Free California CDL Practice Tests
Practice questions for all endorsements so you pass on the first try
Sample Practice Questions for Each Test
Try your hand at practice questions that may be on the exam
General Knowledge
Required for all CDL classes. Covers basic commercial driving rules, vehicle inspection, and safety procedures
Air Brakes
Required for vehicles with air brake systems. Learn proper inspection, operation, and safety procedures
Combination Vehicles
Operate tractor-trailers and truck combinations with proper coupling and driving techniques
Hazmat
Transport hazardous materials safely with proper handling and emergency procedures knowledge
Passenger Vehicles
Drive buses and passenger vehicles with proper safety protocols and passenger management skills
School Bus
Safely transport students with specialized safety procedures and emergency evacuation protocols
Tanker Vehicles
Operate tank vehicles with liquid cargo, understanding weight distribution and surge effects
Doubles/Triples
Pull multiple trailers safely with proper coupling, turning, and backing techniques
Pre-trip
Essential safety procedures for inspecting your vehicle before each trip. Required for all CDL tests
CDL Class Requirements & Test Sequence
CDL requirements are standardized by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and apply nationwide. Each CDL class allows you to operate different types of commercial vehicles. Here's exactly what you need for each class:
Class A CDL
Heavy Truck & Trailer Combinations
GCWR 26,001+ lbs with trailer GVWR 10,001+ lbs
Tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations, livestock carriers, flatbeds with trailers
Required Written Tests:
- • General Knowledge
- • Air Brakes
- • Combination Vehicles
Class B CDL
Large Single Vehicles
Single vehicle GVWR 26,001+ lbs
Large trucks, city buses, delivery trucks, dump trucks, segmented buses
Required Written Tests:
- • General Knowledge
- • Air Brakes - if applicable
- • Passenger Vehicles - if 16+ passengers
Class C CDL
Specialized Smaller Vehicles
Under 26,001 lbs GVWR with special endorsements
Vehicles requiring Hazmat or 16+ passenger endorsements only
Required Written Tests:
- • General Knowledge
- • One Required Endorsement: Passenger Vehicles, Hazmat, or School Bus
California-Specific Rules You Should Know
- Age Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old for intrastate CDL (within California only) and 21 years old for interstate CDL (crossing state lines).
- ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training): California requires completion of ELDT from an FMCSA-registered provider before you can schedule the CDL skills test.
- Medical Certificate: Maintain a valid DOT medical certificate and self-certify your type of commerce through California's online portal.
- Automatic Transmission Restriction: Testing in a vehicle with an automatic transmission results in an 'E' restriction, limiting you to automatic-only commercial vehicles.
- Hazmat Background Check: HazMat applicants must complete TSA fingerprinting and background checks at an approved enrollment center before endorsement issuance.
- Renewal Cycle: California CDL licenses are valid for 5 years. Renew before expiration to avoid retesting requirements.
📖 Download the 2025 California Commercial Driver Handbook
Get the official California DMV study guide with everything you need for written knowledge exams and endorsement prep.
View Official CA DMV Handbook (PDF) »🚛 California CDL Job Market
Growing Demand
Above Average Growth
California's large economy creates steady demand for commercial drivers across multiple industries
Career Opportunities
Diverse Industries
Opportunities across agriculture, ports, entertainment, tech logistics, and construction
Major Employers
Large & Regional
Major logistics companies (FedEx, UPS, Amazon), agricultural transporters, and port operations
High-Demand CDL Specializations in California
Hazmat Transport
Chemical plants, refineries, agricultural chemicals
Long-Haul Freight
Port-to-inland routes, coast-to-coast shipping
Construction
Infrastructure projects, earthquake retrofitting
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