CDL is the abbreviation for Commercial Driver's License. Operating large commercial motor vehicles requires specialized skills and training that must be learned. A CDL is a professional license permitting the holder of the license to drive large commercial vehicles and buses on public roadways in Texas and in the United States. This license demonstrates that you have been trained, tested, and are qualified to safely operate large commercial motor vehicles.

No. If an individual received their CDL prior to February 7, 2022, those individuals are not required to attend ELDT. However, the individual may be subject to taking the skills and road test again. **If an individual obtained a commercial drivers license prior to the date above, there may have been many changes from the previous tests administered. Therefore, we do recommend training on pre-trip inspection and behind the wheel due to individuals are challenged on many more operations of the motor vehicle, during pre-trip and behind the wheel, than before. However, this is only a suggestion.

Yes. All individuals that have not held a CDL prior to February 7, 2023 are subject to Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements which is mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This includes those applying to: Obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time; Upgrade an existing CDL to a Class B or Class A; Obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.

Yes. All individuals wanting to attend CDL training to obtain a commercial license has to hold a valid state issued driver's license. Driver's license has to be clear without any holds, suspensions, tickets, etc.

There are three basic classes of CDLs: Class A – Permits the holder to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle or vehicles towed exceeds 10,000 pounds. Class B – Permits the holder to operate any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, any one of those vehicles towing a vehicle that does not exceed 10,000 pounds GVWR, and any vehicle designed to transport 24 passengers or more, including the driver. If the skills test is taken in a bus with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds, the holder will be restricted to operating busses under 26,001 pounds GVWR. Class C – Permits the holder to operate any single vehicle or combination of vehicles that is not a Class A or B if the vehicle is designed to transport 16 to 23 passengers including the driver, or used in the transportation of hazardous materials that require the vehicle to be placarded under 49 CFR, Part 172, Subpart F.

Depending upon what you will be transporting, you may need one or more of the following six endorsements. An endorsement allows you to operate certain types of commercial motor vehicles and transport specific items. Double/Triple Trailer (T endorsement) - This endorsement allows you to tow a double or triple trailer. Passenger (P endorsement) – This endorsement allows you to operate a vehicle that carries a specific number of passengers. Tank Vehicle (N endorsement) – This endorsement allows you to operate a tank vehicle. These vehicles are designed to safely transport liquid or liquefied gaseous materials. Hazardous Materials (H) – This endorsement allows you to transport hazardous materials, such as flammable or combustible liquids, gases or explosives. You will be required to complete a comprehensive state and federal background check. For additional information visit our Hazardous Materials Endorsement webpage. School Bus (S) – This endorsement allows you to operate a school bus. Combination of N and H (X) – This combination endorsement allows you to transport hazardous materials in a tank vehicle.

Yes. If you are: Applying for a CDL for the first time Upgrading your existing CDL (Class C to Class B or Class A, or Class B to Class A), or Adding a passenger or school bus endorsement to an existing CDL You will be required to obtain and hold a permit for at least 14 days. The purpose of this is to allow you an opportunity to obtain behind-the-wheel experience before taking your driving test.

Yes. We offer online training for the theory portion of training. Our online training can be completed at our own pace within 90 days of enrollment. Once the theory portion is completed, student will have to come into the school for the Pre-trip and Behind the Wheel training which can be completed within 3 weeks.

Our Entry Level Driving Training Course are a total of 4 weeks. For individuals that wish to complete all training in house, there will be up to one week in the classroom and approximately 3 weeks in the field.