Have you considered a career in Texas as a commercial trucking business? It’s an interesting career choice with plenty of options, and it pays well, too.
But before you embark on your journey, you must pass your CDL license in Texas. The CDL test consists of a written knowledge test and a practical skills test.
You can learn the skills you need in order to pass by enrolling in a good CDL school. Practice tests will help you to get through the written test. Here’s everything you need to know about Texas CDL practice tests and CDL prep.
How Does the CDL Practice Test Work?
You will find all of the information you need to pass the CDL knowledge test in the Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Handbook, which is available for free online. It is almost impossible to memorize a handbook, but you can make it easier and more interesting by downloading practice tests that you can then complete.
The questions in these CDL practice tests are similar to the types of questions you will face on the CDL exam paper. Answering the questions will give you a good idea of which sections of the handbook you have mastered and where you could use a bit more practice. You can also use the practice tests to learn how best to answer multiple choice questions.
We’ve covered some of the most frequently asked questions below to help you with your CDL prep.
How Many Questions Are On the CDL Test in Texas?
In Texas, the CDL knowledge test contains 50 multiple choice and matching questions. The questions cover topics from various sections of the driver’s handbook.
Can You Take Your CDL Test Online in Texas?
You cannot take the CDL test online. You can take online tests as practice for the CDL, but when you are ready to sit for the actual CDL exam, you will have to book a CDL test at the most convenient test venue near you.
How Many Times Can You Fail the CDL Permit Test in Texas?
You can take the CDL test three times in 90 days. If you fail all three of the tests, you must start from scratch and pay the registration fees all over again.
How Much Does a CDL Permit Cost in Texas?
A CDL permit in Texas costs $97. The license expires after eight years, and the license renewal costs $97 as well.
Is the CDL Test Hard in Texas?
The CDL test in Texas is a difficult exam to pass. The test is divided into a knowledge test section and a skills test section. If you fail either test, you must take both parts again. It is also in your best interest to start your CDL prep well in advance using Texas CDL practice tests.
Score Needed to Pass the CDL Exam in Texas
You must achieve a CDL exam score of at least 80%, meaning you must answer at least 40 of the 50 questions correctly.
Texas CDL Requirements
A list of the Texas CDL requirements is as follows:
- Age Requirements – You must be at least 18 years old to drive a commercial vehicle in Texas. Federal laws cover interstate driving requirements. According to federal law, you must be 21 years old before you drive across state borders.
- Driver’s License – You must have a clean record and driver’s license. Suspensions or revocations issued by any of the fifty states will disqualify you from applying for your CDL license in Texas
- A Commercial Driver’s Permit (CDP) – You will need the following documents for your CDP:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or residence permit
- Proof of Texas residence
- Social Security card
- Identity document
- Good health self-certification
- Proof of insurance and Texas registration for each of your owned vehicles
You will also undergo a vision test when you pay your application fee. Your CDP allows you to drive a commercial vehicle for the specified class of vehicle, but you must have a CDL licensed driver in the front seat with you as well. You can apply for your CDL within 14 days of obtaining your CDP.
Sections Included on the CDL Test in Texas
Preparing for the CDL test starts with knowing what to expect. The test is divided into two main sections, those being the knowledge test and the skills test.
Knowledge Tests
The knowledge test contains two types of questions, including multiple choice questions and matching questions. They contain information regarding the following categories:
- General knowledge
- Texas commercial driving rules
- Combinations for a Class A CDL
- Air brakes, where applicable
- Endorsements, where applicable
Skills Test
The skills test for the CDL license in Texas is divided into three parts, all of which are explained below.
Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection
The pre-trip inspection tests your ability to identify whether or not your vehicle is safe to drive. You will have to point out the areas that you must check and explain why it is important to check them.
Basic Vehicle Control
Basic vehicle control tests your ability behind the wheel. During this test, you will have to perform the following maneuvers and more.
- Straight-line backing
- Left and right offset backing
- Parallel parking from both sides
- Alley dock backing
On-road Test
Once you have demonstrated that you can control your vehicle, you will take the on-road test using public roads. This is where you show your skill behind the wheel in normal traffic conditions.
You will have to stop, start and turn your vehicle successfully. You must safely change lanes, and you will also have to manage both steep upward and downward slopes to show your gear control.
How To Study for the CDL Exam in Texas
The knowledge test is the first step to getting your CDL license in Texas. To get an 80% pass rate, you will have to learn most of the information in the handbook.
Simply reading the manual won’t cut it. You’ll need some help. Fortunately, there are plenty of online tests that can help you to work out where you need to concentrate your efforts the most.
A CDL practice test in Texas is set up in the same way as the official test for the CDL license. This is excellent CDL prep. Multiple choice and matching questions take some practice, and Texas CDL practice tests will help you to learn to properly answer these types of questions.
Get Your CDL License Texas and Start Your Career
Start your new career in the Texan commercial trucking industry. Decide on the type of commercial vehicle you’ll drive, and select one of the three classes of CDL licenses accordingly. You will have to take the test that corresponds to the type of truck you plan to drive. If you have any more questions, find out more from FreightWaves.