Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TX Board of Transportation
Truck Driver (CDL) Licensing in Texas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for truck driver (cdl) in Texas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Truck Driver (CDL) in Texas
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
Tow truck operators assist motorists, first responders and others by performing tows of vehicles from public roadways and private property for a fee, in conjunction with a licensed tow truck company.
- 7
Three license types are available: Incident Management (This is a tow of a vehicle from a public road due to an accident or incident.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$53,070 median (8% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#38 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Texas eligibility requirements for Truck Driver (CDL) licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
- 6. Submit the application to Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Texas
With a median salary of $53,070, Truck Driver (CDL)s in Texas earn 8% below the national median of $57,440. Texas ranks #38 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.8%Average Weekly Wage
$1,420Median annual salary
$53,070Hourly estimate
$25.518% below national median
Difference: -$4,370
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationTruck Driver (CDL) Salary Ranking
#38 of 50 statesfor Truck Driver (CDL) median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alaska | $64,890 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $64,720 |
| #3 | Washington | $63,760 |
| #4 | Oregon | $61,180 |
| #5 | Minnesota | $61,090 |
Nearby States Comparison
Truck Driver (CDL) licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $53,070 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $51,920 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $49,520 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 18-21 years |
| Louisiana | $48,770 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| New Mexico | $48,360 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oklahoma | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arkansas | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Mexico | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
PO Box 12157, Austin, TX, 78711
Phone: 5124636599
Related Careers in Texas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Pilot | $162,930 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $82,170 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $80,320 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $203,450 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in Texas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Texas?
Texas lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Truck Driver (CDL)s.
What education do you need to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in Texas?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Truck Driver (CDL) licensure in Texas.
What is the typical Truck Driver (CDL) salary in Texas?
The median annual salary for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Texas is $53,070. Salaries range from $36,620 (10th percentile) to $78,470 (90th percentile).
How does the Truck Driver (CDL) salary in Texas compare to the national average?
Truck Driver (CDL)s in Texas earn 8% below the national median of $57,440, with a state median of $53,070.
How many Truck Driver (CDL)s work in Texas?
Texas employs approximately 212,700 Truck Driver (CDL)s according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Truck Driver (CDL) license to Texas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Texas?
The licensing agency is Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Review agency details at https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/.
How often do you renew a Truck Driver (CDL) license in Texas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.