What type of license is required to operate buses in Texas?

To operate buses in Texas, a Class B license is required. This designation is specifically for driving larger vehicles, including buses that can carry 24 or more passengers (including the driver) or weigh more than 26,001 pounds. The Class B license ensures that the driver has the necessary skills and knowledge to operate these vehicles safely, which may also include passing a written exam and a driving test specifically focused on the requirements and safety protocols for large passenger vehicles.

Other license classifications exist, such as Class A and Class C. A Class A license is for operating combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, typically used for tractor-trailers. A Class C license is more common for personal vehicles like cars and small trucks, which do not meet the criteria for a Class B license in terms of weight or passenger capacity. Class M is specifically for motorcycles, which is not applicable to bus operation. Thus, the Class B license is indeed the appropriate choice for those looking to drive buses in Texas.