you drive a single vehicle weighing 26,001 pounds or more, or tow a trailer weighing 10,000 pounds or less. You cannot pull double or triple trailers with a Class B. The most common Class B jobs are school bus driving, dump truck operation, and delivery in large straight trucks. If you need to haul multiple trailers or operate a heavier combination, you would need a Class A instead.
Texas issues Class B licenses through the Department of Public Safety (DPS). The process involves meeting medical standards, passing written and skills tests, and holding a valid regular driver's license first. You cannot skip to a CDL without a standard license already in your wallet.
Key Takeaways
- You must hold a valid Texas driver's license before you can test for any CDL, including Class B.
- A medical examination by a certified examiner is required, and your results go into the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database before you test.
- You pass a written test on general CDL knowledge, then a Class B-specific written test, then a behind-the-wheel driving test in an actual Class B vehicle.
- The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks from start to finish, depending on how quickly you schedule your medical exam and testing appointments.
- You must be at least 18 years old to drive a Class B within Texas, or 21 to drive across state lines.
Step 1: Get Your Medical Certificate
Before you can take any CDL test in Texas, you must pass a medical examination by a FMCSA-certified medical examiner. This is not optional and not something your regular doctor can do. The examiner checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general health. They also screen for conditions that would disqualify you, such as uncontrolled diabetes, certain heart conditions, or sleep apnea.
Find a certified examiner through the FMCSA National Registry at fmcsa.dot.gov. Search by your city or zip code. The exam costs between $75 and $150 depending on the provider. Once you pass, the examiner uploads your results to the FMCSA database within 24 hours. You do not receive a paper certificate; DPS checks the database when you arrive to test.
If you fail the medical exam, you can retest with a different examiner or the same one after addressing the issue (for example, getting your blood pressure under control). There is no waiting period between attempts.
Step 2: Prepare for the Written Tests
Texas requires two written tests: the General Knowledge test and the Class B Passenger test (if you plan to drive a school bus or passenger vehicle) or the Class B Air Brake test (if your vehicle has air brakes). Most Class B vehicles have air brakes, so you will likely take both the General Knowledge and Air Brake tests.
Study materials are free on the DPS website. read the CDL Manual and the Air Brake Supplement. Both are available in English and Spanish. The General Knowledge test has 50 questions; you must score at least 80 percent to pass. The Air Brake test has 25 questions; you must score at least 80 percent. You take these tests on a computer at a DPS office.
Schedule your written test appointment online through the DPS website or by calling your local DPS driver's license office. Bring your valid Texas driver's license, proof of your medical certificate (your examiner will have uploaded it, but bring your receipt), and your Social Security card or passport.
Step 3: Schedule and Pass the Skills Test
After you pass both written tests, you are cleared to take the skills test, which happens in a real Class B vehicle. You cannot use a rental or borrowed truck; the vehicle must be registered to you, your employer, or a third party who consents in writing. The vehicle must match the class you are testing for and have all safety equipment in working order.
The skills test has three parts: the pre-trip inspection (you walk around the truck and point out safety features), the basic control skills (you perform maneuvers like backing, turning, and parking), and the road test (you drive on public roads for about 30 minutes). A DPS examiner rides with you and scores each section. You must pass all three to pass the test.
Schedule your skills test at a DPS office that offers CDL testing. Not all offices do; check the DPS website for your nearest location. The wait for a skills test appointment is typically two to four weeks. Bring your valid driver's license, proof of your medical certificate, and proof that you own or have permission to use the test vehicle (registration or a notarized letter from the owner).
Fees and Timeline
Here is what you will pay and how long each step takes:
| Step | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Medical exam | $75–$150 | 1–3 days to schedule; results upload within 24 hours |
| Written tests (both) | $0 (included in CDL fee) | Same day or next available appointment at DPS |
| Skills test | $0 (included in CDL fee) | 2–4 weeks after passing written tests |
| CDL license issuance | $97 (Class B, 5-year license) | Issued same day after passing skills test |
Total out-of-pocket cost is roughly $172 to $247. The entire process from medical exam to holding your Class B license typically takes four to eight weeks, assuming you pass all tests on your first attempt and can schedule appointments quickly.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most frequent error is arriving to test without proof of your medical certificate. Even though DPS can look it up in the FMCSA database, bring your receipt from the examiner anyway. If there is a delay in the database upload, you will not be able to test that day.
Another common mistake is using a vehicle for the skills test that does not match the class you are testing for. If you are testing for Class B, the vehicle must be a single unit weighing 26,001 pounds or more. A lighter truck or one with a trailer will not work, and you will be turned away.
Do not assume you can retake a failed test when ready. You can retake a written test the same day if you fail, but you must wait at least one day before retaking a skills test. Some DPS offices have longer waiting periods between skills test attempts, so call ahead.
Endorsements and Restrictions You May Need
If you plan to drive a school bus, you must add the School Bus (S) endorsement. This requires an additional written test and a background check. If your Class B vehicle has air brakes and you want to drive a vehicle without air brakes, you can request an Air Brake Restriction (Z), which limits you to non-air-brake vehicles. Most drivers do not request this restriction because it narrows your job options.
Hazmat (H) and Tank (N) endorsements are available but not required for basic Class B operation. If your job involves hauling hazardous materials or liquids in a tank, you will need these. Each endorsement requires its own written test and, for Hazmat, a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I test for a Class B license if I have an out-of-state driver's license?
No. You must have a valid Texas driver's license before you can test for a CDL. If you are new to Texas, get your standard license first, then begin the CDL process. The standard license takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail.
What happens if I fail the skills test?
You can retake it after waiting at least one day. You do not have to retake the written tests. However, your written test results expire after 180 days, so if you fail the skills test and do not retake it within six months, you will need to retake the written tests as well.
Do I need a Class B if I drive a school bus?
Yes. School buses are Class B vehicles, and you must hold a Class B CDL with the School Bus (S) endorsement. You cannot drive a school bus on a regular driver's license, even if you are employed by the school district.
Can I get a Class B license if I have a DUI or traffic violation?
A DUI or serious traffic violation does not automatically disqualify you, but it may affect your ability to get hired by an employer. DPS will issue the license if you pass the tests. However, some employers and insurance companies will not hire or insure you with certain violations on your record.
How long is a Class B license valid in Texas?
A Class B CDL is valid for five years. You can renew it by mail or in person at a DPS office. Renewal requires a new medical certificate, so schedule your exam before your current license expires.