What a Class B License Lets You Drive

A Class B commercial driver's license (CDL) in Texas lets you operate a single vehicle weighing 26,001 pounds or more, or any vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver). The key difference from a Class A is that you cannot tow a trailer — Class B is for the truck itself alone. If you drive a dump truck, cement mixer, delivery truck over 26,000 pounds, or a bus, you need a Class B.

You do not need a Class B for vehicles under 26,001 pounds, even if they are commercial vehicles. A pickup truck used for business, a small delivery van, or a box truck under that weight threshold requires only a regular driver's license. The weight and passenger limits are what determine whether you cross into CDL territory.

Texas issues Class B licenses through the Department of Public Safety (DPS). The process involves a written knowledge test, a skills test, and a medical certificate — all of which have specific requirements and timelines you need to follow in order.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a valid Texas driver's license for at least 20 days before you can take the Class B CDL knowledge test.
  • A medical examination from a certified examiner is required before you test, and the certificate is valid for 24 months.
  • The knowledge test covers vehicle inspection, safe driving, and hazmat rules (if you want hazmat endorsement), and you must score at least 80 percent.
  • The skills test includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic control test, and a road test, all performed in the actual vehicle you will drive.
  • You must be at least 18 years old to hold a Class B CDL in Texas, though some employers require 21.

The 20-Day Waiting Period and Medical Certificate

Before you can take the written test for a Class B license, you must hold a valid Texas driver's license for at least 20 consecutive days. This is a hard requirement — you cannot test before that window closes. If you are upgrading from a regular license to a Class B, count 20 days from the date your current license was issued or renewed.

At the same time, you need to get a medical examination from a certified medical examiner listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry. This is not your regular doctor — it must be someone on that specific list. The exam checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general health. The certificate is valid for 24 months from the date of the exam.

You bring the original medical certificate with you when you go to take the knowledge test. Without it, DPS will not let you test. You can find certified examiners through the FMCSA website or by calling your local DPS office.

The Knowledge Test: What You Study and How to Pass

The Class B knowledge test covers three main areas: general CDL knowledge, air brakes (if your vehicle has them), and hazmat (if you want a hazmat endorsement). You must score at least 80 percent on each section you take. Most people take the general and air brakes sections; hazmat is optional unless your job requires it.

The general section tests your understanding of vehicle inspection, safe driving practices, load securement, and how to handle emergencies. You will see questions about brake systems, steering, tire failure, and what to do if your brakes fail. The air brakes section covers the air brake system specifically — how it works, how to inspect it, and how to use it safely. If your vehicle has air brakes, you must pass this section.

Texas DPS provides a free CDL manual that covers all the material. You can read it from the DPS website or pick up a printed copy at any DPS office. Most people study for two to four weeks before testing. You take the test at a DPS office on a computer — it is not on paper. You will have time to answer all questions, and you get your score when ready after you finish.

The Skills Test: Vehicle Inspection, Control, and Road Driving

After you pass the knowledge test, you schedule the skills test. This test has three parts, all done on the same day in the actual vehicle you will drive. You cannot use a different truck or bus — it must be the one you will operate on the job. The examiner will inspect the vehicle before you start to make sure it is safe and roadworthy.

The pre-trip inspection is the first part. You walk around and inside the vehicle while the examiner watches and listens. You point out and explain the condition of lights, tires, brakes, mirrors, wipers, and other safety equipment. You do not have to touch everything, but you have to show you know what to look for and why it matters. This part usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

The basic control test is the second part. You perform maneuvers in a closed course — backing in a straight line, backing into an alley, and parking between two cones. These are tight, precise movements that show you can handle the vehicle's size and weight. You have a limited number of attempts (usually three) to complete each maneuver without hitting the cones or going outside the boundaries.

The road test is the third part. You drive on public roads for 30 to 50 minutes while the examiner sits beside you. You will encounter traffic, turns, hills, and different road conditions. The examiner watches how you use mirrors, signal, brake, accelerate, and handle the vehicle in real-world situations. You must follow all traffic laws and demonstrate safe driving throughout.

Scheduling Your Tests and What to Bring

You schedule both the knowledge test and the skills test through your local DPS office. You can call ahead or go in person. The knowledge test is usually available within a week or two. The skills test often has a longer wait — sometimes three to eight weeks depending on how many examiners are in your area and how busy they are.

For the knowledge test, bring your valid Texas driver's license, your medical certificate, and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). You will also pay a test fee, which varies but is typically around $10 to $15.

For the skills test, bring your valid driver's license, your medical certificate, proof of Social Security number, and the vehicle you will drive. The vehicle must be properly registered, insured, and in safe working condition. You will also pay a skills test fee, usually around $100 to $150. Bring proof of insurance as well.

Endorsements and Additional Requirements

A Class B license can include endorsements that expand what you are allowed to haul or drive. The most common is the hazmat (H) endorsement, which lets you transport hazardous materials. To get hazmat, you take an additional knowledge test and pass a background check. The background check includes fingerprinting and a review of your criminal history and driving record.

Other endorsements include passenger (P) if you drive a bus, tank (N) if you haul liquids in a tank, and doubles/triples (T) if you pull multiple trailers — though doubles and triples are not possible with a Class B since Class B cannot tow at all. If you drive a bus, you must have the passenger endorsement.

You can take endorsement tests at the same time as your Class B knowledge test or add them later. Each endorsement has its own knowledge test and fee.

Renewing and Maintaining Your Class B License

A Class B CDL is valid for eight years in Texas. Before it expires, you must renew it at a DPS office. You will need to renew your medical certificate every 24 months — if your medical certificate expires before your license does, you cannot legally drive until you get a new one.

If you get a traffic violation, accumulate too many points, or have an accident, your CDL can be suspended or revoked. Texas has stricter rules for commercial drivers than regular drivers. A single serious violation (like reckless driving or a DUI) can result in a one-year disqualification. Two serious violations within three years means a ten-year disqualification.

You must also report any traffic violations to your employer within 30 days. Your employer is required to keep a record of your driving history, and some violations can affect your job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the Class B knowledge test before I have held my regular license for 20 days?

No. Texas requires you to hold a valid driver's license for at least 20 consecutive days before you can test for a CDL. This is a mandatory waiting period that cannot be waived. If you are upgrading from an existing license, count 20 days from the date it was issued or last renewed.

What happens if I fail the knowledge test or the skills test?

If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it. There is no mandatory waiting period between attempts, though some DPS offices may ask you to wait a day or two. If you fail the skills test, you must wait at least one day before retesting, and you pay the test fee again. You can retake the skills test as many times as you need.

Do I need a Class B license if I drive a truck for my own business but do not haul for others?

It depends on the vehicle's weight. If the truck weighs 26,001 pounds or more, you need a Class B CDL even if you only use it for your own business. The rule is based on the vehicle's weight rating, not whether you are a commercial carrier. Check your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) on the door jamb or registration.

Can my employer require me to be 21 to drive a Class B truck?

Yes. Texas allows you to get a Class B CDL at 18, but many employers and insurance companies require drivers to be 21. This is a company policy, not a state law. Check with your employer about their age requirement before you start the licensing process.

What if my medical certificate expires before my CDL expires?

Your CDL becomes invalid the moment your medical certificate expires. You cannot legally drive until you get a new medical exam and certificate. You should renew your medical certificate before it expires — do not wait until the last day. Schedule your exam at least a month before the expiration date to avoid a gap in your driving status.