Passenger & School Bus Customer Resources

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The Complete CDL Step-by-Step Process

Know what to do, what to bring, and what comes next.

Getting your Texas commercial driver license is easier to plan when you can see the whole process. This printable guide walks you from preparing for the commercial learner permit through the required paperwork, medical qualification, applicable ELDT, vehicle arrangements, Texas DPS skills testing, and final license issuance.

Print a copy before you begin and keep it with your permit documents. Use the numbered steps to check your progress, write down appointment dates, gather the right records, and see which items still need attention. The guide also explains the difference between CLP knowledge-test preparation, ELDT Theory, behind-the-wheel requirements, and separately selected vehicle services.

Refer to it before each appointment so you know what to confirm and what to bring. Your exact requirements depend on the license and endorsements you need. Timing also depends on your readiness, required waiting periods, records, and appointment availability.

No guest code is needed for this guide. Open the PDF to read or print it. The guide includes a publisher watermark.

Passenger & School Bus pre-trip review resources

Passenger and School Bus customers share a resource library for bus pre-trip review. Use the bus study guides and checklists to review vehicle parts, air brake checks and the inspection items for your chosen bus. Passenger and school bus requirements can differ. Review the material for the vehicle and endorsements that apply to your test.

Open the right library

Choose Class A, Class B, or Passenger and School Bus. Enter the current code from our office: AA, BB, or PS followed by three digits. Codes change every Monday at 5 a.m. Central Time.

Review, write and recall

After you sign in, start with the pre-trip reference for your vehicle. Read a short section, then use the matching fill-in sheet to write the missing words. Repeat the exercise as directed. Next, try a fresh sheet without looking at the reference. Check your answers and spend more time on the parts you missed.

Viewing and printing

Each document has its own viewing and printing instructions. Use the print or download option only when one is provided. Other references are for viewing online. Videos and narrated slides can help you review at your own pace. You must enter the required code before any protected materials can open.

Need help with access?

Call (469) 332-7188 for help with the current code or your vehicle selection. These resources do not replace the official Texas CDL handbook, Texas DPS requirements or any separately required ELDT activity. For permit, endorsement and test questions, read our Texas CDL FAQ.

Official sources for independent review

Our inspection and licensing reference information draws on the Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook, DL-7C, revised March 2026; the Commercial Driver’s License Manual Supplement for Modernized Version, DL-7CM, version September 9, 2022; and published FMCSA guidance and federal regulations. DL-7C and DL-7CM are publication identifiers, not statute numbers.

We compile and organize references to make independent review easier. The official agencies establish the licensing and inspection standards. Company-produced videos, narration, checklists and review aids explain these topics; they are not publications issued by Texas DPS or FMCSA. The official sources can be read directly at no charge. Use current Texas DPS instructions when an older supplement differs from the current testing system.