How many questions are on the California CDL general knowledge test?

The California CDL General Knowledge test has 50 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 40 correctly (80%) to pass and receive your Commercial Learner Permit (CLP). All CDL knowledge tests and endorsement tests in California use the same 80% passing standard.

What CDL endorsements are available in California?

California CDL holders can add endorsements for Hazardous Materials (H, 30 questions), Tanker Vehicles (N, 20 questions), Double/Triple Trailers (T, 20 questions), Passenger Transport (P, 20 questions), School Bus (S, 20 questions), Air Brakes (25 questions), and Combination Vehicles (20 questions). All endorsement tests require 80% to pass. Hazmat applicants must also pass a TSA security threat assessment.

Do I need to hold a CLP before the CDL skills test in California?

Yes. You must hold a valid Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) for at least 14 days before taking the CDL skills test. The CLP is issued after you pass the required knowledge tests at a California DMV office using AKTE equipment. During the CLP period you must practice only while a qualified CDL holder is seated beside you.

What is the minimum age for a California CDL?

You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a California CDL for intrastate (within California) commercial driving. You must be at least 21 to operate in interstate commerce, transport hazardous materials, or drive a bus that crosses state lines.

What is ELDT and do I need it for a California CDL?

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is federally required theory and behind-the-wheel training from an FMCSA-registered provider. It is mandatory for first-time Class A or B CDL applicants and for anyone adding a Passenger (P) or School Bus (S) endorsement. Your provider submits completion to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before you can take the CDL skills test.

Where do I take the California CDL knowledge test?

All California CDL knowledge tests are administered in person at California DMV offices using Automated Knowledge Testing Equipment (AKTE). Online testing is not available for CDL exams. You must schedule an appointment at a DMV office that has AKTE terminals and bring your application and required documents.

California CDL Practice Test — General Knowledge, Air Brakes & Endorsements (2026)

Getting a California CDL means passing federal and state knowledge tests at a California DMV Automated Knowledge Testing Equipment (AKTE) terminal, then completing a three-part CDL skills test. PassMyDMV's CDL question bank covers every knowledge exam you'll face — General Knowledge (50 questions, 80% passing), Air Brakes (25 questions), Combination Vehicles (20), Passenger Transport (20), School Bus (20), Hazmat (30), and Tanker Vehicles (20). Every question cites the page in the official California CDL manual where the rule is explained, so you can study smarter.

California's commercial driver license program requires applicants to pass the general knowledge test plus additional tests for specific endorsements as needed. All CDL applicants must take the general knowledge test and pass tests for any endorsements they're seeking. Available endorsements include Hazmat (H), Passenger (P), School Bus (S), Tank Vehicles (N), Doubles/Triples (T), Air Brakes, and Combination Vehicles. Each endorsement test focuses on specialized knowledge needed to safely operate that type of vehicle. All knowledge tests required by the California DMV must be taken using the Automated Knowledge Testing equipment (AKTE).

2026 California Commercial Driver License (CDL) & ELDT Rules

California CDL requirements for 2026 are aligned with the latest FMCSA federal standards. Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from an FMCSA-registered provider is mandatory for all first-time Class A or B CDL applicants and for Passenger and School Bus endorsement seekers. Your training provider submits completion to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before you can schedule your CDL skills test. The Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) must be held for at least 14 days before the skills test. All California CDL knowledge tests are taken in person on AKTE terminals at a DMV office — online testing is not available for CDL. Air brakes knowledge is required for most Class A/B vehicles; skipping that exam results in a permanent air brakes restriction on your license.

Sample California CDL Practice Test Questions & Official Manual Citations (2026)

Below are 4 real sample questions from our California cdl practice test bank. Every question in PassMyDMV cites the exact page and rule in the official California manual so you understand the law behind every answer:

Sample Question 1 · Cdl Requirement Thresholds Official California Manual · Page 7

Which single-vehicle weight makes a California CDL mandatory?

A. A gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more Correct
B. A GVWR of 16,000 pounds or more
C. A GVWR of 20,000 pounds or more
D. A GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more

Why A. A gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more is correct: California requires a CDL to operate a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more. Combinations are judged by GCWR, but a single vehicle's threshold is 26,001 pounds. The 10,001-pound figure applies to a towed unit when triggering combination CDL rules, not a single vehicle. [Manual: California CDL — General Information and Licensing — Who Needs a CDL, p. 7]

Manual excerpt (Official California Manual · Page 7): “A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.”

Sample Question 2 · Passenger Capacity Threshold Official California Manual · Page 7

When is a CDL required because of passenger capacity?

A. Only when carrying paying passengers
B. When the vehicle is designed, used, or maintained to carry more than 10 passengers, including the driver Correct
C. Only when carrying more than 25 passengers, including the driver
D. Only when carrying more than 15 passengers, excluding the driver

Why B. When the vehicle is designed, used, or maintained to carry more than 10 passengers, including the driver is correct: CA requires a CDL for any vehicle designed, used, or maintained for carrying more than 10 passengers, including the driver. Counting the driver in the total is the part most applicants miss. [Manual: California CDL — General Information and Licensing — Who Needs a CDL, p. 7]

Manual excerpt (Official California Manual · Page 7): “A vehicle designed, used, or maintained for carrying more than 10 passengers, including the driver”

Sample Question 3 · Towing Cdl Trigger Official California Manual · Page 7

When does towing trigger the requirement to hold a California CDL?

A. When towing any trailer over 4,000 pounds
B. Only when towing for compensation
C. When towing a vehicle or trailer with a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more Correct
D. When towing more than 26,000 pounds combined

Why C. When towing a vehicle or trailer with a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more is correct: A CDL is required when towing a vehicle or trailer with a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more. The 26,000-pound figure is the GCWR rule for combinations and applies in addition to, not instead of, the 10,001-pound towed-unit trigger. [Manual: California CDL — General Information and Licensing — Who Needs a CDL, p. 7]

Manual excerpt (Official California Manual · Page 7): “Towing a vehicle or trailer, which has a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more.”

Sample Question 4 · Class A Definition Official California Manual · Page 3

According to the California Driver License Classes table, what may a Commercial Class A license holder drive?

A. Any legal combination of vehicles, including vehicles under Class B and Class C Correct
B. Only buses with a passenger endorsement
C. Any vehicle designed to transport hazardous materials
D. Only single vehicles under 26,000 pounds GVWR

Why A. Any legal combination of vehicles, including vehicles under Class B and Class C is correct: The CA Driver License Classes summary lists Commercial Class A as covering any legal combination of vehicles, including vehicles under Class B and Class C. Class B is more restrictive (single vehicles over 26,000 pounds), and HazMat requires an endorsement, not a class. [Manual: California CDL — General Information and Licensing — California Driver License Classes, p. 3]

Manual excerpt (Official California Manual · Page 3): “Commercial Class A Driver License: • Any legal combination of vehicles, including vehicles under Class B and Class C”

Most-Tested California CDL Practice Test Topics in Our 677-Question Bank

Our California cdl practice test bank contains 677 active multiple-choice questions written directly from the official California handbook. Here is how those questions break down across the core exam topics:

Official Manual Topic Area	PassMyDMV Question Coverage
Railroad Crossings	13 manual-cited questions
Vehicle Inspection	8 manual-cited questions
Abs Braking	7 manual-cited questions
Hazmat	5 manual-cited questions
Uncoupling Steps	5 manual-cited questions
Night Driving	4 manual-cited questions
Emergency Maneuvers	4 manual-cited questions
Fires	4 manual-cited questions

Frequently Asked Questions: California CDL Practice Test

How many questions are on the California CDL general knowledge test?: The California CDL General Knowledge test has 50 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 40 correctly (80%) to pass and receive your Commercial Learner Permit (CLP). All CDL knowledge tests and endorsement tests in California use the same 80% passing standard.
What CDL endorsements are available in California?: California CDL holders can add endorsements for Hazardous Materials (H, 30 questions), Tanker Vehicles (N, 20 questions), Double/Triple Trailers (T, 20 questions), Passenger Transport (P, 20 questions), School Bus (S, 20 questions), Air Brakes (25 questions), and Combination Vehicles (20 questions). All endorsement tests require 80% to pass. Hazmat applicants must also pass a TSA security threat assessment.
Do I need to hold a CLP before the CDL skills test in California?: Yes. You must hold a valid Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) for at least 14 days before taking the CDL skills test. The CLP is issued after you pass the required knowledge tests at a California DMV office using AKTE equipment. During the CLP period you must practice only while a qualified CDL holder is seated beside you.
What is the minimum age for a California CDL?: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a California CDL for intrastate (within California) commercial driving. You must be at least 21 to operate in interstate commerce, transport hazardous materials, or drive a bus that crosses state lines.
What is ELDT and do I need it for a California CDL?: Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is federally required theory and behind-the-wheel training from an FMCSA-registered provider. It is mandatory for first-time Class A or B CDL applicants and for anyone adding a Passenger (P) or School Bus (S) endorsement. Your provider submits completion to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before you can take the CDL skills test.
Where do I take the California CDL knowledge test?: All California CDL knowledge tests are administered in person at California DMV offices using Automated Knowledge Testing Equipment (AKTE). Online testing is not available for CDL exams. You must schedule an appointment at a DMV office that has AKTE terminals and bring your application and required documents.