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California CDL Practice Test

Free California CDL permit practice: full question sets for General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Combination Vehicles, each question explained and mapped to the official manual. The California knowledge tests are administered by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

California CDL exam facts

Testing agencyCalifornia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Official manualCalifornia Commercial Driver HandbookTODO add official link
General Knowledge test50 questionsTODO verify
Passing score80%TODO verify
Time limitAbout 60 minutesTODO verify
Application / test feesSee the official agency siteTODO verify

Figures marked TODO are typical national values from the FMCSA model program, pending confirmation against the current California manual and fee schedule. Always confirm on the official agency site before you test.

Start practicing — California

How to get your California CDL permit

  1. Hold a valid California driver’s license and meet the age requirements (18 for intrastate, 21 for interstate commerce).
  2. Get a DOT medical certificate from an approved medical examiner.
  3. Study the official California CDL manual — and drill with the practice tests above.
  4. Visit a California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office with your documents, pay the application fee, and pass the knowledge tests for the class and endorsements you need.
  5. Complete entry-level driver training (ELDT) with a registered provider before your skills (road) test.

This is a general outline, not legal advice. Requirements change; the official manual and agency site are the final word.