What a Class B Driver License in Texas Lets You Drive

A Class B license lets you drive a single vehicle: a bus carrying passengers for hire

A Class B driver license in Texas is for people who operate buses that carry passengers and are paid to do so. This is not a license for driving a personal vehicle or a school bus — it is specifically for commercial passenger transport, like city transit buses, tour buses, or shuttle services. If you drive a bus as part of your job, you will need a Class B license.

The Class B sits within Texas's commercial driver license (CDL) system. It is more restrictive than a Class A CDL (which covers tractor-trailers and other heavy combinations) but requires the same medical certification and written knowledge tests. You cannot get a Class B without first holding a valid Texas driver license, and you must pass both a written exam and a behind-the-wheel road test specific to bus operation.

Key Takeaways

A Class B license is only for driving buses that carry passengers for pay — not personal vehicles, school buses, or cargo trucks.
You must already hold a valid Texas driver license before you can add a Class B endorsement.
You will need to pass a medical examination, a written knowledge test, and a road test in an actual bus.
The written test covers passenger safety, vehicle inspection, and the rules specific to bus operation in Texas.
Your Class B license must be renewed every five years, and you must maintain your medical certification throughout.

Who needs a Class B license

You need a Class B license if your job involves driving a bus that carries passengers and you are paid to do so. This includes city transit operators, intercity bus drivers, tour bus operators, shuttle drivers for hotels or airports, and drivers for private charter services. The key is that the vehicle must be designed to carry more than 15 passengers (including the driver) and you must be operating it for compensation.

You do not need a Class B license if you drive a school bus, even though school buses carry many passengers. School bus drivers in Texas need a separate school bus endorsement on a standard driver license, not a Class B CDL. Similarly, if you drive a van or minibus that holds 15 or fewer passengers, you do not need a Class B — a regular driver license is sufficient.

Medical certification requirements

Before you can obtain or renew a Class B license, you must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examination. This exam is performed by a certified medical examiner and checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall fitness to operate a commercial vehicle safely. The exam is not a full physical — it is focused on the specific abilities needed to drive a bus.

Your medical certificate is valid for two years from the date of the exam (or one year if you are over 65). You must carry the original certificate with you when you drive, and you must renew it before it expires. If your medical certificate lapses, your Class B license becomes invalid until you pass a new exam and submit the certificate to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Written knowledge test and road test

To obtain a Class B license, you must pass two separate tests. The written knowledge test covers passenger safety procedures, vehicle inspection and maintenance, how to handle emergencies, and the specific traffic laws that explore to bus drivers. The test is administered at a Texas DPS office and typically contains 50 questions; you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass.

After you pass the written test, you must schedule and pass a behind-the-wheel road test in an actual bus. This test is conducted by a DPS examiner and evaluates your ability to operate the bus safely, perform required vehicle inspections, and respond to traffic situations. You must bring your own bus or arrange one through your employer or a testing service. The road test usually takes 30 to 45 minutes and covers basic maneuvers, stopping, turning, and passenger safety procedures.

Steps to obtain a Class B license

Start by holding a valid Texas driver license. If you do not have one, you will need to obtain a standard license first through the normal written and road test process.

Next, schedule a DOT medical examination with a certified medical examiner. You can find examiners through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website or by asking your employer. Bring the results to a Texas DPS office.

Then, visit a Texas DPS office and request the Class B CDL process. You will pay a fee (which varies but is typically under $100) and take the written knowledge test on the same day or shortly after. Study materials are available on the DPS website and through commercial driver training schools.

Once you pass the written test, schedule your road test. Many people take a commercial driver training course before the road test to practice in a real bus and build confidence. After you pass the road test, the DPS will issue your Class B license, which is valid for five years.

Renewal and maintaining your Class B license

Your Class B license must be renewed every five years. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office, but you must submit a current DOT medical certificate with your renewal. If your medical certificate expires before your license does, you cannot legally drive a bus until you pass a new medical exam and submit the updated certificate.

If you accumulate traffic violations or fail to maintain your medical certification, your Class B license can be suspended or revoked. Texas also requires that you report any medical conditions that develop after you receive your license — such as vision loss, hearing problems, or conditions that affect your ability to drive safely — to the DPS.

Differences between Class B and other commercial licenses

Texas offers three classes of commercial driver licenses. A Class A CDL covers tractor-trailers, doubles, and triples — the heaviest commercial vehicles. A Class B CDL covers single buses and some other large vehicles. A Class C CDL covers smaller commercial vehicles and is used mainly for hazmat transport or passenger vans that do not meet the Class B threshold.

The written test for each class is different and covers the specific hazards and procedures for that vehicle type. If you hold a Class A license, you can also drive Class B and Class C vehicles. If you hold a Class B, you can also drive Class C vehicles. But if you only have a Class B, you cannot legally drive a Class A vehicle like a tractor-trailer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Class B license to drive a school bus?

No. School bus drivers in Texas need a school bus endorsement on a standard driver license, not a Class B CDL. The endorsement requires a separate written test and background check, but not a DOT medical exam or the full commercial license process.

What happens if my medical certificate expires while I hold a Class B license?

Your Class B license becomes invalid the moment your medical certificate expires. You cannot legally drive a bus until you pass a new DOT medical exam and submit the updated certificate to the DPS. Your license itself does not need to be reissued — just the medical certificate.

Can I get a Class B license if I have a criminal record or traffic violations?

A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but certain convictions — particularly those involving drugs, violence, or fraud — may prevent you from obtaining a CDL. Traffic violations do not prevent you from getting a Class B, but serious violations or a suspended license will. Contact the DPS directly if you have concerns about your record.

How much does it cost to obtain a Class B license in Texas?

The DPS fee for a Class B CDL is typically under $100, but you will also pay for the DOT medical exam (usually $75 to $150) and may choose to pay for a commercial driver training course (which can range from $500 to $2,000). Total out-of-pocket cost depends on whether your employer covers training or exam fees.

Can I take the road test in a bus that is not the same model I will drive on the job?

Yes. The road test evaluates your general ability to operate a bus safely, not your familiarity with a specific model. However, after you pass the test and begin driving for your employer, you should receive on-the-job training specific to the bus model you will operate regularly.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.