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  • 0  (10 mistakes allowed to pass)

Free California CDL Permit Practice Test: General Knowledge 2025

Avg. pass rate on our CA tests: 62%.
Average pass rate for this test: 46%.
Hard
68% fail this test first try • Better here than at DMV
Score distribution:
90-100=>8%
80-89=>12%
70-79=>22%
60-69=>30%
<60%=>28%
Avg. first-try score: 68%

The great state of California can offer numerous economic opportunities to commercial drivers because of its diverse economy, the largest in the United States. California produces about one-seventh of America’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Key economic sectors dependent on truck driving include agriculture (the Central Valley), manufacturing, trade, and transportation. The Port of Los Angeles is the nation’s largest seaport, and the Port of Long Beach is the second largest. Together, they bring in about 40% of America’s imports. Note: Seaports, like airports, are secure areas. You may need to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card to pick up cargo there. Finally, the tourism and hospitality sectors employ bus drivers to take visitors to the state’s many points of interest.

Key commercial routes for transporting goods within the state and to neighboring states include Interstates 5, 10, 15, and 80; US Route 101, which goes from Los Angeles to the Oregon border; and State Route 99, which goes through the Central Valley.

Before you can obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), you must obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), which will allow you to practice commercial driving under the supervision of a licensed CDL holder. An important step toward obtaining the CLP is to pass the official General Knowledge test on commercial driving theory. Have you been studying the official California Commercial Driver Handbook (California CDL Handbook 2025)? You certainly should because the questions on the official knowledge test are based on it. However, you’re probably here because you want to get a little more help to pass the knowledge test than you’re getting from this driving manual. We can help, just as we’ve helped thousands of other aspiring drivers.

Tricky exam topics covered here:
Towing & Trailers
Night Driving
Road Signs
Free California CDL Permit Practice Test: General Knowledge 2025
CA commercial driver's license
Original questions by our team Based on 2025 CA CDL Handbook
Steven Litvintchouk, M.S., Chief Educational Researcher at Driving-Tests.org

Reviewed for legal and handbook accuracy

Steven Litvintchouk

M.S., Chief Educational Researcher (ACES member)

Last verified for accuracy on

Andrei Zakhareuski, Co-founder & CEO, Driving-Tests.org

Test design and learning experience oversight

Andrei Zakhareuski

Co-founder & CEO, Driving-Tests.org

Questions are created and maintained by the Driving-Tests.org content team following our multi-layer editorial process and updated whenever the California DMV changes its handbook or website information. Official sources we check: 

Real California drivers who passed first try

Verified student reviews • Shared with permission

My Class B commercial drivers license gave me a real sense.
Getting my Class B commercial drivers license gave me a real sense of direction and purpose. It opened up new job opportunities and made me feel proud of accomplishing something big.
N

About the California CDL

This free California CDL permit practice test, which you’re about to take, is based on the official state manual, just like the official knowledge test. It’s up to date as of December, 2025. There are 50 multiple-choice questions on such topics as basic driving techniques, commercial driving regulations, emergency preparedness, and pre-trip inspections. Unlike the official knowledge test, this California CDL practice test comes with our automated assistant. It can give you a hint if you get stuck on a question and an explanation of the correct answer if you still miss the question. Please read the explanation so you won’t make the same mistake in the future What this practice test doesn’t come with is a time limit. Take your time to improve your chances of passing the test and learn as much as you can from the experience.

We know what it takes to pass. And we’ve got the proof.

Driver’s Ed is - nobody wants to set foot inside the DMV. That’s why millions of learners trust us for simple, visual, effective prep.

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We are an officially recognized FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training provider and a proud partner to over 2,500 libraries. We work with safety organizations like GHSA and the National Safety Council to help create safer roads for everyone.

A smarter way to study

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Our trademarked system automatically saves questions you miss, creating personalized tests that target your weak spots until you’ve mastered the material.

AI-powered feedback

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Interactive handbook

Go beyond the boring black-and-white manual. Our interactive handbook lets you read, listen with an MP3 audio version, or even chat with it to find the information you need, faster.

FAQs

How can you obtain a CDL license?

To obtain a CDL license in California, first acquire a commercial learner's permit (CLP) by passing the necessary knowledge tests. Hold the CLP for at least 14 days before taking the skills test. While CDL training is not mandatory, it's recommended for better preparation. Then, pass the skills test to get your CDL.

Is CDL training mandatory?

CDL training is not mandatory in California, but attending a training school is highly recommended. It provides comprehensive preparation for the skills test and better equips you for commercial driving.

How long does CDL training last?

CDL training duration varies by program in California. It typically ranges from a few weeks to several months, depending on the type of license and full-time or part-time training schedules.

What is the cost of getting a CDL?

The cost for a CDL in California includes a $73 application fee, plus additional costs for medical examination, training programs, and the skills test. Training costs vary depending on the school and program chosen.

What disqualifies you from getting a CDL?

In California, disqualifications from obtaining a CDL include serious traffic violations (like DUIs), major at-fault accidents, criminal convictions related to motor vehicle operation, and failing the required medical exam.