california
CDL Practice Test

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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

Why should you test the tractor protection valve?

2 / 40

After deciding the type of evacuation that is necessary, the next step you must take is:

3 / 40

Mirrors with a convex surface or "spot" mirrors _____.

4 / 40

The sliding mechanism and locking device for a tandem axle on trailers is:

5 / 40

Make sure____when the front trailer supports are up and the trailer is sitting on the tractor.

6 / 40

You should line up_____when getting ready to back under the trailer.

7 / 40

You must keep shipping papers describing hazardous materials ______.

8 / 40

Which of the following is a clue another driver is impaired:

9 / 40

Select the true statement about dual air brake systems.

10 / 40

A commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is defined as:

11 / 40

Signs of distracted drivers include:

12 / 40

Which hazard classes must you NEVER smoke, or perform any activity involving fire, within 25 feet of?

13 / 40

Where are the two main places where the hazardous material identification number appears?

14 / 40

Under which two special conditions should you downshift?

15 / 40

Select the statement that best describes what the trailer air supply control does:

16 / 40

Within 3 minutes, this gauge pressure should build to 90 psi from 50 psi.

17 / 40

What should you do before you begin to couple?

18 / 40

Select the true statement about speed and stopping distance.

19 / 40

When you discharge an unruly passenger, you must choose a place that is:

20 / 40

A shipment described on the Hazardous Waste Manifest may only be delivered to another _______ carrier or treatment facility, who then signs the ______, giving you a copy which you must keep.

21 / 40

In the event of a tire failure you should...

22 / 40

What should you check for when inspecting a converter dolly?

23 / 40

In the event of an accident you should remember to do the following EXCEPT:

24 / 40

Which of the following is NOT an important reason to look far ahead when you are driving?

25 / 40

Select the statement of what you should not do if you are required to drive through flowing water or deep puddles.

26 / 40

If you double your speed, what will happen to your stopping distance?

27 / 40

Suspension systems:

28 / 40

What handling effect will baffles have?

29 / 40

What is the best way to stop all skids?

30 / 40

Students exit the bus and walk:

31 / 40

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

32 / 40

Air tanks should be drained:

33 / 40

You should expect____when backing a tractor under a trailer.

34 / 40

Which of the following statements about downshifting is NOT true?

35 / 40

What should you hook up before backing a tractor to a trailer for coupling?

36 / 40

This item does not need to be checked during the cab check.

37 / 40

You should_____when an emergency requires you to quickly stop your tanker.

38 / 40

At 55 miles-per-hour it takes about 6 seconds to stop a fully loaded truck and the braking distance is:

39 / 40

How often should you drain your air tanks?

40 / 40

How do you check the air compressor governor "cut in" and "cut out" pressures?

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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.