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With this COVID-19 virus we want to make sure everyone is protected. So, please come with a mask and a temperature under 99 degrees. Also, if you have been feeling sick or been around people who are please call and reschedule. CDL Connection wants you to be safe as well.

For more info please go to https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/coronavirus

 

DPS written tests and road tests cost!

Changes are Coming!

Starting Monday, June 1st, 2020 the fees are changing. Fees are anywhere between $97-$25 dollars depending on how many years you have left on your license.

Example:

2026 you will pay $25

2025 you will pay $37

2024 you will pay $49

2023 you will pay $61

2022 you will pay $73

2021 you will pay $85

2020 you will pay $97

Now if you are not a US citizen and have a Work Authorization Card the fee is $121. If you are from Mexico or Canada, you cannot get a CDL in Texas if you have this type of card.

Governor Greg Abbott yesterday announced that the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) offices across the state of Texas are closing immediately. This temporary closure will NOT apply to those seeking an initial CDL. DPS offices that provide CDL testing will remain open solely for the purpose of providing initial CDL’s. We at CDL Connection will also continue training driver’s for their CDL.

As of right now, the DPS is still operating and testing drivers – If you are scheduled with us to train and test, we will keep you updated if they decided to close. We at CDL Connection are doing our part to try to keep our customers and trainers safe by disinfecting our trucks between each driver. We ask if you feel sick or have been exposed to anyone with symptoms please call to reschedule your appointment with us at no cost to you. We need to keep everyone safe!

Can I get a CDL without going to a trucking school?

The answer is yes, you can. Call us at 972.880.6002 and let us show you how.

Don’t pay $4000-$8000 for CDL Training and road test. Call CDL Connection and we will train for a fraction of the price. You can have your CDL in as little as 2 days after you pass your written test and DPS requirements.

HOUSTON – When the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve, more than two dozen laws took effect in Texas. They regulate everything from identification requirements, milk and prepaid calling cards.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the 26 laws that took effect Jan. 1, 2018, in the Lone Star State.

All of the laws listed below are in addition to the more than 600 laws that took effect on Sept. 1, 2017, some of which banned texting while driving and allowed Texans to carry swords.

ID requirements for credit, debit card users

S.B. 1381 gives retailers the right to prevent customers from using credit or debit cards if the customer cannot provide a government-issued photo identification that matches the name that is on the card.

Voter ID changes

S.B. 5 comes on the heels of a ruling from a federal court that said Texas’ previous requirements for voter identification at the polls discriminates against minority voters.

The new law allows voters who have a “reasonable impediment” to getting a photo ID to show things like a bank statement or paycheck as a form of identification.

The law also includes a penalty for anyone who lies about their inability to obtain a photo ID, which can include jail time.

Milk hauling

S.B. 1383 raises the cap on the amount of milk that can be hauled on a truck from 80,000 pounds to 90,000 pounds.

The bill also creates a new permit that costs $1,200.

Odometer readings

S.B. 1062 creates an electronic version of the paper form for the odometer disclosure when transferring ownership of a motor vehicle. The bill is aimed at speeding up the process for insurance companies and vehicle owners.

Prepaid calling cards

H.B. 2126 allows retailers who primarily sell prepaid calling cards to qualify for the lower franchise tax rate.

Protesting appraisals

S.B. 1767 provides that property owners a louder voice in the appraisal protest process.

Before Monday, the result of an appraisal protest was final, even if the appraised value had increased. According to the new law, property owners now have the right to respond if the appraisal increases during the protest process.

Copyright 2018 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.
Source: https://www.ksat.com/news/texas/what-you-need-to-know-about-new-texas-laws-in-2018

Even after clearing their CDL test, several truckers don’t drive safely. The reasons can be many. Did you know that there were 300,000 accidents in 2012 that involved large trucks? This was reported by the US National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration.

To ensure you drive safely, follow these tips.

1.Decrease speed in work zones

If you check the statistics related to work-zone accidents, you will realize 1/3rd involve large trucks. Don’t go through interstate construction in hurry.

2.Focus on maintenance

Check your vehicle daily. Ensure fluid levels, mirrors, and horns are working fine. And, don’t forget to check the brakes. In case you notice an issue, report the dispatch instantly. Visit your mechanic at least once a month for a regular maintenance check.

3.Maintain speed on curves

There are some areas where you need to keep the speed slower than what’s mentioned on the road sign. This rule is applicable when you are on exit/entrance ramps.

4.Take the blind spots seriously

The crashes occur mainly in the “no zones.” Common “no zones” include the region directly behind the truck and the area behind the side mirrors.

5.Load cargo cautiously

The drag on the truck is directly proportional to the height you have stacked your cargo. Stack lower and spread cargo throughout the space. This also helps you improve the fuel economy.

While focusing on the driving test of CDL, a lot of drivers ignore the preparation of the written test. This is a mistake that prevents a lot of them from starting their career in the transportation industry. To ensure you don’t face in this test, we have discussed some preparation tips related to it.

Study Driver’s License Manual

Every state has its CDL manual that consists of all topics that appear in the test. These topics include braking, vehicle inspection, skid control & recovery, railroad crossing, driving emergencies, accident procedures, and several other driving procedures.

Focus on tricky topics

Every applicant finds some topics tricky. You need to practice more on such topics to ensure you don’t face issues during the main test.

Stay calm

Even after proper preparation, various applicants perform poorly just because they get anxious during the test. You need to stay calm after going through the paper. Don’t panic in case you don’t know the answer to some questions. It will interfere with the ability to answer the other questions, too.

Use practice tests

There are various driving schools that help you prepare for written tests through practice papers. We, at CDL Connection, also offer free practice material if you connect with us for truck rentals for CDL test. The practice test help identify your weak areas (a factor we have discussed above).