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Get your California CDL — government fees ($100), ELDT training, skills test, and step-by-step guide. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Commercial Driver's License
Most information on this page has been verified.
92% of data points are verified against official sources. 2 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
$100
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
5 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Obtain California Class C License
Must hold a valid California noncommercial Class C driver's license before applying for a CDL.
Complete CDL Application and Obtain CLP
Complete an online CDL application, visit a DMV office with required documents, pass the vision exam and CDL knowledge test(s) to receive your Commercial Learner's Permit.
CLP valid for 180 days, renewable once for additional 180 days
Fee: $100Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete required ELDT from a provider registered on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry.
Required for first-time CDL applicants
Hold CLP for Minimum 14 Days
Practice driving with a qualified CDL holder. Must hold CLP for at least 14 days before skills test.
Schedule and Pass CDL Skills Test
Schedule skills test appointment by phone. Pass all three parts: vehicle inspection, basic control skills, and road test. Maximum 3 attempts allowed.
Skills tests administered at select DMV field offices
Fee: $0 (included in application; $46 retest fee)Receive CDL
After passing all tests, DMV processes your license and mails it to you.
Commercial Driver’s Licenses are divided into three classes based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of the vehicle being operated.
Class A CDL
26,001+ lbs GCWR
Towing: Towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class B CDL
26,001+ lbs GVWR
Towing: Towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class C CDL
Under 26,001 lbs GVWR
Towing: Does not meet Class A or B thresholds
Common examples
Government Fees
Endorsement Fees
Training Cost
CLP + CDL + state skills test (all included in $100 original application fee)
Government Fees (You Still Pay)
Training Cost
Note: $0 (company-paid programs available)
Costs vary by school and program length
Ready to start your CDL training?
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
State Fee: $0
Skills test fee included in original application fee; $46 retest fee if failed
Three-Part Exam
Limited to Employer Testing Program (ETP); employers test their own employee-drivers only, not open to general public
Third-party fee: $150–$400 (Employer Testing Program (ETP) only; not open to general public. Varies by employer.)
Intrastate Minimum Age
18 years old
Interstate Minimum Age
21 years old (federal requirement)
Medical Card (DOT Physical)
Required
Valid State Driver's License
Required
Clean Driving Record
No disqualifying offenses per 49 CFR 383.51
Residency Requirement
Must be a resident of California
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $59 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $100 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $59 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $59 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $59 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $100 |
HAZMAT Note: The HAZMAT endorsement (H and X) requires a TSA background check ($85.25) and fingerprinting in addition to the state fee shown above. The TSA security threat assessment must be completed before the state will issue the endorsement.
CLP Fee
$100
Included in original Class A/B application fee
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
6 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Renewal Fee
$59
Class A or B renewal
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
Renewal requires a vision test and updated medical certificate. HAZMAT endorsement renewal requires retesting and a new TSA background check.
Regulatory Board
Surrender out-of-state CDL, complete California CDL application, pass vision exam and knowledge test(s), pass skills test, and pay fees.
Transfer Fee
$100
Same as original application fee for Class A/B
Timeline
Within 10 days of establishing California residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedKnowledge and skills tests required
Troops to Trucks program waives the CDL driving skills test for qualified military service members employed within the last year in a military position requiring operation of a military motor vehicle equivalent to a CMV. School bus and passenger endorsement skills tests are not waived.
Eligibility
Active duty or separated within 12 months with at least 2 years of military CMV operation experience
Search accredited CDL training programs and compare costs, schedules, and job placement rates.
160 Driving Academy →Nationwide CDL training with flexible schedules, financial aid options, and job placement assistance.
TruckingTruth School Reviews →Real student reviews and ratings of CDL schools to help you choose the right program.
Employer-Sponsored CDL Programs
Many trucking companies offer paid CDL training in exchange for an employment commitment. These are not affiliate links — check directly with carriers like Schneider, Werner, CRST, and Swift for current company-sponsored training programs in California.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in California range from $3,000 to $7,000. Costs vary by school and program length
Some links above may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Unique to California
California requires full knowledge and skills retesting for out-of-state CDL transfers. Third-party testing is limited to the Employer Testing Program (ETP) for company-employed drivers only. CLP is valid 180 days with one 180-day renewal, but the entire process must be completed within 12 months.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in California.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#13 of 51
Cost
#18 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032)
Entry Level
$48,030
25th percentile
Median
$59,950
+4% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$70,000
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
211,740 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers" covers CDL holders driving tractor-trailers specifically. Wages for other CDL vehicle types may differ.
Source: BLS OEWS – Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.6%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+53,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
228,600
per year (avg.)
2.1M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the commercial driver's license exam.
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All data verified as of 2026-03-21. Sources consulted:
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides. Complete your permit prep before attending a driving school.
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Exploring other careers? Compare licensing requirements for real estate agents, insurance agents, and notaries in California.