Texas issues non-commercial Class A, B, C and M licenses. Class C is the everyday car license, Classes A and B cover heavy vehicles and big combinations, and Class M covers motorcycles. The vehicle you test in must match the class you apply for.
Know the rule
Most non-commercial licenses for people 18 and older are valid for eight years and cost $32 (plus the $1 administrative fee). Terms can be shorter because of lawful-presence verification, sex offender registration, or being 85 or older.
Handbook p. 9 ↗What each class lets you drive
| Class | Covers |
|---|---|
| A | GCWR 26,001 lbs+ when towed unit's GVWR is over 10,000 lbs |
| A (also) | Any vehicle or combination in Class B or Class C |
| B | Single vehicle with GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more |
| B (towing) | May tow ≤10,000 lbs GVWR or farm trailer ≤20,000 lbs |
| C | Vehicles not in A or B; autocycles |
| C (towing) | Under 26,001 lbs towing ≤10,000 lbs or farm trailer ≤20,000 |
| M | Motorcycles |
An autocycle (drivable with Class C) is a motor vehicle, other than a tractor, that is:
- Designed to have no more than three wheels on the ground when moving
- Equipped with a steering wheel
- Equipped with seats that do not require the operator to straddle or sit astride
- Manufactured and certified to meet federal safety requirements for a motorcycle
Minimum ages and fees (Classes A, B, C)
| Age | Fee | Expires |
|---|---|---|
| 18+ (ages 18–24 must finish driver ed) | $33 ($32 + $1) | Eight years |
| 17 with driver ed (Class A or B) | $16 ($15 + $1) | Next birthday |
| 16 with driver ed (Class C) | $16 ($15 + $1) | 18th birthday |
| 15 with hardship approval (Class C) | $6 ($5 + $1) | Next birthday |
Know the rule
Before applying for Class M you must pass a state-approved motorcycle operator training course. Riders under 18 must first show driver-ed classroom completion, a learner license, or a valid Class C license to enroll.
Handbook p. 10 ↗Class M minimum ages
- 16, with the driver-ed classroom phase (32 hours) and a motorcycle training course (16 hours)
- 15 for a motorcycle of 250 cc or less: DPS hardship approval, or the 32-hour classroom + 16-hour course
Class M fees
| Transaction | Fee | Expires |
|---|---|---|
| Age 18 and older | $33 ($32 + $1) | Eight years |
| Under 18 | $16 ($15 + $1) | 18th birthday |
| Add M to current license | $16 ($15 exam + $1) | With license |
| Renewal (extra for M) | $12 ($11 + $1) | With license |
CDL-exempt vehicles that may still need a non-commercial Class A or B
- Fire-fighting or emergency vehicles, including those driven by volunteer firefighters
- Military vehicles operated for military purposes by military personnel
- Recreational vehicles driven for personal use
- Air-carrier vehicles driven by employees only on airport premises closed to the public
- Vehicles used only to transport seed cotton modules or cotton burrs
- Former military vehicles operated intrastate and not for compensation
- Covered farm vehicles (if over 26,001 lbs, only within 150 miles of the farm or ranch)
- Farmer-operated vehicles hauling farm products, machinery or supplies within 150 miles of the farm
Put it into practice
You want to pull a 12,000-lb trailer with a pickup, and the combination is rated over 26,001 lbs. Because the towed unit's GVWR is over 10,000 lbs, you need a Class A license. Pulling a 7,000-lb trailer behind a car rated under 26,001 lbs only needs Class C.