Texas Rules for Commercial Drivers Licenses

Driving large commercial vehicles like delivery trucks, school buses, or 18-wheelers requires specialized training and licensing. In Texas, this means obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

While federal regulations set basic standards, each state has its own specific requirements for issuing a CDL. Truck accidents caused by non-qualified drivers and those with a valid CDL can lead to serious injuries. Here’s a closer look at what you need to know about getting a CDL in Texas.

Who is required to obtain a commercial driver’s license in San Antonio, Texas?

To operate a commercial vehicle in Texas, you must have a CDL. The type of CDL you need depends on the vehicle you plan to drive. Southern Career Institute explains that a commercial vehicle is typically a large vehicle, such as a semi-truck, bus, or truck that transports hazardous materials. Therefore, if you plan to drive something similar to these types of vehicles, there is a strong possibility that you will need to obtain a CDL as soon as possible. If you have never possessed a CDL before, you will need to obtain a CDL permit for at least two weeks before you can obtain a CDL. Here are the three different types of CDLs that you can obtain:

1. Class A: This type of CDL allows you to drive a combination of vehicles that weigh over 26,000 pounds and tow vehicles over 10,000 pounds. A few examples of Class A commercial vehicles are 18-wheelers, flatbed trucks, livestock carriers, tractor-trailer buses, and double or triple trailers.
2. Class B: This type of CDL allows you to drive a single vehicle that weighs over 26,000 pounds or tow a vehicle weighing up to 10,001 pounds. Vehicles that transport 24 or more passengers are included in this type of CDL. A few examples of Class B commercial vehicles are school buses, straight trucks, city passenger buses, dump trucks, RVs, box delivery trucks, and tour buses.
3. Class C: This type of CDL allows you to drive a vehicle that is meant to transport between 16 to 23 passengers, which includes the driver. You can also obtain this type of CDL to transport hazardous materials from point A to point B. Examples of Class C commercial vehicles are HAZMAT vehicles, passenger vans, or small airport or hotel shuttles.

What qualifications does a person need to possess to obtain a CDL in San Antonio, TX?

There are several qualifications that a person must possess before they can obtain a CDL in Texas, which includes:

• They must be at least 21 years of age to obtain an interstate CDL and 18 years of age to obtain an intrastate CDL. This means that if you are between 18 and 20 and obtain an intrastate CDL, you can only drive within the state limits of Texas. You cannot operate a CDL outside of the state limits until you reach 21.
• They must already have a Texas driver’s license and a clean driving record.
• They must have had a CDL permit for at least 14 days.
• They must be able to speak and read English.
• They must show proof that they have no known medical conditions that would prevent them from safely operating a commercial vehicle.
• They must pass a vision test.
• They must take and pass a physical, knowledge, and skills test.

If an individual wants to add other endorsements to their CDL, they will likely need to pass additional knowledge and skills tests.

Can a CDL holder have their CDLs taken away from them or become disqualified from driving a commercial vehicle?

Yes, a CDL holder can have their CDLs taken away from them or become disqualified from driving a commercial vehicle for various reasons, such as:

• They were caught drinking and driving while behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle.
• They failed a post-accident or random drug or alcohol test.
• They refused to take or failed a return-to-duty alcohol or drug test.
• They left or fled the scene of an accident.
• They committed at least two serious offenses (speeding, tailgating, improper lane changes, road rage, reckless or careless driving, etc.) within three years.
• They violated the railroad-highway crossing law or committed a felony.

Commercial vehicle drivers cannot have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04 percent or higher when behind the wheel. This BAC limit is half of the normal BAC for passenger vehicle drivers and should be taken seriously at all times.

Have you recently been involved in a truck accident? If so, consider consulting with our experienced and skilled San Antonio truck accident lawyer at Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney at your earliest convenience. Our legal team is aware of the rules, laws, and regulations put in place to keep those who share the roadways with commercial trucks and vehicles safe and harm-free at all times. Therefore, when you work with us, you can rest assured knowing that we will use our knowledge, resources, and tools to ensure that justice is served and that you receive the best outcome possible based on the circumstances of your case. Please call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation today.