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Based on official California exam questions

CA CDL Combination Vehicles Practice Test 3 2025

  • Perfect for first-time and renewal CDL/CLP applicants, and those adding endorsements

To operate tractor-trailers and other large combination vehicles in California, you must earn a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). There are several requirements to obtain this license. You must pass the California Combination Vehicles Knowledge Test, complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) with an FMCSA-approved provider, obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), and hold it for at least 14 days before meeting the next requirement: the CDL Skills Test. The skills test is made up of three sections and must be taken in a combination vehicle.

The knowledge test contains 20 multiple-choice questions covering a wide range of topics, including safe operation of combination vehicles, preventing trailer skids and jackknives, coupling and uncoupling procedures, air brake systems in combination vehicles, and proper inspection steps. You’ll need to score a minimum of 80% (16 out of 20) in order to pass. Furthermore, if you fail, you may retest, but California limits applicants to three attempts per application. But don’t worry. Our experts have designed a series of practice tests that help to ensure you pass the official knowledge test on your first attempt.

Our Free California CDL Combination Practice Tests mirror the official exam, helping you to become comfortable with the format before you ever walk into the exam location. Our practice tests, just like the official test, are based on the California CDL Manual (California CDL Handbook 2025). The practice tests offer instant feedback and study hints and cover the key areas tested, eliminating any unnecessary fluff you might find in other preparatory resources. Also, once you’ve aced this one, take advantage of another one of our Combination Vehicle Practice Tests here: https://driving-tests.org/california/ca-cdl-combination-test/.

Securing a Class A CDL opens doors throughout California’s diverse industries, including agriculture in the Central Valley, ports and logistics hubs in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland, and construction and freight along I-5, I-80, and I-10. Major employers, such as UPS, FedEx, and regional carriers, require licensed combination vehicle drivers throughout the state.

Because most combination vehicles use air brakes, you’ll also need to pass the Air Brakes Knowledge Test and a skills test in a vehicle with air brakes to have the air brakes restriction removed from your CDL. Our experts have created a series of Air Brakes Practice Tests to help you pass this test on your first attempt as well: https://driving-tests.org/california/ca-cdl-air-brake-practice-test/.

California drivers can further expand their marketability by earning endorsements like the Hazardous Materials endorsement, which often adds significant earnings potential to a driver’s CDL. Check out one of our Hazardous Materials Practice Tests here: https://driving-tests.org/california/ca-cdl-hazmat-practice-test/.

Pass the first time with Premium
97% of our Premium users pass first try
8 min to complete
Available in EN and ES
CA commercial driver's license
Real exam-style pitfalls you’ll practice:
Common Traps
Distractors
Trick Wording
Double Negatives

Verified for accuracy: October 2025

Reviewed by Steven Litvintchouk, M.S.
Chief Educational Researcher (ACES member)
Methodology & Editorial Policy

What to expect on the actual CA exam

20

questions

16

correct answers to pass

80%

passing score

Are you in another state?

5/5
1 votes
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