Texas CDL Practice Test and Test Prep (2026)
Texas gives CDL tests through Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Here is what you will be tested on, which of our practice quizzes match each test, and what the skills test involves in Texas.
Knowledge tests for a Texas permit
- Texas Commercial Rules (all applicants)
- General Knowledge (all applicants) — practice General Knowledge (60 questions)
- Combination Vehicles (Class A) — practice Combination Vehicles (30 questions)
- Air Brakes (if applicable) — practice Air Brakes (40 questions)
- Any endorsement tests you need (P, S, H, N, T)
Permit minimum age: 18 (in-state driving) or 21 (interstate). Holding period before the skills test: 14 days. Permit validity: 180 days.
Texas endorsement tests and practice
- Hazmat (H) practice
Texas notes for this endorsement
Texas is a TSA self-managed state. You complete the hazmat application at a DPS office first (forms CDL-1 and CDL-6, proof of citizenship/permanent residence, ELDT for first-timers, and the hazmat knowledge test); DPS issues a service code, then fingerprinting/TSA screening is done through DPS's contracted vendor IdentoGO (not a generic TSA center). The endorsement expires the earlier of your CDL expiration or 5 years from TSA approval.
- Tanker (N) practice
Texas notes for this endorsement
Available on a CDL or CLP.
- Passenger (P) practice
Texas notes for this endorsement
Available on a CDL or CLP.
- School bus (S) practice
Texas notes for this endorsement
Requires ELDT and the passenger path; cannot be obtained via the military waiver. Adding it to an existing CDL needs a fresh 14-day CLP hold.
- Doubles/triples (T) practice
Texas notes for this endorsement
Double/triple trailers (CDL only).
The Texas skills test
Components: Pre-trip inspection, Basic control skills, On-road driving test.
Test vehicle: You must supply your own commercial vehicle representative of the CLP class you hold; DPS does not provide a test vehicle.
Where and how to book: Texas runs a CDL Third Party Skills Testing (TPST) program certifying qualified schools and employers to administer skills tests for Classes A, B, and C. You can also test at a DPS office.
Waits and retests: DPS slots in the big metros (DFW, Houston, San Antonio, Austin) commonly book 2–6 weeks out and longer in summer — a big reason Texas leans on third-party testers, which often offer faster or Saturday slots for a fee (estimated at roughly $150–$400).
Practice the inspection part with our pre-trip inspection guide. Research dated 2026-07-20; confirm testing details with Texas.
All practice tests
- General Knowledge (60 questions)
- Air Brakes (40 questions)
- Combination Vehicles (30 questions)
- Hazardous Materials (H) (30 questions)
- Tank Vehicles (N) (25 questions)
- Passenger (P) (25 questions)
- School Bus (S) (25 questions)
- Doubles/Triples (T) (20 questions)
Ready to apply? See the full Texas CDL requirementsor build your Texas checklist.