Roderick C. Lopez | April 12, 2024 | Truck Accidents
There are many different types of commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), each with its own purpose and requirements. But what is a commercial driver’s license exactly, and how do you go about obtaining one? Here is what you need to know about CDLs in Texas.
What Is A CDL?
A CDL is a license that allows you to drive vehicles of a specific size. What size vehicles it lets you drive depends on the type of commercial driver’s license you possess.
Types of CDLs in Texas
In Texas, there are a few different types of CDLs, including:
Class C License
A Class C license allows you to drive a very small subset of commercial vehicles. Under the terms of this type of license, you can drive a vehicle that is designed to transport between 16 and 23 passengers. Effectively, this means it is only useful for driving small buses.
Class B License
To drive larger vehicles, you can obtain a Class B license. This license allows you to drive a vehicle that weighs over 26,000 lbs, but only if it’s towing something that weighs 10,000 lbs or less, or isn’t towing anything at all.
Alternatively, this license allows you to drive a vehicle that transports over 23 passengers, which means most types of buses.
Class A License
The final type of license covers almost every other type of roadworthy vehicle. With a Class A license, you can drive vehicles that weigh over 26,000 lbs. You can also drive vehicles that are towing something over 10,000 lbs. You still can’t drive a vehicle that exceeds federal weight limits, though.
What Is a CDL’s Purpose?
You may be wondering, what is a commercial driver’s license useful for? The main value of a CDL is protecting all drivers on the road. Of the roughly 5 million car accidents that occur every year, only about 3% involve a large truck. However, over 12% of all fatal accidents involve one. Thus, a CDL is effectively a form of insurance against fatal accidents.
All parties involved benefit. This additional training can help make the roads safer for everyone, and commercial truckers can gain specific training that makes them less likely to get involved in an accident.
How Do You Get a Commercial Driver’s License in Texas?
There are several steps involved in obtaining a commercial driver’s license in Texas. Before you can apply, you must already possess a valid Texas driver’s license. You will then need to apply for a commercial driver license permit (CLP) and fulfill certain requirements, including:
- Submit proof of your identity
- Submit proof of your license
- Pay an application fee
- Get a thumbprint
- Pass an eye exam
- Pass a knowledge test specific to commercial truck driving
- Schedule a skills test
After getting your permit, you must complete entry-level driving requirements with an appropriate trainer. If you have completed that training and at least 14 days have passed since you received your permit, you may apply for your CDL. The requirements to get your CDL are similar to those for the permit.
Commercial Driving Might Unlock Your Future
A commercial driver’s license can serve as a door that opens up your future. With a CDL, you can enjoy a wider range of job opportunities — and learn valuable skills to keep you and others safe on Texas roads.
Contact the Laredo Truck Accident Lawyers at Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers Today
If you were injured in an accident in Laredo, TX, and need legal help, contact our Laredo truck accident attorneys at Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review today.
Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers
6557 Metro Court, Suite 1 Laredo, TX 78041
(956) 529-7336
