California CDL Practice Test and Test Prep (2026)
California gives CDL tests through California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Here is what you will be tested on, which of our practice quizzes match each test, and what the skills test involves in California.
Knowledge tests for a California permit
- General Knowledge (all applicants) — practice General Knowledge (60 questions)
- Combination Vehicles (Class A) — practice Combination Vehicles (30 questions)
- Air Brakes (if applicable) — practice Air Brakes (40 questions)
- Any endorsement tests you need (N, P, S on a permit)
Permit minimum age: 18 (in-state driving) or 21 (interstate). Holding period before the skills test: 14 days. Permit validity: 180 days.
California endorsement tests and practice
- Hazmat (H) practice
California notes for this endorsement
Requires the federal TSA Security Threat Assessment (fingerprint background check); California is a self-managed hazmat state and you also pass the hazmat knowledge test.
- Tanker (N) practice
- Passenger (P) practice
- School bus (S) practice
California notes for this endorsement
Requires ELDT plus additional California requirements; not covered by the military skills-test waiver. A separate state school-bus certificate (administered with the CHP) is required to operate a school bus.
- Doubles/triples (T) practice
The California skills test
Components: Vehicle (pre-trip) inspection, Basic control skills test, On-road driving test.
Test vehicle: You must provide a representative vehicle of the class and type you're seeking. Under the ETP, an examiner cannot serve as the authorized representative for a test they conducted, and DMV audits and re-tests ETP drivers.
Where and how to book: CDL skills tests are administered by the DMV, by appointment only; you get three attempts per application. The only third-party pathway is the Employer Testing Program (ETP), which lets qualified employers test their own employees.
Waits and retests: No official statewide wait-time figure is published; appointment availability varies significantly by office. Treat wait times as variable and confirm locally.
Practice the inspection part with our pre-trip inspection guide. Research dated 2026-10-12; confirm testing details with California.
All practice tests
- General Knowledge (60 questions)
- Air Brakes (40 questions)
- Combination Vehicles (30 questions)
- Hazardous Materials (H) (30 questions)
- Tank Vehicles (N) (25 questions)
- Passenger (P) (25 questions)
- School Bus (S) (25 questions)
- Doubles/Triples (T) (20 questions)
Ready to apply? See the full California CDL requirementsor build your California checklist.