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Commercial Driver's License
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
$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
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
State Fee: $0
Skills test fee included in original application fee; $46 retest fee if failed
Three-Part Exam
ETP authorizes qualified commercial employers to administer the drive test to employees needing a CDL
Third-party fee: $150–$400 (Employer Testing Program (ETP) only; not open to general public. Varies by employer.)
Ready to pass the CDL Knowledge Test?
Practice exams built for the CDL licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Preparing for the written and skills tests? Read our CDL exam prep guide for study tips and what to expect on test day.
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
CDL Knowledge Test
Browse study guides
CDL Exam Prep Books
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic CDL Knowledge Test practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
CDL Knowledge Test
Passing Score
80%
Format
Written multiple choice
Key Topics Covered
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the CDL Knowledge Test.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — CDL Knowledge Test
Prepare for your CDL Knowledge Test with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, online courses, and practice tests.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| 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
180 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
California has 13% below average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
California has average cdl truck drivers density relative to population.
California ranks #35 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
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
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
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
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
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.
See our picks for the best CDL schools in California.
Start Your CDL Training in California
State-approved online courses you can start today.
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.
CDL Schools in California
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
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CDL Driver requirements in California verified against California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted: