Yes, CDL2Go is registered on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) Training Provider Registry. This registration ensures that CDL2Go meets all federal requirements for Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) and is authorized to provide the necessary training for commercial driver's license applicants. 

In February 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) implemented Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements. These federal regulations set minimum training standards for drivers seeking a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for the first time, upgrading from Class B to Class A, or obtaining certain endorsements, such as Hazardous Materials, Passenger, or School Bus. The ELDT standards apply nationwide, requiring both CDL drivers and training providers to meet consistent, high-quality training criteria. Designed to enhance highway safety, ELDT ensures drivers receive thorough preparation, reducing accidents and promoting safer roads.

Yes, you must meet ELDT requirements if you are:

• Applying for a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time,
• Upgrading an existing CDL to Class A or B, or
• Obtaining a School Bus (S), Passenger (P), or Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement for the first time.

To comply, you need to complete an ELDT course from an FMCSA-registered provider.

Who is Exempt from ELDT?

If you received a CDL or one of the specified endorsements (S, P, or H) before February 7, 2022, you are exempt from ELDT for that license or endorsement. Additionally, applicants who obtained a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) before February 7, 2022, and complete their CDL requirements before their CLP expires are also exempt. Individuals qualifying under certain skills test exemptions in 49 CFR Part 383 are likewise not subject to ELDT requirements.

A Class A CDL is the most versatile commercial driver’s license, allowing you to operate a broad range of heavy vehicles, such as flatbeds, tractor-trailers, livestock haulers, and tankers. With this license, you can drive vehicles over 26,000 lbs. and tow over 10,000 lbs. It’s ideal for drivers looking for maximum flexibility in their career. To get a Class A CDL, you must be at least 21 years old, which also allows you to drive interstate and operate certain Class B vehicles with endorsements.

A Class B CDL is for drivers who plan to operate single heavy vehicles, like box trucks, buses, or garbage trucks, weighing over 26,000 lbs. but towing less than 10,000 lbs. Class B licenses are typically for intrastate driving, making them suitable for those not looking to drive long-haul or interstate routes. The minimum age for a Class B CDL is 18 years.

CDL endorsements expand the types of vehicles you can operate or the cargo you can carry. Some common endorsements include:

• H (Hazardous Materials): Required to transport hazardous materials.
• P (Passenger): Required for vehicles carrying 16 or more passengers.
• S (School Bus): Required to operate a school bus.
• T (Double/Triple Trailers): Required to pull double or triple trailers.
• N (Tank Vehicles): Required to operate vehicles carrying liquid or gas in a tank.

Your choice of endorsements depends on your career goals and the type of vehicle you plan to operate.

Yes, a Class A or Class B CDL is required for endorsements. Becoming a truck driver is straightforward, but the courses you need depend on the endorsement you're pursuing, like Hazmat (H), Passenger (P), or School Bus (S). We offer course packages that pair these endorsements with the appropriate CDL license, ensuring you receive the targeted training needed for your career path.

The Texas Department of Public Safety specifies that CDL testing is available in English or Spanish. However, if a Spanish-speaking representative isn’t available at your testing location, you’ll need to take the test in English. Even if you take the test in Spanish, you’ll still need to identify road signs, signals, and respond to verbal commands in English.

If you’re preparing for CDL exams outside of Texas, keep in mind that testing language options may vary by state—calling ahead can clarify your options.

For those seeking training materials in Spanish, we offer Spanish-language ELDT theory courses to help you prepare.

Steps to Obtain Your Texas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

Verify Your Current License
If your Texas license is valid, no additional renewal is needed to apply for a CDL. Follow these steps to prepare:

Prepare for Written Exams at the DPS Office
Review materials specific to the endorsements you need, as there are multiple endorsement options depending on the vehicle type you intend to operate. For basic training to drive an 18-wheeler, consider our Class A Basic Training. For a customizable training package, check out CDL2Go.

Take the Written Exams
Written exams at the DPS office cover different endorsement sections, with tests ranging from 20 to 60 questions. Try to complete all sections within 90 days; spreading them out over a week can make this manageable. Upon passing, you’ll be issued a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP).

Receive Your CLP (Commercial Learner’s Permit)
After passing the endorsement exams, you’ll receive your CLP. This permit allows you to practice driving a commercial vehicle under the supervision of a certified CDL holder. You must hold the CLP for 14 days before scheduling your driving skills test.

Schedule a Skills (Driving) Test with the DPS
Once the 14-day CLP period is complete, schedule your driving exam with the DPS.

Complete Your Final DPS Examination
Bring your medical examination paperwork and a vehicle that meets your endorsement requirements. The DPS examiner will assess skills from pre-trip inspections to maneuvering tasks like parallel parking. Passing this final step qualifies you for your Commercial Driver’s License.

After completing your Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) theory course, you must fulfill the Behind-The-Wheel (BTW) training requirements to obtain your Commercial Driver's License (CDL). This practical training is conducted in person and must be completed with a provider registered on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) Training Provider Registry (TPR).

To find a registered BTW training provider near you, visit the FMCSA's Training Provider Registry and use their search tool to locate approved providers in your area. 

FMCSA TPR

It's important to note that while the ELDT theory portion can be completed online, the BTW training requires hands-on experience and must be conducted in person. Ensure that the training provider you choose is listed on the FMCSA's TPR to meet all federal requirements for CDL certification.

A Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) is a permit that allows new drivers to practice operating a commercial vehicle under supervision. Before you can obtain a full Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), you must hold a CLP for at least 14 days, allowing you time to gain hands-on experience in a commercial vehicle. A certified CDL holder must accompany you during this period to help ensure safe training.

To prepare for the CDL skills test, make sure you have practiced all required driving skills, including vehicle inspection, basic maneuvers, and road driving. Consider using practice tests and our training materials, which cover the full scope of topics on the DPS test, from parallel parking to pre-trip inspections. Additionally, ensure you have access to a commercial vehicle that meets the requirements of the license you’re seeking.

Certain medical conditions can affect eligibility for a CDL. All CDL applicants are required to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam to ensure they are fit to operate a commercial vehicle. Conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, and vision impairments may require additional medical clearances. Check with your healthcare provider and the DOT requirements to determine your eligibility.

When you visit the DPS to apply for your CDL, bring the following:

• Valid Texas driver’s license,
• Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP),
• Proof of identity and Texas residency,
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence,
• DOT medical certificate, and
• Payment for the application fee.

Yes, CDL holders may face specific restrictions depending on the type of license and endorsements they hold. Common restrictions include:

• E Restriction: Prohibits driving manual transmission vehicles.
• L Restriction: Restricts CDL holders from driving vehicles with air brakes.
• O Restriction: Prohibits operating a tractor-trailer combination.
• K Restriction: Limits driving to within the CDL holder’s home state (for intrastate only).

Make sure to verify your CDL and endorsement restrictions with your training provider or DPS.

Yes, a CDL allows you to operate personal vehicles as well as commercial vehicles. However, you must follow all laws and regulations that apply to CDL holders, including additional requirements if driving a commercial vehicle while off-duty.