If you want to drive a large or commercial vehicle on public roads in Texas or anywhere in the United States, you must possess a Commercial Driver\’s License (CDL).
A CDL permits the operation of 18-wheelers, buses, trucks that haul hazardous materials, and more. Before you can get a CDL, you must get a CDL permit.
To get the permit, you will need to have specialized skills and training. So how do you receive training for a CDL in Texas?
At Southern Careers Institute, you can get that training through our Commercial Vehicle Operator Program.
The Federal government requires drivers of all commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) to hold a CDL.
A vehicle is commercial when a company owns or registers it for the transportation of products or passengers.
Most CMVs are heavier and more difficult to maneuver than standard passenger automobiles. Furthermore, a large truck generally weighs more than 10,000 pounds.
CDLs fall under three classifications. These classifications are based on the weight of the vehicle and what it carries. GVWR is the gross vehicle weight rating.
The Federal government requires a Class-A CDL to drive any combination of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more.
This includes a towed vehicle heavier than 10,000 pounds. The following are examples of Class A vehicles:
A Class-B commercial driver\’s license is needed to operate a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or greater and/or that vehicle towing another weighing up to 10,001 pounds. This includes vehicles designed to carry 24 or more passengers, including the driver.
The following are examples of Class B vehicles:
Vehicles that do not meet the criteria for Class A or Class B may require a Class C commercial driver\’s license. These vehicles are meant to transport at least 16 passengers, including the driver, or hazardous materials (HAZMAT).
Depending on what the vehicle you drive is transporting, certain endorsements may be required. An endorsement allows the operation of certain types of vehicles and transportation of specific items. Additionally, other testing is required to obtain an endorsement.
An individual wishing to obtain a CDL in Texas must have a clean driving record. A suspended license in any state will make you ineligible to apply.
To drive intrastate (within Texas state lines only), the age requirement is 18 years old.
Those wishing to drive interstate (across state and international borders) must be 21 years of age.
Once you meet all the requirements to apply and pass the written test, you will receive a Commercial Driver\’s Permit (CLP).
This permit gives you the opportunity to practice driving under the supervision of a CDL holder for at least 14 days. After that period, you can take your CDL skills exam to get your license.
To apply for a CDL in Texas, you must present the following credentials to your local DMV:
You must then take and pass a written CDL test including those for any endorsements you wish to attach to your license.
You will also need to pay an application fee, provide your thumbprint, pass a vision exam, and have your picture taken.
The knowledge portion of the CDL exam is made up of a combination of multiple-choice and matching questions.
It is also important to note that it cannot be taken online. It includes and must be taken in the following order:
You must answer 80 percent of the test questions correctly before a permit can be issued and the skills test can be administered.
Additionally, you must schedule the skills test; it consists of three parts:
Lastly, you will be tested on starting, backing up, parallel parking, quick and smooth stopping, and lane changing. Additionally, testing is done on upshifting and downshifting, merging, posture, right-of-way, knowledge of traffic signs, and turns.
The Commercial Vehicle Operator program at SCI can thoroughly prepare you to sit for the Class A CDL with Air Brakes and Combination Endorsements exam.
Here, you will receive a solid foundation for over-the-road driving in a standard sleeper cab truck with a 53\’ trailer.
In as little as four weeks, you can become skilled in:
Our friendly admissions staff will help you get started on your career as a professional truck or large passenger vehicle driver.
Sources
Blog Disclaimer: Information stated in this blog is for general information purposes only. SCITexas.edu does not assume or guarantee income earning potential or salary expectations based on the programs offered at Southern Careers Institute. Career and program information stated in this blog does not guarantee that programs and specifics are offered at Southern Careers Institute.
