Commercial Driver License (CDL) Frequently Asked Question

No, ELDT is not required to be completed prior to obtaining a CLP.

Beginning February 7, 2022, License and Permit Specialists must query the Training Provider Registry to determine if ELDT requirements have been met. ELDT is a single, national standard for obtaining a commercial driver's license (CDL). ELDT regulations apply to drivers seeking to obtain a CDL for the first time, upgrading an existing CDL to a Class B or A, or obtain a new hazmat, passenger, or school bus endorsement. Each state must electronically verify that an applicant completed the required training and certification process before administering a CDL skills test or prior to taking the knowledge test for a hazmat endorsement.

Texas Transportation Code Section 522.014 requires a CLP to be held for a minimum of 14 days. 

You will be issued a license with a P39 restriction. This permits you to operate a company vehicle without an interlock device, provided that driving is essential to the job. When operating the company vehicle, you must carry a letter on company letterhead acknowledging that the employer is aware of the your P39 restriction.

NOTE: This scenario does not apply to a CDL driver who is disqualified, as an occupational driver license cannot be issued to a CDL holder.

For information on driver license fees, visit our webpage Driver License Division Fees.  Information regarding the cost for a CDL license may be found under Commercial Driver License (CDL) Fees.

Yes.  A CDL without a hazardous material (Hazmat) endorsement that was not renewed in person last time, can be renewed online.  

For more information, visit our Commercial Driver License webpage.

You will need to obtain an exempt class A or B driver license. For further information please visit our Classes of Driver Licenses web page.

As of January 1, 2023, the Texas Vision Waiver program is no longer available due to changes in federal regulations.  However, individuals who previously relied on the program to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMV) may now be eligible under the new federal alternative vision standards.

Individuals currently holding a Texas Vision Waiver must comply with the new standards by December 1, 2024 or by the medical certificate expiration date, whichever occurs first.

Yes. Authorized third party providers and out-of-state skills testing providers will transmit your exam scores electronically.  Please confirm with your provider the exam scores have been submitted prior to scheduling an appointment. 

In accordance to 49 Code of Federal Regulations 384.206(b), when you transfer your commercial driver license to Texas, the Department is required to transfer all of your out-of-state driver history information to your Texas commercial driver license so that you always have a single complete driver record. For more information on federal regulations governing commercial driver licenses, please visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's website.

In accordance to 49 Code of Federal Regulations 383.51, if you are convicted for certain offenses, the Department is required by both state and federal statutes to disqualify your commercial driver license. The period of disqualification is dependent upon the type of violation you were convicted for. For more information on federal regulations governing commercial driver licenses, please visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's website.

If you do not find the answer to your question, you can always contact our Customer Service Center for assistance.

Effective June 23, 2025, CDL drivers and Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) holders will no longer be required to submit medical certificates directly to the Department of Public Safety (DPS).

As of June 23, 2025, direct submission of medical certificates to DPS by CDL and CLP drivers will be discontinued.

The NRCME transmits medical certification data to DPS within 72 hours, ensuring timely record updates.

You can confirm your medical certification status by visiting the Driver Eligibility

An automated system has been implemented, eliminating the need for manual submissions. This streamlines the process and enhances efficiency for CDL drivers.

You must return to your medical provider for correction of any errors on your medical certificate.

You must return to your medical provider for correction. If the provider confirms the certificate is accurate, you will need to schedule an appointment at a driver license office, click here to schedule to update your certification.

If your CLP or CDL was downgraded due to an expired Medical Examiner's Certificate, you must visit a local driver license office for an upgrade. A CDL downgraded to a Class C driver license solely for failure to provide a valid medical variance or Medical Examiner's Certificate may be upgraded to its previous status (including restrictions and endorsements) without retesting if the following conditions are met:

• The record status is "Eligible" (not suspended, revoked, disqualified, or canceled).
• The driver license has not been expired for more than two years.
• The CDL downgrade occurred within the last 12 months.
• You meet all CDL requirements and provide a valid medical variance or Medical Examiner's Certificate (if applicable) or certify to an expected status.
• Applicable transaction fees will apply. 

If you were downgraded solely due to an expired medical certificate, your license has not expired, and you have not completed a license transaction since the downgrade, you do not need to retake the driving tests. However, if your license was voluntarily surrendered or downgraded, you will be required to retest.

Medical certificates issued before June 23, 2025, will remain valid until their expiration date.

It may cost up to $97 to upgrade your license back to a CDL.

Your medical certificate expiration date is determined by a certified medical examiner.

If you do not find the answer to your question, you can always contact our Customer Service Center for assistance.

Visit the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH) to view the violation information in our DACH record and to obtain the requires for returning to duty.

The Department will be notified electronically from the DACH to reinstate your privileges. You will receive a reinstatement notice with additional requirements to complete the return to duty process. 

If you do not find the answer to your question, you can always contact our Customer Service Center for assistance.