The following endorsements may be used with a Class A, B or C CDL: HazMat (H), Tank Vehicles (N), Tank Vehicles Transporting Hazardous Materials (X) and Passenger Transport (P). A special endorsement is also required to drive certain types of vehicles.

Depending on what class of license (A, B or C) and endorsements you need, you must take one or more knowledge tests. CDL knowledge tests include: General Knowledge, Passenger Transport, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, Hazardous Materials, Tanker Vehicles, Doubles/Triples, School Bus, Firefighter. To get your CDL, you must pass both the knowledge and skills tests. Take this CDL practice test now to prepare for the actual CA general knowledge test! In addition, the Class A CDL test will include questions based on the Combination Vehicles section. The general knowledge test covers the contents of the California CDL Manual.Īll CDL applicants (Class A, B and C) must study the following sections: Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, Air Brakes (if you plan to operate vehicles equipped with air brakes), Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Control Skills Test, Road Test. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 40 questions (80%). The California CDL test consists of 50 questions. That’s why the Hazardous Materials CDL test is the same in every state.The CDL general knowledge test is required to be taken by all CDL applicants. Are Hazmat placards placed in a different location on your trailer depending on what state you’re in? Not so much. Is there a different braking technique on a mountain in Colorado than there is in West Virginia? No, that’s why the questions and answers on the Air Brakes test are the same on the California CDL test as they are on every other state’s test. The way you drive a big truck doesn’t change from one state to the next. These rules must be consistent nationwide. The FMCSA’s mission “is to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities involving large trucks and buses”. Each state turns this template into their own CDL manual and adds such things as an introduction, state DMV/DPS locations, requirements, and fees for that state. This information doesn’t change from state to state. The California CDL manual is based on the same template given from the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) and based on Federal Guidelines. Link to our main CDL Practice Test pageĪdditional Information About California CDL Tests.Link to California Truck Driving Schools.Trucking Terminology and Transportation Definitions.What is a CDL? A Commercial Driver’s License Overview.CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Learning Center.How to Pass the Official State CDL Exams.How to Get a Hazardous Materials Endorsement.

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