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CDL

Commercial Driver License Preparation

California CDL Exam Prep

California DMV — official California driver licensing agency. Prepare for the California CDL and Commercial Driver's License process, including the CLP permit test and state agency requirements.

Study state-specific CDL topics, requirements, and exam subjects. Choose a topic below to view lessons and preparation materials:

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California CDL study reference

California CDL requirements at a glance

Use this quick reference to understand the California application, permit, testing, and training path before opening the detailed lessons.

Official California licensing site

Minimum application age

18 years

Interstate driving age

21 years

Initial CLP validity

180 days

Wait before skills test

14 days

California license / residency

Required

Knowledge-test attempts

3 attempts

HazMat minimum age

21 years

CLP endorsements

N, P, S

California CDL license classes

A

Class A

Combination vehicles meeting the applicable federal or jurisdictional thresholds.

B

Class B

Single vehicles meeting the applicable federal or jurisdictional thresholds.

C

Class C

Applicable smaller CMVs requiring passenger or hazardous-material credentials.

Endorsements and test requirements

Code	Endorsement	Tests	ELDT
H	Hazardous Materials	Knowledge	Required
N	Tank Vehicle	Knowledge	—
P	Passenger	Knowledge + Skills	Required
S	School Bus	Knowledge + Skills	Required
T	Double/Triple Trailers	Knowledge	—
X	Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials	Knowledge	Required

Testing path

Vehicle inspection, basic control, and road test make up the general skills test.

California ELDT

Behind-the-wheel minimum: 15 hours, including 10 hours on public roads.

Important note

Review the state-specific restrictions, HazMat, air-brake, and testing guidance in the lessons below.

Study reference only. Requirements can change; confirm final details with the official California licensing agency and commercial driver handbook.

California CDL Topics & Lessons

Choose a topic to view subcategories and step-by-step lessons.

13 Available Modules

Getting Your CDL

Explore subtopics and step-by-step reading modules for California exam preparation.

📖 8 Step-by-Step Lessons • ⏱️ ~40 min study

Driving Safely

Explore subtopics and step-by-step reading modules for California exam preparation.

📖 19 Step-by-Step Lessons • ⏱️ ~95 min study

Transporting Cargo Safely

Explore subtopics and step-by-step reading modules for California exam preparation.

📖 4 Step-by-Step Lessons • ⏱️ ~20 min study

Air Brakes

Explore subtopics and step-by-step reading modules for California exam preparation.

📖 6 Step-by-Step Lessons • ⏱️ ~30 min study

Combination Vehicles

Explore subtopics and step-by-step reading modules for California exam preparation.

📖 5 Step-by-Step Lessons • ⏱️ ~25 min study

Doubles and Triples

Explore subtopics and step-by-step reading modules for California exam preparation.

📖 4 Step-by-Step Lessons • ⏱️ ~20 min study

Tank Vehicles

Explore subtopics and step-by-step reading modules for California exam preparation.

📖 4 Step-by-Step Lessons • ⏱️ ~20 min study

Hazardous Materials

Explore subtopics and step-by-step reading modules for California exam preparation.

📖 8 Step-by-Step Lessons • ⏱️ ~40 min study

Passenger Vehicles

Explore subtopics and step-by-step reading modules for California exam preparation.

📖 5 Step-by-Step Lessons • ⏱️ ~25 min study

School Bus

Explore subtopics and step-by-step reading modules for California exam preparation.

📖 7 Step-by-Step Lessons • ⏱️ ~35 min study

Vehicle Inspection Test

Explore subtopics and step-by-step reading modules for California exam preparation.

📖 9 Step-by-Step Lessons • ⏱️ ~45 min study

Basic Control Skills Test

Explore subtopics and step-by-step reading modules for California exam preparation.

📖 5 Step-by-Step Lessons • ⏱️ ~25 min study

Road Test

Explore subtopics and step-by-step reading modules for California exam preparation.

📖 7 Step-by-Step Lessons • ⏱️ ~35 min study

Featured CDL School in California

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Class A / B CDL ELDT Training Behind-the-Wheel

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Questions and answers

California CDL frequently asked questions

Clear answers to common questions about the California CDL application, commercial learner permit, endorsements, and exam preparation.

What is the minimum age for a CDL in California?+

The minimum CDL application age listed in the California study database is 18 years. Drivers operating across state lines generally must meet the federal interstate age requirement.

How long is a commercial learner permit valid in California?+

The initial commercial learner permit validity listed for California is 180 days. Check the current state handbook before applying.

How long must I wait before taking the CDL skills test in California?+

The California CDL study database lists a minimum wait of 14 days after initial CLP issuance before skills testing.

What CDL endorsements are available in California?+

The California database includes the following endorsement codes: N, P, S. Each endorsement may have separate knowledge, skills, ELDT, or background-check requirements.

What should I study for the California CDL exam?+

Start with the California CDL topics and lessons below, then review the available practice tests for general knowledge, air brakes, combination vehicles, endorsements, and other exam subjects listed on this page.

Which agency handles CDL licensing in California?+

Commercial Driver's License and Commercial Learner's Permit services in California are handled through the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Use the current California DMV CDL guidance and the official state handbook to confirm application and testing details.

Timed Simulator

California Practice Tests

California General Knowledge Practice

50 Qs • 60 Mins • 80.0% Pass

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California Air Brakes Practice

25 Qs • 60 Mins • 80.0% Pass

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California Hazardous Materials Practice

25 Qs • 60 Mins • 80.0% Pass

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California Combination Vehicles Practice

20 Qs • 60 Mins • 80.0% Pass

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California Doubles and Triples Practice

20 Qs • 60 Mins • 80.0% Pass

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California Tank Vehicles Practice

20 Qs • 60 Mins • 80.0% Pass

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California Passenger Practice

20 Qs • 60 Mins • 80.0% Pass

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California School Bus Practice

20 Qs • 60 Mins • 80.0% Pass

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