Updated for 2026

Free California CDL Practice Test (2026)

Pass your California commercial driver's license exam with our state-specific practice tests and expert-verified questions.

California CDL Requirements

Passing Score80%
Total Questions50
Min. Age18 / 21*
FormatComputerized

*18 for intrastate, 21 for interstate/hazmat

5-Question CA Challenge

Test your knowledge with these state-specific questions.

Question 1 of 5

What is the primary function of an alcohol evaporator in an air brake system during winter?

How to get a CDL in California

To obtain a Commercial Driver's License in the California, you must first pass the General Knowledge exam. Depending on the type of vehicle you intend to drive, additional endorsements like Air Brakes, Tanker, or Hazmat may be required.

  • Provide proof of US citizenship or lawful permanent residency.
  • Hold a valid non-commercial driver's license.
  • Pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam.
  • Obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and wait at least 14 days.
  • Pass the skills test in a vehicle of the same class as you intend to drive.

Practice every part of the California CDL test

Your California exam is split into separate knowledge tests. Drill each one until you're confident.

CDL Job Market in California

California has some of the highest-paying specialized routes you'll find anywhere. The state runs the nation's busiest import ports and the most productive farm region on earth, so CA drivers are right at the center of the supply chain. Entry-level Class A drivers in Los Angeles usually start around $59,950, and experienced drivers on dedicated lanes regularly report more than $90,000 a year.

Average Salary

$59,950 - $98,000 per year

Top Employers:

FedEx Freight, UPS Freight, Old Dominion Freight Line, Schneider National

Market Outlook:

California CDL average: $60,490 in 2026 (BLS). Driver demand here is among the highest in the country, fed by port work in Long Beach and ag freight out of the Central Valley.