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

A battery box check is important. The battery must be secure, connection must be tight, and cell caps must be present. In addition these items should be checked:

2 / 40

How should the hand valve be used?

3 / 40

To test the security of the tractor semi trailer connection you should:

4 / 40

There are 2 reasons as to why hauling liquids take special care. One reason is the ___center of gravity.

5 / 40

Take extra caution when driving smooth bore tanks during:

6 / 40

How often should you check the tires if your placarded trailer has dual tires?

7 / 40

An air system that is fully charged will typically have ___ psi of pressure.

8 / 40

Your engine runs a pump when you are delivering compressed gas. Should you turn off your engine before or after you unhook the hoses after finishing that delivery?

9 / 40

The belt that you need to make sure is securely mounted, without frays, and adjusts and latches properly is the:

10 / 40

For what reason do you keep the starter switch key in your pocket during the pre-trip inspection?

11 / 40

This gauge will indicate if the generator or alternator is charging:

12 / 40

After coupling with a trailer, what position should the front trailer supports be in before driving away?

13 / 40

An emergency escape ramp should be used _____.

14 / 40

Remember to____when connecting the converter dolly to the rear trailer.

15 / 40

Operating a motor vehicle with the intent of doing harm to others or physically assaulting a driver or their vehicle is known as?

16 / 40

The trailer should be lowered so that _____.

17 / 40

Select the definition of "off-tracking."

18 / 40

A leak rate for a straight truck or bus air brake system should not exceed _____psi per minute when the engine is off and the brakes are released.

19 / 40

This gauge has a governor cut-off.

20 / 40

When accelerating:

21 / 40

When driving normally, some drivers use the hand valve before applying the brake pedal to prevent jack knifing. Select the most appropriate response to this statement.

22 / 40

Where can you find a shipper’s certification?

23 / 40

To avoid rollover when going through a curve, the best thing to do is:

24 / 40

Select the true statement in regards to brake drums or discs:

25 / 40

You should_____when the low pressure warning is activated:

26 / 40

This should be cleaned and then adjusted properly while inside the cab.

27 / 40

What is a technical name?

28 / 40

You should check your mirrors while making a lane change:

29 / 40

At around____the governor allows the air compressor to start pumping again:

30 / 40

The amount of liquid you can carry depends on:

31 / 40

Which of the following is a key steering component?

32 / 40

What keeps air in the tanks should the air compressor develop a leak?

33 / 40

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

34 / 40

What is the minimum amount of distance you should maintain when driving at 50 mph in ideal conditions with a 100 ft twin trailer combination?

35 / 40

Select the true statement about double or triple trailers.

36 / 40

Some city transit buses may have a brake-door interlock system, this system:

37 / 40

Select what you should do before leaving the vehicle unattended:

38 / 40

If you have to swerve to avoid a hazard, it's important to:

39 / 40

What are the dividers that are inside tankers that have an opening at the bottom and top?

40 / 40

By law, the warning lights must only be used when approaching a:

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The average score is 60%

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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.