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  • Updated for January 2025
  • Based on 2025 CA commercial driver's license manual

Free California CDL Permit Practice Test: General Knowledge 2025

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 January, 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 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.

[faq]

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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Commercial Driver's License
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What you need to know

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What to expect on the actual CA DMV exam

50

questions

40

correct answers to pass

80%

passing score

List of questions (classic view)

  1. Which of these will cause you to lose your CDL for a minimum of one year for the first offense?
  2. Which of these is not a possible penalty for having more than one license?
  3. According to the state of California, you are considered involved in interstate commerce UNLESS the cargo you are transporting
  4. In a seven-day period, you are permitted to drive a maximum of ___ hours.
  5. What must you do if you are involved in a collision that involves death, injury, or property damage over $1,000?
  6. Within how many days must you notify your employer of any traffic violations (except parking)?
  7. According to the state of California, what is the most important and obvious reason to check your vehicle?
  8. Which of these is part of the seven-step inspection method?
  9. Which of these should you do during a trip as part of your en route inspection?
  10. During a seven-step inspection, checking the engine compartment does NOT include checking
  11. You check your safety belt to ensure that
  12. The steps for checking your signal lights include the following
  13. Which of these is NOT a rule to follow for backing safely?
  14. Which of these is NOT part of the basic method for shifting up?
  15. How far ahead do most good drivers look, according to the Handbook?
  16. Retarders
  17. Which of the following is NOT a proper way to signal?
  18. Where should you place your warning devices, if you must stop on a one-way or divided highway?
  19. Which of these equals the total stopping distance?
  20. What is the safest speed when you are driving in heavy traffic?
  21. Which of the following should you NOT do when you are being tailgated?
  22. Which of these statements is true about the relationship between cargo and height?
  23. Which of these is not a problem associated with other drivers during night driving?
  24. Which of these are signs of a driver under the influence?
  25. Which of the following should you NOT do while driving at night?
  26. Which of the following should you NOT do if you experience a tire failure?
  27. An antilock braking system (ABS) will
  28. Which of these should you NOT do during a drive wheel skid?
  29. If you are involved in a collision, you should
  30. Which of these is NOT a common cause of vehicle fires?
  31. An A: B: C type fire extinguisher is designed to work on which types of fires?
  32. To help you stay alert and safe while driving, you should
  33. Which of the following is NOT a main concern when you are driving in very hot weather?
  34. Your vehicle is stuck on railroad tracks. You should
  35. According to the Handbook, children present a hazard because
  36. You don't want to be a distracted driver, so you
  37. Step 3 of the seven-step inspection method is Start Engine and Inspect inside the Cab. This step involves each of the following tasks, EXCEPT
  38. Your safety equipment must include
  39. On wet roads, you should reduce your speed by
  40. Checking your vehicle's suspension does NOT include checking
  41. At what speed should you test the stopping action of the service brakes?
  42. Which of the following is NOT a basic skill needed to operate a commercial vehicle?
  43. When you back with a trailer, you should
  44. During your pre-trip test, when examining hoses with the instructor, you need to look for
  45. After your pre-trip inspection, you should inspect your cargo
  46. A top-heavy load is dangerous because it can cause
  47. The aggregate working load limit of your cargo tiedowns must be at least ______ times the weight of the cargo.
  48. Flags or lights are required on projecting loads that extend
  49. What is the gross vehicle weight (GVW)?
  50. Legal maximum weight limits may not be safe in all of the following, EXCEPT
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