Checked against official California sources on Oct 7, 2026
California CDL practice test
Every state needs at least 80% on each CDL written test, and California follows the same federal rule. Below are the fees, ages and rules we checked against the official California source, and a free practice test.
FirstTry CDL is not affiliated with any DMV, FMCSA or government agency. Practice questions are exam-style questions built from the official CDL manual, not actual test questions.
California CDL facts
| What | What California says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CDL application fee (Class A or B, original) | $100 | Official page |
| CDL renewal fee (Class A or B) | $59 | Official page |
| Class C commercial original or renewal fee | $59 (also $59 to add tank, hazmat or passenger) | Official page |
| Commercial driving or skill retest fee | $46 | Official page |
| Fee to add a passenger endorsement (Class A or B) | $100 | Official page |
| Fee to add tank, doubles/triples or hazmat (Class A or B) | $59 | Official page |
| Replacement commercial license fee (lost or stolen) | $44 | Official page |
| CLP fee | No separate CLP fee is listed. You pay the nonrefundable application fee ($100 for Class A or B, $59 for Class C commercial) when you apply, good for 12 months | Official page |
| Knowledge test fee | No separate knowledge test fee is listed. Knowledge tests are covered by the application fee | Official page |
| CLP validity | Up to 180 days from issue. It can be renewed for another 180 days if the expiration is not more than one year from the first application date | Official page |
| CLP holding period | Hold the CLP at least 14 days before the skills test | Official page |
| Knowledge test retake rule | 3 tries to pass each required knowledge test. If you fail the same test three times, the application is no longer valid and you must reapply | Official page |
| Knowledge test wait time | No waiting period to retake a failed knowledge test | Official page |
| Skills test retake rule | 3 tries to pass the skills test on one application. A retest fee is paid each time you retake the skills test | Official page |
| Skills test wait time | No waiting period to retake the basic control skills test | Official page |
| Application validity | The application and fee are good for 12 months. If you do not finish all requirements in 12 months you must reapply | Official page |
| Minimum age, California only (intrastate) | 18 years old for driving cargo that starts and ends in California | Official page |
| Minimum age, interstate or hazmat | 21 years old for interstate driving or hazardous materials | Official page |
| Medical form | Medical Examination Report (MCSA 5875) and Medical Examiner's Certificate (MCSA 5876) | Official page |
| ELDT required | Original Class A or B CDL, upgrading Class B to A, or adding S, P or H endorsement requires training from a provider on the federal Training Provider Registry | Official page |
| California extra training rule | Original Class A or B CDL applicants must also complete at least 15 hours of behind-the-wheel training and submit form DL 1236 | Official page |
| Interim CDL | After you pass the skills test you get an interim CDL valid for 60 days | Official page |
| CLP minimum age | 18 years old, and you must already hold a California Class C license | Official page |
| CDL renewal online | Some drivers can renew online if they have a clean driving record. The online system cannot renew a CDL with a hazmat endorsement | Official page |
Fees and rules change. Confirm on the official California CDL page before you go. Read the official California CDL manual.
CDL test formats
We show the national defaults for question counts and time limits. Check the official California manual for anything that differs.
| Test | Questions | To pass | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 50 | 40 (80%) | About 60 minutes |
| Air Brakes | 25 | 20 (80%) | 25 to 30 minutes |
| Combination Vehicles | 20 (25 questions in some states) | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Hazardous Materials | 30 | 24 (80%) | 30 to 40 minutes |
| Tanker | 20 | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Passenger | 20 | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| School Bus | 20 (25 questions in some states) | 16 (80%) | About 25 minutes |
| Doubles/Triples | 20 | 16 (80%) | About 20 minutes |
Practice any of them: all CDL practice tests.