What Is a Class B CDL?
A Class B CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) allows you to operate a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs or more, or tow a trailer that does not exceed 10,000 lbs GVWR. It’s the middle tier of commercial licensing in Texas, sitting between the Class A (combination vehicles) and Class C (passenger/hazmat vehicles).
The most common Class B vehicles are straight trucks, city buses, school buses, dump trucks, and box trucks. If you want to drive locally, stay home nightly, and skip the complexity of tractor-trailer training, a Class B CDL is often the smarter starting point.
Class B training is typically 2–4 weeks shorter and $1,000–$3,000 less expensive than Class A. For many Texas workers, it’s the fastest way into a commercial driving career.
What You Can Drive With a Class B CDL
A Texas Class B CDL license authorizes you to operate:
- Straight trucks (box trucks, flatbeds, dump trucks without trailers)
- City transit buses and charter buses
- School buses (with Passenger and School Bus endorsements)
- Segmented buses
- Large passenger vans (over 26,001 lbs GVWR)
- Delivery trucks for companies like Amazon, UPS, and FedEx
- Garbage and recycling trucks
- Concrete mixer trucks
Note: Class B holders can also operate Class C vehicles, but cannot operate Class A vehicles (combination vehicles / tractor-trailers) without upgrading their license.
Texas Class B CDL Requirements
To qualify for a Class B CDL in Texas, you must meet the following requirements set by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA):
- Be at least 18 years old for intrastate (Texas only) driving
- Be at least 21 years old for interstate (crossing state lines) driving
- Hold a valid Texas driver’s license (Class C or above)
- Pass a DOT physical exam and obtain a Medical Examiner’s Certificate
- Pass the CDL knowledge test (General Knowledge + applicable endorsement tests)
- Obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and hold it for at least 14 days
- Complete ELDT (Entry Level Driver Training) from an FMCSA-registered provider
- Pass the Class B CDL skills test: pre-trip inspection, basic controls, and road test
Certain DUI convictions, serious traffic violations, or medical conditions may disqualify you from getting a Class B CDL. See our CDL disqualifications guide for full details before you apply.
Class B CDL Training in Texas
Texas requires all new Class B CDL applicants to complete ELDT (Entry Level Driver Training) through an FMCSA-registered school before taking the skills test. ELDT has two components:
- Theory (knowledge) training — can be completed online through an approved provider
- Behind-the-wheel (BTW) training — must be completed in person at an approved school
How Long Does Class B Training Take?
Most Class B CDL programs in Texas run 3 to 6 weeks for full-time students. Part-time and weekend programs can extend to 8–12 weeks. Community college programs through institutions like Houston Community College often run on semester schedules (12–16 weeks) but cost significantly less.
Class B CDL Training Cost in Texas
Class B CDL training in Texas is generally more affordable than Class A. Here’s what to expect:
| School Type | Estimated Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Private CDL School | $2,500 – $5,500 | 3–6 weeks |
| Community College (TX) | $1,500 – $3,500 | 6–16 weeks |
| Employer-Sponsored (bus/transit) | $0 upfront | Varies by employer |
| Workforce / Grant Programs | Free – reduced | Varies |
Many Texas city transit authorities (DART in Dallas, METRO in Houston, VIA in San Antonio) actively recruit and pay for Class B training in exchange for a service commitment. This is one of the best paths to a free Class B CDL in Texas.
Texas Workforce Commission grants, Pell Grants at community colleges, and employer-sponsored training programs can all reduce or eliminate your out-of-pocket cost. See our CDL financing guide for a full breakdown.
Class B CDL Jobs & Salary in Texas
Class B drivers in Texas have strong local employment options. Unlike Class A long-haul driving, most Class B jobs are local routes with home time every night — a major quality-of-life advantage for many drivers.
Texas’s construction and population growth mean steady demand for Class B drivers across every major metro. See full salary data on our Texas truck driver salary page.
Class B vs Class A CDL: Which Should You Get?
This is the most common question for new CDL applicants. Here’s a clear breakdown:
- To be home every night
- Local driving only
- Lower training cost
- Faster path to employment
- Bus, delivery, or municipal work
- City/government job with benefits
- Maximum earning potential
- Long-haul or OTR driving
- More job options overall
- Company-sponsored training programs
- Drive any commercial vehicle
- Freight, flatbed, or tanker work
You can also start with a Class B and later upgrade to a Class A — though most upgrade programs require additional behind-the-wheel training and testing. If your long-term goal is maximum earning potential, starting with Class A training may save you time overall. Read our full Class A vs Class B comparison for deeper analysis.
Quick Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | Class B | Class A |
|---|---|---|
| Home daily | ✓ Yes (most roles) | ✕ OTR often required |
| Training time | 3–6 weeks | 4–8 weeks |
| Training cost | $1,500–$5,500 | $3,500–$8,000 |
| Pay ceiling | $45K–$70K typical | $75K–$100K+ possible |
| Vehicle types | Straight trucks, buses | All commercial vehicles |
| Company-paid programs | Transit/bus limited | Wide availability |
Class B CDL Training Near You in Texas
Texas has Class B CDL training programs in every major metro — and in many mid-size cities. Whether you’re in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, or a smaller market like Lubbock or Tyler, there are approved programs within driving distance.
Our free matching service uses your ZIP code to connect you with the closest available Class B programs. Schools contact you directly with their schedule, cost, and start dates — no research required. With over 30,000 commercial driving jobs posted annually in Texas, demand for trained Class B drivers is consistent year-round across every region.
All training requirements and licensing are governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and administered through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Every school we match students with is FMCSA-registered and Texas-approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but you need additional endorsements: the Passenger (P) endorsement and the School Bus (S) endorsement. Both require passing a written test and, for the S endorsement, a background check. Many school districts in Texas sponsor CDL training including these endorsements.
Most applicants complete the process in 4–8 weeks from start to finish. This includes getting your CLP, completing ELDT training (3–6 weeks), holding the CLP for 14 days, then scheduling and passing your skills test.
Yes. In Texas, you can get a Class B CDL at 18 years old for intrastate (within Texas) driving. To drive across state lines, you must be 21. This makes Class B a popular choice for younger drivers entering the workforce.
Yes. You can upgrade to a Class A CDL by completing the required ELDT training for Class A vehicles and passing the Class A skills test. Some schools offer Class B-to-A upgrade programs at reduced cost. Your Class B knowledge credit carries over.
Common endorsements for Class B drivers include: Passenger (P) for buses, School Bus (S), Air Brakes if not already tested, Hazmat (H), and Tank Vehicles (N). Each endorsement requires an additional written test. See our endorsements guide for details.
Yes. Transit authorities like DART, Houston Metro, and VIA in San Antonio sometimes sponsor training. Texas Workforce Commission grants can cover tuition at approved schools. Goodwill Industries also offers CDL training programs in some Texas markets. See our free CDL training guide for current options.