Texas CDL Restrictions

A restriction narrows the vehicles or operations allowed by the CDL or CLP. It may come from the driver's self-certification, medical record, knowledge-test result, endorsement status, or the equipment and configuration used for the skills test. Read every restriction on the credential before operating a commercial vehicle.

An E restriction applies when the skills test is completed in a vehicle without a fully manual clutch-and-gearshift transmission; it prevents operation of manual-transmission CMVs. An O restriction applies when a Class A skills test does not demonstrate operation of the qualifying tractor-semitrailer/fifth-wheel configuration. Choose the test vehicle based on the equipment you intend to operate.

An L restriction prohibits operation of CMVs equipped with air brakes when the required air-brake knowledge component is not passed or the skills test vehicle lacks air brakes. A Z restriction applies when the test vehicle uses air-over-hydraulic brakes and prevents operation of a CMV with a full air-brake system. Air-brake eligibility depends on both knowledge testing and test-vehicle equipment.

Passenger testing in a Group B vehicle can create an M restriction, preventing operation of a Group A passenger vehicle. Testing in a Group C passenger vehicle can create an N restriction, preventing operation of Group A and B passenger vehicles. The passenger endorsement alone does not erase a restriction created by the size of the test bus.

K limits the driver to intrastate CMV operation. V identifies a medical variance recorded on the CDLIS record. A CLP holder with a P or S endorsement may not carry ordinary passengers; only specified examiners, auditors, trainees, and the accompanying CDL holder are permitted. A CLP holder with an N endorsement may operate only an empty tank and may not operate a tank that held hazardous material until residue has been purged.

A restriction normally remains until the driver meets the missing requirement. That can mean passing the appropriate knowledge component, completing a new skills test in a vehicle with the necessary transmission, brake system, passenger group, or tractor-trailer configuration, or updating medical or self-certification information. Confirm the current Texas DPS procedure before scheduling a retest or paying a fee.

Before reserving a skills test, compare the test vehicle with the vehicles you expect to drive: manual or automatic transmission, full air brakes or air-over-hydraulic, fifth-wheel tractor-semitrailer configuration, passenger group, and required endorsements. A convenient test vehicle can create a restriction that later requires another test.