Sean O’Rourke | October 2, 2025 | Truck Accidents
Millions of commercial vehicles operate nationwide each day, including throughout Texas. Truck drivers must have specialized training to operate a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or other large vehicle. Traffic accidents involving commercial vehicles often result in severe injuries. Therefore, Texas law mandates stringent training and licensing standards to reduce accident risks.
What Types of Commercial Driver’s Licenses Are Issued in Texas?
In Texas, commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) are classified into three main types: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Each type of CDL permits the operation of different sizes and types of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) according to weight and passenger capacity.
Texas Class A Commercial Driver’s License
With a Class A CDL, a driver can operate a combination of CMVs with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of more than 26,000 pounds. However, a tow must weigh 10,000 pounds or more.
Vehicles under this class typically include tractor-trailers, big rigs, tanker vehicles, flatbeds, and livestock carriers. Class A license holders may operate vehicles authorized by Class B and C licenses, making it the broadest category of commercial driver’s license.
Texas Class B Commercial Driver’s License
With a Class B CDL, a driver can operate a single vehicle with a GVWR of more than 26,000 pounds. It also allows a driver to operate a vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR under 10,000 pounds.
Common vehicles include large buses (city, tourist, school), dump trucks, delivery trucks, and box trucks. Class B drivers may need endorsements, such as passenger or school bus endorsements, if applicable.
Texas Class C Commercial Driver’s License
With a Class C CDL, a driver can operate vehicles that do not meet Class A or Class B thresholds. A Class C CDL also allows drivers to transport hazardous materials or 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) governs the issuance of CDLs. The Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver’s Handbook provides in-depth regulatory details and testing criteria for commercial driver’s licenses.
Requirements for Obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License in Houston, TX
Before applying for a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time or upgrading an existing CDL, you are required to obtain a commercial learner’s permit (CLP). Obtaining a CLP requires you to submit proof of a valid Texas driver’s license, citizenship or lawful presence, identity, and Social Security Number. You may also be required to obtain a Medical Examiner’s Certificate. Applicants must pass a vision exam, knowledge tests, and skills tests.
You cannot apply for a CDL until you hold your CLP for at least 14 days and complete the Entry Level Driver Training required by the FMCSA. Applicants for a CDL must also pass a vision test and driving tests. The driving tests consist of a vehicle inspection test, a road test, and a basic control test.
Commercial drivers may be required to obtain endorsements to operate certain types of vehicles or haul hazardous materials. For example, you need an endorsement to drive a tanker truck, a school bus, or vehicles towing double or triple trailers.
Why Is It Important to Have CDL Requirements in Texas?
Large truck accidents are catastrophic for individuals in passenger vehicles. Over 70% of the injuries and deaths in truck accidents are people in other vehicles. Because of the size and weight of a commercial truck, passenger vehicles are easily crushed or destroyed.
Victims may sustain life-altering injuries, including:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Traumatic brain injury
- Loss of limbs and amputations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Crushing injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Severe burns
Injured parties may be entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic damages. A personal injury lawsuit may also result in punitive damages.
The purpose of requiring a commercial driver’s license is to ensure a driver has completed the required training to operate a truck safely. Unfortunately, training and experience do not prevent all truck accidents. Negligence, poor road conditions, and defective parts can cause a truck crash.
Contact the Houston Truck Accident Lawyers at Simon & O’Rourke Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you are involved in a truck accident in Texas, seek immediate medical attention for your injuries. Documenting injuries through medical records is a crucial step in protecting your right to fair compensation for your injuries.
Seeking prompt legal advice is another crucial step. Trucking companies and their insurance providers act quickly to protect themselves from liability for damages. A truck accident lawyer has the resources and knowledge to investigate a truck accident.
Contact Simon & O’Rourke Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation with a Houston truck accident lawyer. We can help you protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
For more information, please get in touch with the Houston personal injury attorneys at Simon & O’Rourke Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers at our nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
Simon & O’Rourke Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
440 Louisiana St Suite 1115, Houston, TX 77002
(281) 667-4081
About The Author
Sean O’Rourke earned his law degree from Southern Methodist University School of Law and is licensed to practice in Texas. He frequently assists clients with their legal needs in Houston, with a focus on personal injury cases, especially those involving motor vehicle accidents (such as cars, commercial trucks, 18-wheelers, & motorcycles). Click here to view some of the amazing case results that Sean has successfully handled.
Location: Houston, TX