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  • 0  (10 mistakes allowed to pass)
Based on official California exam questions

Free California CDL Permit Practice Test: General Knowledge 2025

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

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.

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 October, 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.

Available in EN and ES
CA commercial driver's license
Real exam-style pitfalls you’ll practice:
Common Traps
Distractors
Trick Wording
Double Negatives

Authored and curated by Steven Litvintchouk, M.S.

Chief Educational Researcher (ACES member)
Methodology & Editorial Policy
Last verified for accuracy: October 2025 (reviewed weekly)

What to expect on the actual CA permit test

50

questions

40

correct answers to pass

80%

passing score

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
Went from working dead end jobs to actually having a career.
I went from working dead end jobs to actually having a career where I can support my family and plan for the future. the program made the test fail proof for me
G
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
Went from working dead end jobs to actually having a career.
I went from working dead end jobs to actually having a career where I can support my family and plan for the future. the program made the test fail proof for me
G
Took my California written exam yesterday.
I took my California written exam yesterday. I got only one wrong and I passed. And I thank driving tests for that, I think I would rather schedule surgery than do that again. And the only thing that made it sane was actually being able to practice on driving tests rather than just read the manual. So thank you guys, I am past it.
C
We have horses and pull big horse trailers.
We have horses and pull big horse trailers, and we all now in California (because they've lowered the weight limit Gwvr to 10,000 pounds), we all have to get Class A commercial licenses. So I appreciate your time, and also all the nice questions you had in there, because it should help me pass the test.
C
Just took my test today, all my written tests, and I passed all of them.
I only missed a couple of questions. I fully endorse this program. I think it's the best program out there. You're not going to find anything better than this. Getting the opportunity to get all those endorsements and to get all those questions and get that in your bank is just absolutely amazing.m
P
This is a well-designed site.
I spent almost two days running through all of the tests, and it definitely helped me for several of the questions on the exam. Unfortunately, the California test has some ludicrous, ambiguous questions which Driving-tests did not prepare me for, but I cannot fault them for that. One was something like "If you are following a truck, a bicycle, and a minivan up a steep hill, what might you expect?" Of the two feasible answers, one was "They could stop or stall", and the other was "They could slow down". I picked the former, but the latter was "correct". The other was something like "How far away from an airbag is it safe to be?", the answers being 6", 10", 12". I picked 12", but 10" was "correct". Nevertheless, I recommend this service for systemic review of the California driving laws.
RS
CA Class A hazmat knowledge test.
For the CA hazmat knowledge test, there were 1 or 2 questions I hadn't seen. Otherwise, Driving-Tests had all/nearly all of the questions that were on my test. Passed 1st time. EZ-PZ.
E
A Big Help.
Today I passed my California Commercial test on the first try. These practice tests made all the difference. The format is well done. The practice tests allowed me to recognize my weak areas and to continually review the more challenging questions. It was definitely a far better use of time that repeatedly rereading the drivers handbooks.
S
Best Online Study Guide You Can Buy.
I just want to say thank you to Driving Tests. I studied all the material and found everything very thorough and informative. When I went for my first attempt at my DMV for a Commercial Class A permit yesterday I felt confident. I also wanted to add Doubles/Triples and Tankers endorsements. I ended up taking about 7 tests total and only missed a total of 5 questions between all tests combined.
BR
I had no previous knowledge for CDL. I aced the General Knowledge test with the help from this product.
I had no previous knowledge for Commercial Trucking. I first read through the manual provided by the DMV. A few days later I took my general knowledge CDL test at the California DMV on February 24 and passed the test (only getting 2 answers wrong out of 50). This product truly helped and boosted my confidence going in to take the test. Now I’m studying for the Air Brakes and Combinations test and I am confident that I’ll be prepared for those tests after using this product. My three basic knowledge tests are all completed now! On the General knowledge I only got two questions wrong and that’s because I rushed to answer a question before reading all of them. The air brakes test, I only got one answer wrong. The combinations test, all questions were answered correctly
M
I took a chance.
I needed to get a class A to work (obviously). I started reading the manual for california and it was very dry and boring, and honestly it's not how I learn best. I figured since it's 2021 there has to be an online studying resource. I went on google and this website came up. It was the second one I used and I liked it the most between the two. It was more expensive so I was skeptical. Then I figured, just risk it and see what's up. I used this guide for 4 hours each day for 2 days and I passed Every written CDL california offered. gen Knowledge, Air Brakes, HazMat, Tanker, and Combination Vehicle. Not only that but I passed them all within 45 minutes of sitting down to take them. I highly recommend using them for CDL study. They taught me what I needed to know and that's what counts. Use them.
A
Your product was instrumental in me….
Your product was instrumental in me passing the California CDL renewal written test The last time I took the CDL written test was 35 years ago A lot has changed in that time and you forget get things I highly recommend this product
DC
California commercial drivers license test.
I was well prepared when I took my California commercial drivers exams and passed with no difficulty. I was however not informed about the fourth test I had to take, the regular class c test. Still I would highly recommend this program to anyone.
BPA
Great for study all test needed for….
Great for study all test needed for commercial license in California. plus regular license for everyone
M"M
I had 6 exams to take.
California makes you take everything over when you move up. The first day I took 3 exams and passed ONE. I then bout your online program for life and passed the make up for 2 and the other 3 the First time I took them. I spent 1-2 days study for every test. I used program to study and pass: Car Motorcycle General Knowledge Air brakes Combination HazMat
LC
I Never Even Read THE MANUAL!
I used the program to get my CA CDL-B. I never read the book and passed the CDL, Passenger Endorsement, and Air Brake test in less than a week! The computerized tests at the DMV were exactly the same as the ones I had been practicing on the program! Thank you so much!
PB
Great app!
Because of his app it helped me get my cdl learners permit 2 years ago, my instructor gave me a study guide for the test, I brought this site to their attention and they said it’s not worth it and I will for sure fail the test, long story short I used this site instead of their study guide and passed all 3 tests on the first try. (I took my test in California) I have now had my cdl for two years, and now I’m going for my endorsements and again here I am using this site and I’m positive that I will pass thanks to this site 5 STARS!
DL
These guys have greatly helped me….
These guys have greatly helped me prepare for my California CDL Permit tests. I highly recommend using this site for any DMV test.
JS
I went to the DMV with Confidence!
Driving test.org helped me prepare for my CA CDL test with confidence! The multiple format approach coupled with the likelihood of passing thermometer really helped! I passed because of Driving Test.org! Highly recommend!
TJ
Have not had yet but for a four days…California CDL motorcycle endorsement tanker airbrakes doubles and triples and obviously your standard heart test.
Have not had yet but for a four days studying for my CDL in California lots and lots of InformationI think I’m going to be doing very well with the test I’m going to take tomorrow which would be Friday the first overall motorcycle car CDL air tanker all very very thoroughly gone through very very helpful
MB
Pass the Test.
This website allowed me to refine my knowledge needed for the CDL test in CA. Not only was I able to pass the Class A portion but it gave me the confidence to take and pass my Tanker & HazMat endorsment. If you are looking to aquire your CDL I feel this website will help anyone looking to pass the exam.
RD
I've used Drive-Tests twice in the last….
I've used Drive-Tests twice in the last year to easily pass my Class B CDL Passenger test in the last 13 months. I missed 4 questions total on the general knowledge, airbrakes, and passenger tests. I did that after studying 3 days with Driving-Tests. I could have studied the manual a month and not have scored better.
JL

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.

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