Getting your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in California requires the following:
California Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
The first step to getting your CDL in California is to acquire your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and hold it for at least 14 days. Your CLP is valid for 180 days. You can renew your CLP for an additional 180 days so long as the expiry date is not more than one year from the initial date of application.
- Complete an online CDL application
- Go to a DMV to:
- Submit a completed Medical Examination Report (MER) and Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC)
- Provide proof of Social Security Number (SSN)
- Provide proof of identity
- Have thumbprint scanned
- Pass a vision test
- Get your photo taken
- Pay application fee: $98
- Pass knowledge test(s) (you have 3 tries to pass each of the required knowledge test)
You will be issued a CLP once you pass the knowledge test(s).
How to Pass the Commercial Learner’s Permit
The knowledge or written test consists of the following:
- General Knowledge (about 50 questions)
- Air Brakes (about 25 questions)
- Combination Vehicles (about 25 questions)
You can prepare by studying the CDL handbook and test your knowledge by using online CDL practice tests like these:
California CDL Requirements
- Be 18 years old to drive within the state of California
- Be 21 years old to drive across state lines or transport hazardous materials
- Have a valid California driver’s license
- Have a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) at least 14 days before taking your CDL skills test
- Successfully complete the federally mandated Entry-Level Driver’s Training (ELDT) from a registered provider
CDL Application Process
Once you have your CLP and completed your ELDT, you can:
- Book your skills test at any California DMV
- Bring the commercial vehicle for the license class you want to drive
- Pass the skills test (vehicle inspection, basic control skills test, and road test)
Once you pass the skills test, you will be issued a CDL.
Where to Take CDL Training in California
Before you are issued a CDL, you must successfully complete CDL training with a registered EDLT training provider.
You can take CDL classes at private truck driving schools, community colleges and vocational schools. Additionally, some trucking companies offer free CDL training in exchange for working for them for a certain period of time after getting your license.
The cost of CDL training depends on how comprehensive the training is and tuition assistance programs you qualify for.
How Long Does It Take to Get a CDL in California?
Obtaining your CDL in California typically takes around 4 weeks. Most CDL training consists of about 160 hours: classroom, range and road training. If you were to take CDL classes full-time, it will take you approximately 3-4 weeks to complete.
Resources:
TruckersTraining.com provide information, tools and resources to potential truck drivers in the U.S. We hope that you can use the content on the site to help you decide if want to drive trucks for a living.
