For Texas schools

Texas schools: DPS relies on the registry, not a state license.

Texas has the lightest school layer of the big states: no state license for CDL schools, DPS points providers to the FMCSA registry, and DPS certifies third-party skills testers. What changed in 2026 is the knowledge test: English only, no interpreters.

The short version: a Texas school needs an FMCSA registration for BTW and, if it wants to test, DPS third-party tester certification. Theory can be ELDT365 at $20 per student, filed the moment they pass. Because DPS knowledge tests have been English-only since June 1, 2026, Spanish-speaking students benefit from studying in Spanish with us and then drilling the English test terms before their DPS appointment.

What is particular to Texas

No state school license

TDLR states its driver education license does not cover commercial truck driving. DPS looks to the FMCSA registry.

Third-Party Skills Testing

DPS certifies schools and employers to give the Class A, B and C skills tests, with a surety bond per examiner.

English-only knowledge tests since June 1, 2026

Spanish versions withdrawn, interpreters not permitted. The skills test was always English.

Electronic medical certificates since April 10, 2026

DPS no longer accepts paper. Students need the examiner to transmit it.

How a Texas school runs it

1
Theory with ELDT365
Students study in English or Spanish. Filed on completion; your dashboard shows the timestamp. DPS will not allow the skills test until theory is on the registry.
2
Knowledge tests at DPS, in English
General Knowledge plus Air Brakes and Combination for Class A. Three failures or 90 days ends the application.
3
14-day hold and your BTW
Under your FMCSA BTW registration.
4
Skills test at your third-party site or DPS
Your certification, your examiner, your bond.

Questions schools ask

Does Texas require theory from a Texas-licensed school?

No. There is no Texas license for CDL schools, and 49 CFR 380.703(i) bars state rules on online-only theory anyway. DPS checks the registry.

Our students train in Spanish. Can they still pass the DPS test?

The DPS test is English-only as of June 1, 2026. Our Spanish course teaches the material; students should then review the English terminology before testing. Many schools run a short English vocabulary session for exactly this.

Can we be a third-party tester and use your theory?

Yes. Testing certification is DPS; theory is the registry. They are separate.

Add ELDT365 theory to your Texas school

Free dashboard, $20 per student or seats, filed to the registry the moment they pass.

Create a free school account See the full partner page