If you're interested in beginning a career as a commercial driver, it's important to make sure you understand which type of CDL will be necessary for the job you wish to have.

Investing in a solid CDL education can help with that, but below we've outlined some information for you regarding each CDL class, endorsement, and the different between an interstate and intrastate commercial license.

Understanding Each TX CDL Class

Texas offers Class A, Class B, and Class C licenses as established by the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986.

• Class A: You will need a Class A license to drive any combination of vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GWVR) of 26,001 or more pounds, assuming the GVWR of the vehicles being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
• Class B: A Class B CDL is required to drive any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not more than 10,000 pounds.
• Class C: You will need a Class C license to allow you to drive any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or placarded for hazardous materials.

To become a CDL driver, you must complete both a written test and a road test. No appointment is needed for these tests, although not all Texas Department of Safety (DPS) drivers license locations will offer the driving test.

CDL Endorsements

In addition to the Class A, Class B, and Class C CDL licenses, Texas offers the following endorsements:

• T: Double/triple trailers
• P: Passenger
• N: Tank vehicle
• H: Hazardous materials 
• S: School bus

More information about the various CDL endorsements can be found in the Texas commercial driver manual. This manual also has CDL practice test questions to help you study. Keep in mind that taking a CDL practice exam can help you pass both the knowledge test and the driving test parts of the CDL test.

Interstate vs. Intrastate CDL

Texas is one of several states that makes a distinction between an intrastate CDL and an interstate CDL.

You must be 18 to receive an intrastate CDL that allows you to drive within the state of Texas only. You must be 21 to receive an interstate CDL that allows you to drive across the United States. In addition, the medical requirements for an interstate CDL are stricter than that for an intrastate CDL.