Types of Commercial Driver’s Licenses in Friendswood, TX
Commercial driving is vital for our economy. If you have ever passed a commercial vehicle on the road or been involved in an accident with one, you may wonder how commercial drivers are licensed.
Texas has three classes of commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), as well as various endorsements. This blog discusses these CDLs and when you may need to obtain additional certifications.
What is a Commercial Driver’s License?
A commercial driver’s license allows someone to operate heavy, oversized, or hazardous vehicles on public roadways. Federal and Texas law require CDLs to operate certain vehicles.
Texas has three classes of commercial driver’s licenses: Class A, B, and C. Each is specific to a particular type of driver to ensure they have the skills to operate their vehicles safely.
Class A CDL
A Class A commercial driver’s license is required to operate heavy vehicles. Drivers holding a Class A CDL may drive vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of more than 26,001 pounds, provided any towed vehicle weighs over 10,000 pounds. This includes tractor-trailers, livestock carriers, and tankers.
The potential for significant damage or personal injury in an accident involving a Class A vehicle is substantial, so they have special licensing requirements.
Class B CDL
A Class B commercial driver’s license is required to operate certain midweight vehicles.
Drivers holding a Class B CDL may operate different types of vehicles, including:
- A vehicle with a GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) of more than 26,001 pounds
- A vehicle with a GVWR of more than 26,001 pounds that is towing a vehicle that does not exceed 10,000 pounds
- A vehicle designed to transport 24 passengers or more, including the driver
Class B CDLs commonly apply to drivers of box trucks, city buses, and school buses.
Class C CDL
A Class C commercial driver’s license is required for operating vehicles that do not meet the criteria for Class A or B but are intended to transport:
- 16 to 23 passengers, including the driver
- Hazardous materials
Drivers with Class C CDLs undergo specialized training and certification, particularly when transporting hazardous materials.
Commercial Driver’s License Endorsements in Texas
Commercial driver’s licenses are foundational for operating heavy, large, or hazardous vehicles in Texas. However, drivers may need to obtain additional certifications, known as endorsements.
Endorsements allow drivers to operate specific vehicle types or transport certain cargo that requires specialized skills to ensure the safety of others.
Texas recognizes six endorsements:
- T Endorsement: The T endorsement is essential for drivers who operate vehicles pulling double or triple trailers.
- P Endorsement: The P endorsement is required for drivers who operate vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including buses.
- N Endorsement: The N endorsement is required for operating tank vehicles, including transporting liquid or gaseous materials.
- H Endorsement: The H endorsement is required for drivers transporting hazardous materials.
- X Endorsement: The X endorsement combines the N (tank vehicles) and H (hazardous materials) endorsements and is required for drivers transporting hazardous materials in tank vehicles.
- S Endorsement: The S endorsement is required for operating vehicles transporting schoolchildren to and from school and school-related activities.
It is important to have the proper endorsement for your vehicle and cargo. Operating a vehicle without the proper endorsement is a misdemeanor punishable under Texas law.
How Do I Apply for a CDL in Friendswood, Texas?
Obtaining a CDL involves several key steps. Each is in place to ensure applicants can operate a commercial vehicle safely.
The basic steps for obtaining a CDL include:
- Meet Department of Public Safety eligibility requirements by being 18 or 21 years old, depending on the license type, holding a valid driver’s license, and passing a medical examination.
- Obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) by passing an exam and knowledge test.
- Pass a CDL skills test after holding your permit for the required period. The test has three components: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
- Apply and submit the required documents to the Department of Public Safety office.
- Pay the appropriate CDL fee.
After completing these steps, you will receive your CDL and be a licensed commercial driver in Texas.
Schedule a Free Consultation If You’ve Been Injured in a Commercial Trucking Accident in Friendswood, TX
Even a licensed driver can make mistakes that may cause you to suffer economic and non-economic damages. If you or a loved one have been involved in a commercial trucking accident in Friendswood, you are not alone. Schedule a free consultation with our Friendswood truck accident lawyers.
Contact the Texas Truck Accident Lawyers of The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Please contact an experienced truck accident lawyer at The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers to get a free initial consultation today. We have offices in Friendswood and Galveston, Texas. Call us at (281) 992-8633.
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Galveston
2101 Mechanic St. Suite 253
Galveston, TX 77550
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers
312 S. Friendswood Dr.
Friendswood, TX 77546
