Yes. A CDL with a Passenger endorsement (Class B+) is required for any bus weighing over 26,001 pounds or designed to carry 16 or more passengers. Drivers must be at least 18 for intrastate operations and 21 for interstate routes. Both the license class and the endorsement are required — having one without the other doesn't cut it.

Skoolie conversions need to be reclassified as motorhomes through the TxDMV before they can be registered in their new category. To qualify, you'll need to provide proof of habitation features — a bed, a cooking appliance, and plumbing are the key requirements. The process includes a VIN inspection and compliance with motorhome safety standards. It's more involved than a standard registration, so plan the timeline accordingly and make sure your conversion meets the full spec before you start the paperwork.

Yes, in select counties. Diesel-powered buses must pass emissions inspections in Harris (Houston), Dallas, Tarrant (Fort Worth), Bexar (San Antonio), Travis (Austin), and El Paso counties. Smog and opacity tests may also apply for heavier buses in regulated areas, and idling limits — typically five minutes — exist in some metro zones. If you're operating in any of these counties, factor emissions compliance into your purchase decision from day one.

Texas has some of the highest liability minimums around. Buses with fewer than 15 seats require a minimum of $1.5 million in coverage; buses carrying 16 or more passengers require $5 million. For-hire operators must also file Proof of Financial Responsibility with the state and may be required to carry PIP coverage depending on how the bus is used. Nonprofits often qualify for group or discounted rates — worth exploring before you commit to a policy. Biannual safety inspections are also mandatory statewide, so keep those records current.