Procedure for Procuring CDL Permit in Texas

Stevens Transport requests new drivers get their CDL Class A permit before arriving in Dallas. According to the DPS rep I spoke to this afternoon, here is the procedure:

Have all proper identifications and paperwork in order
Take a number and wait...and wait...and...oh, that's my number

Now the meat of the matter; the testing procedure is as follows:
1. Pay $11
2.Take the "Texas Commercial Rules" test (study Sect. 14 of the Texas CMV Driver Handbook [required for all CDL permits])
3. Take the "Combination" test (study Sect. 6)

You have 3 attempts to pass each test. If you fail EITHER one 3 times you must pay another $11, and retake BOTH tests.

4. Get Medical Certificate

5. Take "General Knowledge" test (Sect. 1, 2, & 3)
6. Take "Air Brakes" test (Sect. 5)
7. Take "Pre-Trip" test (Sect. 11)

You have 3 opportunities to pass each of the above.

Once you have received your permit it is good for 90 days.

So that leads to some questions: Stevens has you do your medical there at the training. Do I go ahead and get a med-card here so I can take the last three tests, or wait until I get to Dallas?

 

The problem is this: Even if I get my med-card now, Stevens will require me to get a DOT physical through them when I go through training...which I will have to pay for. I don't need it to get my permit, which I get when I pass the first 2 tests, but I must get it before I take the General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Pre-Trip Inspections endorsement tests.

I was wanting to have all of that out of the way BEFORE I got to Stevens, to get an early start on the trucks. The information in the OP is the information straight from the DPS CDL test site (not all DPS Driver License offices do CDL testing).

So, I guess what I am truly weighing is if I should go ahead and get my med-card now, and get ALL my tests out of the way now, knowing I will have to pay another $60 for Stevens' DOT physical. I also know I will have participate in the permit/endorsement classes at Stevens, but I'll already have the testing part out of the way...a few less things to have to worry about in Dallas, and while others are having to sit at DPS testing, I can be learning the truck...I'll call my recruiter on Monday, but just wondering if others had thoughts on this.

 

Found out some info at DPS today. The rule is, as of January 1, 2014, you may take section 14 and combination tests without the med-card, but must have it to take other endorsements written exams. This rule will be in full effect beginning June.

This somewhat explains the confusion I encountered at the different DPS offices I went to last week.