Question 1
Under Texas rules, what is the greatest height allowed for a commercial vehicle, measured from the ground to the top of its load?
Texas CDL test notes
Texas adds one test of its own: Texas Commercial Rules, from section 14 of the DPS handbook, taken first. Then general knowledge, combination and air brakes as your license needs. Each section is passed at 80%.
| Handbook | Texas DPS DL-7C, revised March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Order | Texas Commercial Rules, general knowledge, combination, air brakes, then endorsements |
| Language | English only since 1 June 2026 |
| Fees (DPS) | CLP $25; CDL $97 for 8 years (age 18 to 84) |
The Texas Commercial Rules test
Section 14 covers papers and permits, required equipment, size and weight limits, operating rules and safe practices. The numbers come up often:
- Height 14 feet and width 102 inches, load included.
- Length: 45 feet for a single truck that is not a truck tractor, 59 feet for a semitrailer pulled alone, 28 1/2 feet for each trailer of a double.
- 80,000 pounds gross without a permit; no more than three vehicles in a combination.
- Loads up to 3 feet beyond the front and 4 feet beyond the rear without a permit; past 4 feet, a red flag by day and a red light at night.
- Placarded vehicles, buses and school buses stop at every railroad crossing unless a signal or officer directs them on.
Attempts and the permit
If you fail on your first attempt, your application stays active for 90 days. After three failed attempts, or after 90 days, it is void and you start again. The Texas CLP costs $25, lasts 180 days, and must be held at least 14 days before the skills test.
Try 3 questions
Question 2
Without a special permit, how far may a load extend beyond the front of a vehicle in Texas?
Question 3
A truck displaying hazardous materials placards approaches a railroad crossing with no signal and no officer. What must the driver do?
Next step
Questions people ask
What tests do I take for a Texas Class A CDL?
Texas Commercial Rules, general knowledge and combination, plus air brakes if your truck has them, in that order. Each needs 80%.
How much is a Texas CLP?
$25, and it expires 180 days after it is issued (Texas DPS fee page).
Can I take the Texas CDL test in Spanish?
No. Since 1 June 2026, Texas CDL knowledge exams are given in English only.