COMMERCIAL LEARNER PERMIT
CLP
 

Applying for a Commercial Learner Permit (CLP)

The first step is to have a Texas driver license.  If you do not have a Texas driver license, visit our page on How to apply for a Texas Driver License. Once you have your Texas driver license, the Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver's Handbook or Spanish Version, and several instructional videos are available online to help you in obtaining your CLP. You will need to provide proof of the following to apply for a commercial learner permit:

1. U.S. Citizenship or, if you are not a U.S. Citizen, evidence of lawful presence

2. Identity, and

3. Social Security Number (a CLP or a CDL cannot be issued if you do not have a Social Security Number)*

4. Self-Certification Of Medical Status (you must certify to only one of the following forms: CDL-4, CDL-5, or CDL-10)

5. Medical Examiners Certificate (depending upon the type of self-certification of medical status you selected

6. Evidence of Texas Vehicle Registration** for each vehicle you own. Registration must be current. Visit Texas DMV vehicle registration for more information. (New Residents who are surrendering an out-of-state driver license only)

7. Proof of Insurance** for each vehicle you own

*You will need to provide your Social Security Number (SSN). It will be verified electronically with the U.S. government. If it cannot be verified, your driver license cannot be issued or renewed. Learn more about this process at our Social Security Number website.

**If you do not own a vehicle, you will sign a statement affirming this.

Once you have gathered the necessary documents and completed the required courses, you will need to do the following:

1. Complete the CDL application before arriving at your local office. (This form is also available at all driver license offices)

2. Make an appointment at your local driver license office.

3. Provide the following documentation to the license and permit specialist:

   1. CDL application for the issuance of CLP,

   2. U.S. Citizenship or if you are not a U.S. Citizen, evidence of lawful presence, and

   3. Identity.

4. Pay the application fee.

5. Provide your thumbprints.

6. Have your picture taken.

7. Pass Vision Exam.

8. Pass the knowledge tests for the appropriate driver license including any endorsements you will be adding.  The knowledge exam must be taken in the following order:

   1.  Texas Commercial Rules

   2. General Knowledge

   3. Combination (Class A Only)

   4. Air Brake (If applicable)

   5. Endorsements   

9. Schedule your skills test* at one of the CDL testing locations.

*For more information on skills testing, visit driving test requirements.

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​Commercial Driver License (CDL) Fees:

*A $1 administrative fee is included in the following fee amounts.
The $1 administrative fee is not charged for transactions conducted through the mail.

 

CDL type *Fee Information - Commercial driver license (CDL)  

Age 18 to 84: new $97 Expires in eight years

Age 18 to 84: renewal $97 Expires eight years after previous expiration date

Age 18 to 84: new (with Hazardous Materials Endorsement) $61 Expires in five years

Age 18 to 84: renewal (with Hazardous Materials Endorsement) $61 Expires in five years

Age 85 and older: new $26 Expires after two years (on your birthday)

Age 85 and older: renewal $26 Expires two years after previous expiration date

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Replacement CDL / CLP $11 Current expiration date does not change

Replace a lost, stolen, or damaged CDL  

Change address or name  

Test to add or remove endorsements or restrictions  

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Commercial Learners Permit - CLP  

Original $25 Expires 180 days from issuance

Renewal $25 Must be renewed prior to expiration date