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

The best way to test if the spring brakes come on automatically is to:

2 / 40

Which of the following is NOT an appropriate reason to flash your braking lights?

3 / 40

What should you check for when inspecting a converter dolly?

4 / 40

A tractor should not be backed under a trailer until the whole air system is:

5 / 40

Which of the following will confirm that you are driving with anti-lock brakes?

6 / 40

Make sure that_____before you back under a trailer.

7 / 40

Select the correct description for a bulkhead tank.

8 / 40

The most dangerous time during the school bus ride is:

9 / 40

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

10 / 40

A safe haven is ______.

11 / 40

What does it mean when the safety valve releases air?

12 / 40

Why should you test the tractor protection valve?

13 / 40

The golden rule for school buses when approaching and crossing railroad tracks is:

14 / 40

Is this statement true or false: You do not need to use the parking brake if are leaving your vehicle for a short amount of time.

15 / 40

How often should you check the cargo you are transporting?

16 / 40

When inspecting your bus, you must make sure that:

17 / 40

A truck with baffles will handle:

18 / 40

What are some things you should check on the front of your vehicle when doing the walk-around inspection?

19 / 40

Who is responsible for certifying on the bills of lading that the hazardous materials are prepared properly?

20 / 40

Select the true statement about seeing ahead.

21 / 40

Start by___when coupling.

22 / 40

How often should you check the tires on a placarded trailer that has dual tires?

23 / 40

What action should you take if there is no phone available and you discover your hazardous materials shipment leaking at a rest stop?

24 / 40

Which of the following types of cargo must never be carried on a bus with passengers?

25 / 40

The air leakage rate for combination vehicles should not be more than _ psi a minute.

26 / 40

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

27 / 40

Select the step that comes first:

28 / 40

Select whether the following statement is true or false: Front wheel brakes are good to use in all conditions.

29 / 40

Placarded vehicles must carry which type of fire extinguisher?

30 / 40

If hazardous material is spilling from your vehicle, do not move your vehicle:

31 / 40

Which is more likely to tip over due to the crack the whip effect?

32 / 40

Which of the following answers lists the three types of emergency equipment you must have on your bus?

33 / 40

Another term for a smooth bore tank is:

34 / 40

How should the trailer be lined up when preparing to back the tractor up?

35 / 40

This object should be checked to make sure that the cap(s) are on tight, that it is secure, and there are no leaks.

36 / 40

Which of the following about the front tires on a commercial bus is true?

37 / 40

When transporting hazardous waste, you must:

38 / 40

______is a device that connects the service and emergency air lines between the tractor and trailer.

39 / 40

How much space should there be between the lower and upper fifth wheel?

40 / 40

Spring brakes are usually held back by_____during normal driving.

Your score is

The average score is 55%

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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.