Texas Driver’s License Classes (And How To Get Each One)

Class A, Class B, Class C, Class M. 

Class A CDL, Class B CDL, Class C CDL. 

These are all the available Texas driver’s license classes. 

Now, this can be a bit confusing.

Which one should you get?

We’ll help you answer that by going through each Texas driver’s license class.

Moreover, we’ll also show you how to get each one. 

So are you ready?

Let’s go!

What Are the Driver’s License Classes in Texas?

In Texas, there are two main categories into which all licenses fall.

These are:

• Non-commercial license
• Commercial license

Let’s look at these. 

Non-Commercial Licenses

Non-commercial licenses are what you need if you just plan to drive a private vehicle. This means you shouldn’t use it for commercial activities to earn profit. 

This is very important to keep in mind — so you won’t confuse them with a commercial license. 

Okay, let’s now look at the non-commercial driver’s license classes in Texas. 

Class A

A Class A license allows the operator to drive vehicles that meet the following requirements:

• A combination vehicle with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. The towed vehicle should weigh more than 10,000 pounds.

• A single vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.

• Any Class B or C vehicle.

Class B

A Class B license authorizes the holder to operate vehicles that meet the following requirements:

• A vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more that tows another vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less. 

• A vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more that tows a farm trailer that does not exceed 20,000 pounds. 

• A single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more.

• A bus that can transport at least 24 passengers, including the driver.  

• All class C vehicles.

Class C

The Class C license is your “standard license”. 

This is the class that everyone gets. 

Class C license holders will be able to drive:

• A single or combination vehicle weighing fewer than 26,001 pounds. If towing, the vehicle/trailer should not exceed 10,000 pounds.  

• A single vehicle with a GVWR of fewer than 26,001 pounds and tows a farm trailer that weighs 20,000 pounds or less. 

• A vehicle that transports less than 15 passengers, including the driver.

• An autocycle.

Class M

The Class M license is the most simple one there is.

Holding a class M license simply means you’ll have to right to operate a motorcycle on the road.

Commercial Licenses

Commercial licenses are very similar to non-commercial licenses. 

Only this time, you use the vehicle to conduct commercial activities — such as transporting goods and carrying passengers for a fee. 

Commercial licenses are commonly referred to as CDLs (commercial driver’s licenses). This is why the class name will always have a CDL at the end of it. 

Let’s look at this. 

Class A CDL

A class A CDL authorizes an individual to drive any commercial combination vehicle with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more. The towed vehicle’s weight should exceed 10,000 pounds. 

Class A CDLs can also operate Class B and Class C CDLs. 

Class B CDL

A Class B CDL allows you to operate a single commercial vehicle with a GVWR of 26,0001 pounds. If towing a vehicle/trailer, it should not exceed 10,000 pounds. 

It can also operate a vehicle that transports 24 passengers or more. 

Class C CDL

As you might have expected, a Class C CDL can operate a commercial vehicle that weighs fewer than 26,001 pounds and tows fewer than 10,000 pounds. 

However, a Class C CDL has a very specific purpose. This is to operate: 

• Vehicles that transport 16 to 23 passengers, including the driver.

• Vehicles that transport hazardous materials in amounts required for placarding.

How to Get A Class C License in Texas

Here are the steps to getting your Class C license in Texas. 

Step 1. Get your learner’s license (required for those 15-17 years old). 

• Complete an approved classroom driver’s ed (you can start this as early as 14 years old). 

• Take and pass the knowledge test (if your driver’s ed provider offers it).

• Schedule an appointment at a driver’s license office.

• On your appointment, bring the following with you:
  • Your parent or legal guardian (as well as proof of their identity and guardianship)
  • A filled-out driver’s license application form (Form DL-14B)
  • Verification of School Enrollment and Attendance (Form DL-104) signed by a school official
  • Driver Education Certificate for the classroom section
  • Knowledge test pass score (if applicable)
  • Proof of US citizenship or legal presence 
  • Proof of Texas residency
  • Proof of identity
  • Social Security Number
  • Proof of vehicle insurance (if you own a vehicle)

Click here for acceptable documents.

• Submit your documents. 

• Pass the knowledge test (if applicable). 

• Give your signature, thumbprint, and photo. 

• Pay the learner’s license fee of $16. 

• Pass a vision screening. 

• Receive your temporary learner’s license. Wait for the official one to arrive via mail within 2-3 weeks. 

Step 2. Get your provisional license (required for those 16-17 years old). 

• Hold your learner’s license for 6 months or more (unless you already turned 18).

• Take and finish the Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) program.

• Take and complete the behind-the-wheel driver’s ed section. 

• Pass the driving test (if your driver’s ed provider offers it). 

• Schedule a driving test appointment (if applicable) OR, if not, schedule a regular meeting. 

• On your appointment, don’t forget to bring these:
  • Your parent or legal guardian 
  • Your valid learner’s license
  • A filled-out application form (Form DL-14B)
  • Texas Driver Education Certificate
  • Impact Texas Driver Program Certificate of Completion
  • Driving test pass score (if applicable)  
  • A vehicle for testing, along with its insurance and registration documents (if applicable) 
  • Proof of US citizenship or legal presence in the US
  • Proof of Texas residency
  • Proof of identity
  • Social Security Number

• Submit all your documents. 

• Pay the $25 driving test fee (if applicable).

• Pass the driving test (if applicable).

• Give your signature, fingerprints, and picture. 

• Pay the $16 provisional license fee (only if you DIDN’T take the driving test at the driver’s license office). 

• Pass the vision screening. 

• Receive your temporary provisional license. Your official license will arrive by mail in 2-3 weeks. 

Step 3. Get your Class C license (required for those 18 years old and above). 

• Renew your provisional license online or in person. 

• Surrender your provisional driver’s license. 

• Pay the $33 renewal fee. 

• Get a temporary driver’s license. Wait for your new driver’s license to arrive in the mail. 

For more information, such as restrictions or how to get your license at 18 for the first time, then check out our complete guide here. 

How to Get a Class A or B License in Texas

Before you can get a Class A or B license, you first need a Class C one. 

So go through the steps above if you haven’t yet. 

If you already have a Class C license, then you’ll need to upgrade it to either Class A or B. 

Here’s what you need to do: 

• Schedule an appointment with your local driver’s license office.

• Provide all necessary documents (check below).

• Have your thumbprint taken.

• Have your photo taken.

• Pass the vision test.

• Pass the knowledge test. 

• Pay the Class A or B fee. 

• Complete the Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) program. 

• Schedule a Class A or B driving test. 

• Pass the driving test. 

• Get your Class A or B license. 

You must complete everything within 90 days of sending your application. If not, you’ll have to do it over again. 

The documents you’ll have to take with you include:

• Your valid Class C license
• A completed application form (Form CDL-2) 
• Social Security Number
• Proof of US citizenship or f legal presence
• Proof of residency in Texas
• Proof of identity 

And here are the documents to bring for your driving test: 

• Your valid Class C license
• A vehicle that fits your license class (RV, farm truck, etc) 
• Registration, insurance, and safety inspection report of your vehicle
• ITD Certificate of Completion
• Social Security Number
• Proof of US citizenship or f legal presence
• Proof of residency in Texas
• Proof of identity 

How to Get a Class A CDL, Class B CDL, and Class C CDL in Texas

No matter if you get a Class A CDL, Class B CDL, or Class C CDL — the process is the same. 

Here are the steps. 

Step 1. Get your commercial learner’s permit (CLP). 

• Have a valid Class C license. 

• Be at least 18 years old (if driving intrastate) or 21 years old (if driving interstate)

• Make an appointment at the nearest driver’s license office. 

• While there, submit these documents:
  • A filled-out application form (Form CDL-1)
  • A filled-out Interstate Driver Certification form (Form CDL-4) (if driving interstate) OR an Intrastate Driver Certification form (Form CDL-5) (if driving intrastate commerce). 
  • A Medical Examiners Certificate OR a Certification of Physical Exemption form (Form CDL-10) (if driving interstate commerce). 
  • Your valid Class C driver’s license
  • Proof of US citizenship or lawful presence in the country
  • Proof of Texas residency
  • Proof of Identity
  • Proof of Social Security Number
  • Proof of Texas vehicle registration and proof of insurance (if you own a vehicle)

• Pay the $26 CLP application fee AND $12 for any endorsement tests. 

• Give your thumbprints and have your photo taken. 

• Pass the vision screening.

• Pass the CDL knowledge test and any other required test(s). 

• Receive your CLP. 

Step 2. Get your official CDL class. 

• Hold your CLP for at least 14 days. 

• Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from an FMCSA-approved trucking school. 

• Choose where to take your CDL skills test and make an appointment with them. 

• Submit the following to the testing location:
  • Your valid CLP 
  • A completed application form (Form CDL-1)
  • Proof of identity and Social Security Number
  • A commercial vehicle that falls under your CDL class
  • Your commercial vehicle’s registration and insurance

• Pay the appropriate fees:
  • CDL fee for 18-84 years old – $98
  • CDL fee with H endorsement for 18-84 years old – $62
  • CDL fee for 85 and older – $26

• Get your thumbprints and photo. 

• Pass the vision screening.

• Pass the CDL skills test. 

• Receive your official CDL. 

If you need more details, such as endorsements, then check out our complete guide on “How to Get a CDL in Texas” here. 

How to Get a Class M License in Texas

The process of getting a Class M license is similar to a Class C license. 

Only this time, you’ll be required to take a Motorcycle Safety Course and bring the certificate of completion to a driver’s license office.

You will then need to take a motorcycle knowledge test, as well as a driving test. 

You can find more information here. 

Conclusion

And those were the Texas driver’s license classes. 

Now that you know what each one can operate — it’ll be easier for you to determine the one you need. 

And when you know which one you need, you can follow the steps to get it. 

Good luck!