The Six License Classes in Texas and What They Cover

Texas issues six classes of driver licenses, each permitting you to operate different vehicle types and weights. The class you need depends on what you plan to drive — a passenger car, a motorcycle, a commercial truck, or a combination. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) assigns your class based on the vehicle category you test in and your age at the time of issuance.

Class C is the standard license for passenger vehicles under 26,001 pounds. Class M covers motorcycles only. Classes A, B, and CD are commercial licenses (called CDL — Commercial Driver License) that require additional testing and medical certification. Class DJ is a restricted motorcycle license for riders aged 15 to 16. Understanding which class you need before you visit a DPS office saves time and prevents you from taking the wrong test.

Key Takeaways

  • Class C is the standard passenger vehicle license and covers cars, pickup trucks, and vans under 26,001 pounds.
  • Class M is required to ride any motorcycle, and you must pass a separate motorcycle skills test or complete an approved safety course.
  • Commercial licenses (CDL) — Classes A, B, and CD — require a medical certificate, written knowledge test, and skills test, and are only issued to drivers aged 18 or older.
  • Class DJ is a restricted motorcycle license available only to riders aged 15 to 16 and limits engine size to 250cc.
  • You can hold multiple license classes at once — for example, Class C and Class M on the same license document.

Class C: The Standard Passenger Vehicle License

Class C is what most people hold. It permits you to drive passenger cars, pickup trucks, vans, and other vehicles weighing 26,000 pounds or less. You can also tow a trailer as long as the trailer weighs less than 15,000 pounds and the combined weight does not exceed 26,001 pounds. Class C is issued to drivers aged 16 and older in Texas.

To obtain Class C, you must pass a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and road signs, a vision screening, and a driving skills test. If you are under 18, you must also complete a driver education course (either classroom or online) and hold a learner permit for a minimum of six months before taking the skills test. The fee for a Class C license is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, depending on your age and whether you renew or explore new.

Class M: Motorcycle License

Class M is required to operate any motorcycle, motorized bicycle, or moped in Texas. You cannot ride a motorcycle with a Class C license alone. To obtain Class M, you must pass a motorcycle-specific written test and a riding skills test on an actual motorcycle. The written test covers motorcycle-specific rules, hazard awareness, and braking techniques. The skills test evaluates your ability to control the motorcycle at various speeds and maneuvers.

You have two paths to the skills test: take the DPS riding test directly, or complete an approved Motorcycle Safety Course (MSC) through an organization like the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Completing an MSC waives the DPS riding test and often reduces your insurance premium. Class M can be added to a Class C license on the same document. The fee for adding Class M to an existing license is $20.

Commercial Driver License (CDL) Classes A, B, and CD

A Commercial Driver License is required to operate any vehicle over 26,001 pounds, any vehicle carrying hazardous materials, or any vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver). Texas issues three CDL classes based on vehicle weight and configuration. Class A permits you to drive any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 26,001 pounds, as long as the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds. Class B permits you to drive a single vehicle over 26,001 pounds that is not towing, or a vehicle towing something under 10,000 pounds. Class CD permits you to drive vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers or vehicles carrying hazardous materials.

All CDL classes require you to obtain a medical certificate from a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) certified medical examiner before you test. You must pass a written knowledge test specific to your class, a pre-trip vehicle inspection test, and a behind-the-wheel driving test. CDL testing is more rigorous than Class C testing and typically takes longer to schedule. You must be at least 18 years old to hold a CDL in Texas (21 to drive interstate). The fee for a CDL is $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license.

Class DJ: Restricted Motorcycle License for Young Riders

Class DJ is a restricted motorcycle license available only to riders aged 15 to 16 in Texas. It limits you to motorcycles with engines no larger than 250 cubic centimeters (cc). You cannot operate a motorcycle with a sidecar, and you cannot carry passengers. Class DJ is a stepping stone for young riders who want to gain experience before upgrading to an unrestricted Class M license at age 17.

To obtain Class DJ, you must pass the same written and riding skills tests as Class M, but on a motorcycle that meets the 250cc restriction. You must also hold a learner permit for 30 days before taking the skills test. Once you turn 17, you can upgrade to Class M without retesting by visiting a DPS office and paying a $20 upgrade fee.

Endorsements and Restrictions on Your License Class

Your license class may include endorsements or restrictions that modify what you can drive. An endorsement (marked with a letter code like H for hazmat or P for passenger) means you have passed an additional test and are permitted to operate that vehicle type. A restriction (marked with a number code like 1 for corrective lenses or 2 for automatic transmission only) means you must follow that condition while driving.

For example, a Class A CDL with an H endorsement means you can haul hazardous materials. A Class C license with a restriction 1 means you must wear corrective lenses while driving. Endorsements require separate written tests and fees. Restrictions are noted during your initial test or medical exam and do not require additional fees. Always check your license document to confirm your class, endorsements, and restrictions match what you intend to drive.

How to Determine Which Class You Need Before Testing

Before you schedule a DPS test, identify the heaviest vehicle you plan to drive regularly. If it is a car, truck, or van under 26,001 pounds, you need Class C. If it is a motorcycle, you need Class M (or Class DJ if you are 15 or 16). If it is a commercial truck, bus, or hazmat vehicle over 26,001 pounds, you need a CDL class. The vehicle's GVWR — listed on the driver's door jamb or in the owner's manual — determines whether it falls under Class C or requires a CDL.

If you plan to drive multiple vehicle types, you can hold more than one class. For example, you can have Class C and Class M on the same license. You test for each class separately and pay separate fees, but they appear together on your license document. Choosing the wrong class means retaking the test and paying again, so verify your vehicle's weight and purpose before scheduling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive a pickup truck with a Class M motorcycle license?

No. Class M permits only motorcycles, motorized bicycles, and mopeds. To drive a pickup truck, you need at least a Class C license. If the truck weighs over 26,001 pounds, you need a CDL.

Do I need a CDL to drive a large pickup truck for personal use?

Not if the truck's GVWR is 26,000 pounds or less. Check the door jamb or owner's manual for the GVWR. If it is under 26,001 pounds, Class C is sufficient. If it exceeds 26,001 pounds, you need a CDL even for personal use.

Can I upgrade from Class DJ to Class M without retesting?

Yes. Once you turn 17, you can visit a DPS office and pay a $20 upgrade fee to convert Class DJ to Class M. You do not need to retake the written or riding test.

What happens if I drive a vehicle that requires a higher class than I hold?

Driving without the proper license class is a traffic violation in Texas and can result in a fine, points on your driving record, and potential license suspension. Your insurance may also deny a claim if you were driving an unauthorized vehicle type.

Can I take the CDL test without a medical certificate?

No. You must obtain a medical certificate from an FMCSA-certified examiner and present it before you test for any CDL class. The DPS will not schedule your CDL test without proof of medical clearance.