california
CDL Practice Test

1

This site is designed to help aspiring commercial drivers practice for their State of California Department of Motor Vehicles CDL test. You can take these free California CDL practice tests as many times as you would like. Questions on these tests come from the various commercial driver license topics that are represented in the California CDL handbook. You will be presented with 40 questions and you must answer 34 questions correctly to pass. There is a 50-minute time limit. You may not go back once you answer a question. Click the "Start Test" button below to begin.

1 / 40

Which of the following is NOT a part of the steering system?

2 / 40

What is the best way to see the sides and rear of your vehicle?

3 / 40

You should check that the _____are secure, caps are on tight, and is not leaking.

4 / 40

The crack-the-whip effect is more likely to cause the front trailer to tip over.

5 / 40

For emergency braking when driving a double trailer and having to use your brakes to avoid a collision is to:

6 / 40

What do you do first during step 3 of starting the engine and inspecting the inside of the cab?

7 / 40

What does the drain valve for air tanks remove?

8 / 40

Select the reason as to why air tanks need to be drained:

9 / 40

Select the true statement about convex ("spot") mirrors.

10 / 40

You should follow behind other vehicles ______when traveling under 40 mph.

11 / 40

When driving tank vehicles you should:

12 / 40

This object should not be damaged, bent, or rusted through and be evenly centered with the tires and dual wheels evenly separated.

13 / 40

Two causes of tire fires are ______.

14 / 40

When driving with multiple trailers, which one should be right behind the tractor?

15 / 40

What does the amount of liquid allowed in the tank depend on?

16 / 40

What is the purpose of a baffle?

17 / 40

Which of the following is a reason that shippers package material?

18 / 40

A safe haven is:

19 / 40

Wet brakes can cause _____.

20 / 40

If your engine runs a pump used during delivery of compressed gas, should you turn off the engine before or after unhooking hoses after delivery?

21 / 40

Which trailer should be the first one after the tractor?

22 / 40

Upon what does the amount of liquid you can carry in a load depend?

23 / 40

The best way to describe a dual air brake system is:

24 / 40

Select the true statement in regards to when a bulk tank vehicle stops at an intersection on a slippery surface:

25 / 40

You downshift automatic transmissions ______.

26 / 40

What is a supply pressure gauge used for?

27 / 40

What will probably happen if the converter dolly is still under the second trailer and the pintle hook is unhooked?

28 / 40

Bus drivers must have a CDL if they drive a vehicle:

29 / 40

Off-tracking happens when going around a corner and:

30 / 40

Signs of distracted drivers include:

31 / 40

What is the stopping distance for a tractor trailer that is traveling at 55 mph on dry pavement?

32 / 40

How often should you check your cargo?

33 / 40

This should have no illegal stickers, dirt, obstructions, or damage to the glass.

34 / 40

A portable tank differs from a cargo tank in that ______.

35 / 40

If you are transporting cargo, you should inspect the cargo and securing devices:

36 / 40

What is the safest way to stop unruly behavior on the bus?

37 / 40

Which of the following is a key steering component?

38 / 40

What is the earliest way to notice a trailer skid?

39 / 40

Which trailer is more likely to roll over when pulling 3 trailers?

40 / 40

You should adjust all the outside left and right side flat mirrors to see:

Your score is

The average score is 65%

5/5 - (2 votes)

CDL Category Practice Tests

CDL Practice Test

How To Get A california Commercial Drivers License

Residents of California may apply for their CDL at the age of 18 years old. These residents may only drive within the California state borders and are not eligible for driving hazmat vehicles. Residents over the age of 21 are eligible for interstate commerce and may receive their Hazmat Certification. All residents must undergo a medical examination by an approved Medical Examiner. The examiner will provide the individual with a Medical Examiner’s Certificate that will show their physical ability to be eligible to operate a commercial vehicle.

Any drivers who falls into the following categories are disqualified from receiving their commercial driver’s license.

  • Convicted of driving a commercial vehicle impaired in the past two years.
  • Having multiple driver’s license.
  • Having a revoked, denied, canceled, or suspended driver’s license.
  • Being disqualified from obtaining CDL driving privileges in another state.

Applicants for a California CDL must complete a vision test at the time of their application, along with one or more knowledge tests and a practical skills test.

Endorsements
S – School Bus
N – Tank
P – Passenger
H – Hazardous Materials
X – Hazmat and Tank Combination
P – Passenger Vehicle

Hit the Open Road

California CDL License Test Tips

Knowledge tests are required to be passed by all California residents seeking a commercial driver’s license. Class A applicants are required to complete a 70 question assessment regarding both general commercial driving knowledge and combination driving. Class B and C applicants are required to pass a 50 question assessment about general commercial driving knowledge. Those seeking endorsements or the removal of the Air Brake restriction will have to take additional knowledge tests. Each endorsement has a 20 to 30 question assessment based on the topic of the endorsement. All knowledge tests must be passed for the resident to receive their CDL. A passing score is receiving an 80 percent or higher on the assessment. Each applicant is responsible for showcasing their ability to operate a commercial vehicle as part of the CDL skills test. There are three main parts to this test which include the on-road test, pre-trip inspection, and basic control skills test. Applicants must pass all three parts to receive their commercial driver’s license.

Additional Information

Information on the California Department of Motor Vehicles

The State of California Department of Motor Vehicles regulates the certifying and testing of commercial drivers in the California. To get more information contact them via:

Website:  https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/commercial/commercial

Phone:  800.777.0133

 

Additional California CDL Helpful Links

Please use the links below to access more valuable California CDL testing resources and to learn more about practice driving tests for the state of California.