California
CDL Learner Permit Training
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You must obtain and maintain your CDL in your state of residence. This is normally the state where your regular driver\'s license was issued. If you plan on moving soon, you may want to choose your new state of residence.
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Classes of California CDL and Required Tests
Texas CDL Endorsements
California CDL Info | California CDL Requirements
How to apply for a California commercial driver license (CDL)
A commercial driver license is a license issued in accordance with Federal Regulations
that allows an individual to operate a commercial vehicle. Federal regulations
require that an applicant be 18 years or older to apply for a California commercial
driver license (CDL) and be issued a commercial instruction permit.
You must be at least 21 years old to drive a commercial vehicle across state lines (interstate commerce) or hazardous materials or wastes (intrastate or interstate commerce). You may drive for hire within California if you are 18 years of age or older and do not engage in interstate commerce activities. (VC 12515) (VC 12516)
10 Year History Record Check
The Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999, and applicable Federal Regulations requires all commercial driver license applicants including renewal applications to disclose whether he or she has been issued a driver license in the same or different name to operate any type of motor vehicle in another state or other jurisdiction within the previous ten years. If the answer is "Yes" to the ten year history record question, a 10 Year History Record Check form (DL 939) complete and submitted with the Commercial Driver License Application (DL 44C).
Starting May 31, 2005, new federal regulations require a person who is applying for a California commercial driver license with an original or renewal Hazardous Materials (HazMat) endorsement to undergo a security threat assessment. The USA Patriot Act requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to complete a security threat assessment (background records check) before the Department of Motor Vehicles issues a HazMat endorsement.
TSA's Process
You start the TSA background records check after you apply for your CDL at DMV, successfully complete all appropriate law tests, and submit a valid Medical Examination Report form (DL 51). Go online www.hazprints.com or call 1-877-429-7746 to make an appointment with a TSA agent. You must submit a $94 federal fee and any additional required information to the designated TSA agent. The TSA agent will advise you of the fingerprint requirement. You must also provide the TSA agent with a DMV Commercial Instruction Permit and one of the following identification documents:
You will need to pass the California Knowledge Tests that are required for the class of license, restriction, and endorsements you wish to possess. A general knowledge test for the Class A or Class B and C license must be successfully completed by all CDL applicants. The information needed to pass these tests is contained in the FREE California CDL Handbook. Please read and study this manual carefully.
- A California driver license and/or California identification card
- An out-of-state driver license
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more
- Is designed, used, or maintained for carrying more than 10 passengers, including the driver
- Tows a vehicle or trailer, which has a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more
- Transports hazardous materials, which requires placards
- Tows any combination of two trailers or vehicle and trailer
- Visit a DMV office (make an Appointment(s) for faster service)
- Complete a California Commercial Driver License Application form DL 44C. (An original DL 44C form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.)
- Complete a 10 Year History Record Check form (DL 939) if you have been issued a driver license in the same or different name to operate any type of motor vehicle in another state or other jurisdiction within the previous ten years
- Give a thumb print
- Have your picture taken
- Provide verification of your social security number. It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office.
- Verify your birth date and legal presence (you may use your California driver license) If your current name no longer matches the name on your birth date/legal presence document, see "True Full Name" and "How to Change Your Name" for more information.
- Pay the application fee for a 5-year license
- Pass a vision exam
- Submit a completed Medical Examination Report form DL 51. DMV will only accept a Medical Examination Report form DL 51 with a revision date of 1/2014 or later.
- Pass the traffic laws and sign tests for the class of vehicle you will drive. You have three chances to pass the test.
- Call a California DMV CDL office and make an appointment for a driving test. (Commercial driving test appointments cannot be made online)
- Bring the type of vehicle for the class you want to drive
- Pass a pre-trip inspection (You have three chances to pass the pre-trip)
- Pass a skills and driving test (You have three chances to pass the skills and driving test)OR
- Submit to California DMV a Certificate of Driving Skill (DL 170) if your employer is authorized by California DMV to issue such certificates. Both you and your employer sign this form.
You will need to pass the California Knowledge Tests that are required for the class of license, restriction, and endorsements you wish to possess. A general knowledge test for the Class A or Class B and C license must be successfully completed by all CDL applicants. The information needed to pass these tests is contained in the FREE California CDL Handbook. Please read and study this manual carefully.
- Class A - 70 Questions (50 GK + 20 Combination Vehicles) - Skills test required.
- Class B - 50 Questions - Skills test required.
- Class C - 50 Questions - Skills test required for bus, school bus and air brakes vehicles..
- Passenger Endorsement - 20 questions - Skills test required in bus.
- School Bus Endorsement - 25 questions - Skills test required in school bus.
- Doubles/Triples Endorsement - 20 questions - No additional skills tests.
- Tank Vehicle Endorsement - 20 questions - No additional skills tests.
- Hazardous Materials Endorsement - 30 questions - No additional skills tests.
- Air Brake Restriction Removal - 25 questions - Additional skills test in vehicle with Air Brakes.
Quickly access the most complete and accurate Official California CDL Information
Access to official web pages maintained
by the State of California
by the State of California
- California CDL Information MAIN Link Page
- How To Apply for a California CDL
- California CDL Offices by Location
- California CDL Fees
- Medical Examination Report California Form DL 51 Information
- California Medical Examination Report - California Form DL 51
- California CDL Handbook
- California Approved Fingerprinting Locations
- Military Waiver Program for CDL Driving Test
- Study Material for Supplemental School Bus Written Test
- 10 Year History Record Check California Form DL 939
Access Official Federal CDL General Information
Access Official Federal CDL Medical Requirements Info
Access Official Federal CDL Hazardous Materials Info
CDL Class | Tests Required | Possible Endorsements and Required Tests | ||||||||||||||
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Class A (Combination vehicle endorsement required) |
General Knowledge Written Exam Combination Endorsement Written Exam Road Exam |
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Class B |
General Knowledge Written Exam Road Exam |
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Class C |
General Knowledge Written Exam Road Exam Note: If upgrading to a Class C from a Class D, no road test is required UNLESS the endorsement requires one. |
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Exam | Time Allowed (Minutes) | # of Questions on Exam | # of Correct Answers Needed to Pass |
---|---|---|---|
General Knowledge | 60 | 50 | 40 |
Air Brakes | 25 | 25 | 20 |
HazMat | 30 | 30 | 24 |
Tank | 20 | 20 | 16 |
Passenger | 20 | 20 | 16 |
Doubles/Triples | 20 | 20 | 16 |
Combination Vehicles | 20 | 20 | 16 |
School Bus | 20 | 20 | 16 |
"Heard about your product from a friend (now my best friend). Worked as well for me as it did for him. Great program!" - N.L., Everett, WA
"Spent about nine hours over three days. Aced my Class A CDL written tests. I liked the narrated audio and videos." - R.F., Topeka, KS
"Just letting you know that I passed my CDL tests the first time and got my Class A CDL permit. Everything I needed was available to me and much more. Thank you." - B.G., Battle Creek, MI