FAQs

Z is not an endorsement but a restriction. If the driver takes the test in a vehicle with an air over hydraulic brake system, then they will have a “Z” no full air brake restriction placed on their license. In either case the driver is not authorized to operate a CMV equipped with full air brakes.

You may only have one license at any one time. If you have a Class A CDL, you can operate a vehicle requiring a Class B or Class C CDL, so long as you have the endorsements necessary for the vehicle type (e.g., tank endorsement for tank vehicles, passenger endorsement for passenger vehicles, hazmat endorsement for vehicles hauling hazardous materials, etc.).

If you have a hardship license, then you are most likely under the age of 18. The minimum requirement to obtain a CDL is 18. There is no “hardship CDL” – hardship licenses cover only regular passenger vehicles and, in some states, motorcycles.

When you are operating:
• A commercial vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of more than 26,000 lbs.
• A combination vehicle used for a commercial purpose which has a Gross Combination Weight Rating of more than
26,000 lbs. (so, even if each of the two vehicles does not require a CDL, if the weight rating of the combination is
over 26k when the trailer is attached, a CDL is required).
• Commercial buses of any weight class which are designed to transport more than 15 persons (including the driver).
• Any vehicle of any weight class which is transporting quantities of hazardous materials which require the display of
hazmat placards.
Although exempted from requiring a CDL under the federal regulations, many states and individual fire departments
require their vehicle operators to possess a CDL.

Yes, you can but what you want is a job using your CDL. Most companies will hire someone with a DWI after 10 (clean) years have passed. Some will look at you after five years, but most want 10. If you have more than one DWI, you will most likely be done. If your DWI is recent, you should either wait to get a CDL or decide on something else.

Yes, you can, but the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act (MCSIA) of 1999 requires a CDL holder to be disqualified
from operating a commercial motor vehicle if the CDL holder has been convicted of certain types of moving violations in
their personal car.
o If your privilege to operate your personal vehicle is revoked, canceled, or suspended due to violations of traffic
control laws (other than parking violations) you will also lose your CDL driving privileges.
o If your privilege to operate your personal vehicle is revoked, canceled, or suspended due to alcohol, controlled
substance or felony violations, you will lose your CDL for one year. If you are convicted of a second violation in your
personal vehicle or CMV, you will lose your CDL for life.
o If your license to operate your personal vehicle is revoked, canceled, or suspended, you may not obtain a “hardship”
license to operate a CMV.

Usually, no, but it is a moot point. You are not going to want to continue operating a CMV if there’s an active warrant out for you. When you get pulled for a random DOT inspection, they run your license, as well.

The same way any other license can be suspended… nonpayment of fines, excessive points acquired, operating a vehicle (of any type) under the influence. While the above is correct, there is a new Federal law that will require your CDL license to be suspended if you receive two serious CDL violations within three years. Most companies will not hire you if you have just one serious ticket. Some of the serious violations are speeding 15mph or more over the limit, following too closely, lane violation, etc. A CDL driver should contest any speeding ticket since your job depends on keeping your license. Remember, CDL drivers do not have the option to attend a Defensive Driving Course for a speed violation.

The DPS officer will explain in detail where she/he marked you down and they will provide you with a copy of your mark sheet. Your instructor will work with you to practice those issues again. The critical thing to remember is that most people are nervous whenever they must take a test and many drivers fail because their nerves get the better of them. It is vital that you feel confident and that you are well rested on the day of your test.

You could try to prepare for the CDL permit on your own, or you could register for the Professional Commercial Truck Driver – Class A program at Black Wolf CDL Training Center and attend the Day, Evening or Weekend classes. Once you have done the prep classes, you would take the written tests for General Knowledge, Air Brakes (if applicable), Combination Vehicles (for Class A), and Section 14 Special Requirements. You would now have a learner’s permit and could train in a Commercial vehicle with an instructor. You need to hold your permit for at least 14 days before you can take your driving test. Once your
instructor deems you ready, you will take your driving test at the DPS. When you have your license, you can then enroll for the Hazmat and Taker course classes at Black Wolf CDL Training Center. These course courses offer more than the minimum knowledge needed to pass the endorsement tests and take place on specific weekend dates. Ask your instructor for more information.

Most, if not all states have a Commercial Driver’s manual much like the one you might use for your car license, but much thicker. That manual and your regular car driver’s manual should have all the information needed to pass your written test. However, this is not all the information you are required to know to become a professional truck driver. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) stipulates what knowledge CDL drivers should have to enable them to be safe drivers. Black Wolf CDL Training Center adhere strictly to these guidelines. We will not only help you to pass the DPS written test but also acquire the necessary information to make you a great driver.

For a CDL license, it is not necessarily the points anymore. They have changed the law, and now your CDL license will be suspended if you receive two serious CDL violations within a three-year period. Please refer to pages 4 – 6 on the Texas DPS CDL Handbook.

Quoted from the ICC Motor Carrier Safety Act:
1. PROHIBITIONS
Drug Prohibitions:
• In accordance with FHWA rules, a urinalysis will be conducted to detect the presence of the following
substances:
o Marijuana, Cocaine, Opiates, Amphetamines, and Phencyclidine (PCP).
• Detection levels requiring a determination of a positive result shall be in accordance with the guidelines adopted
by the FHWA in accordance with the recommendations established by the DOT.
• This program prohibits any drug use that could affect the performance of safety-sensitive functions, including:
o Use of any drug, except by doctor’s prescription, and then only if the doctor has advised the driver that the
drug will not adversely affect the driver’s ability to operate the commercial motor vehicle safely.
o Testing positive for any drug.
o Refusal to Take Required Test: Refusal by an employee to submit to a required alcohol and/or drug testing
will constitute a positive test result.
Prescription Medications
• Drivers taking legally prescribed medications issued by a licensed health care professional familiar with the
driver’s work-related responsibilities must report such use to their immediate supervisor or dispatcher and may
be required to present written evidence from the health care professional who describes the effects such
medications may have on the driver’s ability to perform his/her tasks.
• In the sole discretion of the driver’s supervisor, a driver may be temporarily removed, with pay, from a safety sensitive-position if deemed appropriate.

CDLs are federally regulated – minimum ages are specific. In any state or territory of the US, you must be 18 to get a CDL. However, between the ages of 18 and 21, any CDL issued will come with an “intrastate only” restriction, which permits you to operate a commercial vehicle only within the state granting your license. To be able to operate a CMV across state lines, and/or to get a hazmat endorsement, TWIC card, etc., you must be 21.

Yes, you can get a CDL license but getting a job is a different story. Some companies will hire you, but they will look at a time distance from the misdemeanor. They usually like to see a 5 to 10-year clean record. Some companies will not even look at you, but you should keep trying if you have over ten years from the misdemeanor. If you had a misdemeanor drug charge and you were given probation instead of jail time, you might want to try to and apply for an expungement of the drug charge so that they can clear your criminal record. It may be worth a shot

Class A: Combinations with a Gross Combination Weight Rating of over 26,000 lbs., in which the vehicle in tow (trailer) has a weight rating of over 10,000 lbs. Class B: Single vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of over 26,000 lbs., or combinations with a Gross Combination Weight Rating of over 26,000 lbs., in which the vehicle in tow (trailer) is not rated more than 10,000 lbs. Class C: Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of under 26,000 lbs., but which may still require a CDL. For example, vehicles carrying hazardous materials, or vehicles designed to transport more than 15 people (including the driver). New York State requires anyone operating a commercial vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of over 18,000 lbs

The X endorsement is a combination of two endorsements – Hazmat (H) and tanker (K).

The DPS in Texas has several regulations when it comes to a hazmat endorsement. Black Wolf CDL Training Center offers 20-hour hazmat and an 8-hour Tanker course to prepare students for the written tests. Once you passed the test, you must also be fingerprinted and go through a TSA background check. Some offenses and misdemeanors could prevent a student from getting a hazmat endorsement. You do not need a hazmat endorsement to take the tanker endorsement test.

Either a company which will provide your CDL training in-house. These companies expect students to complete a working contract of one or more years to cover the cost of the training the student received. There are private independent truck driving schools, such as Black Wolf CDL Training Center. Community colleges also offer some programs.

In the State of Texas, it takes about three hours to get a CDL License. About one hour to pass the written exam and
about two hours to pass the driving exam. However, to prepare to be able to pass those tests is a different question and
depend entirely on how much time you have, your commitment and the availability of a driving test slot at the DPS
office.

Yes, you do. That is the reason why you need to get a certified abstract of your complete driver record – it cost about
$20.00 – from https://txapps.texas.gov/tolapp/txldrcdr/TXDPSLicenseeManager

Our evening classes start at 6 pm until 9 pm. However, we are flexible and will try to work around your work schedule

We provide the semi-truck for your driver lessons, and you will take your test in our truck. We do not rent out our trucks. Only Black Wolf CDL Training Center students test in our trucks.

Black Wolf CDL Training Center is approved and regulated by The Texas Workforce Commission, Career Schools, and
Colleges. Our school number is s5262.