Free California CDL Practice Test — Updated for 2025

To earn your Commercial Driver’s License in California, you must pass the CDL knowledge exams. This page provides free California CDL practice tests for all endorsements: General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, Hazmat, Passenger, School Bus,, Tankers, and Doubles/Triples. Each test gives you one question at a time, instant feedback, and a short explanation. Updated for 2025, these tests help you prepare with confidence.

Arizona CDL at a Glance (Plain-English Summary)

  • Age & eligibility:
    Must be 18+ for intrastate driving, 21+ for interstate, passengers, or hazmat.
  • License:
    Must hold a valid California driver’s license.
  • Medical card:
    Most CDL drivers need a DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
  • CLP:
    CDL drivers generally need a current DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
  • ELDT:
    Entry‑Level Driver Training required federally for Class A/B and endorsements H, S, P.
  • Skills test:
    Hold CLP at least 14 days before the pre‑trip, basic control, and road tests.
  • Hazmat:
    Requires TSA background check + written test.
  • Testing agency:
    Administered by the California DMV.

What’s on the California CDL Knowledge Tests

General Knowledge

— safe driving rules, inspections, speed/space management, emergencies, distracted driving, cargo.

Air Brakes

— parts, dual systems, gauges, stopping distance, downhill control.

Combination Vehicles

— coupling/uncoupling, rollover and skid control, inspections, safe backing.

Hazardous Materials (H)

— placards, shipping papers, segregation, emergency response, TSA.

Passenger (P) & School Bus (S)

— loading/unloading, safety rules, evacuations, mirror checks.

Tankers (N)

— surge/slosh, rollover risks, speed management, inspections.

Doubles/Triples (T)

— converter dollies, coupling order, rollover prevention.

Pre‑Trip Inspection

— engine, suspension, brakes, tires, lights, in‑cab, safety equipment.

Required for All CDL Drivers

These tests are mandatory for all Commercial Driver's License applicants

About General Knowledge Tests

Basic rules, regulations, and safe driving practices for commercial vehicles

General Knowledge Test 1

Basic CDL knowledge and traffic laws

📝 50 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

General Knowledge Test 2

Vehicle safety and inspection procedures

📝 50 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

General Knowledge Test 3

Driving techniques and hazard awareness

📝 50 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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General Knowledge Test 4

Transportation of cargo and passengers

📝 50 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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General Knowledge Test 5

Emergency procedures and vehicle maintenance

📝 50 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

General Knowledge Test 6

Final comprehensive review test

📝 50 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test
About Air Brakes Tests

Air brake systems, inspection, and operation procedures

Air Brakes Test 1

Basic air brake system components and operation

📝 25 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Air Brakes Test 2

Air brake inspection and testing procedures

📝 25 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Air Brakes Test 3

Emergency procedures and troubleshooting

📝 25 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Air Brakes Test 4

Advanced air brake systems and safety

📝 25 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test
About Pre-Trip Inspection Tests

Vehicle inspection procedures and safety checks

Pre-Trip Inspection Test 1

Engine compartment and cab inspection

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Pre-Trip Inspection Test 2

Exterior vehicle inspection

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Pre-Trip Inspection Test 3

Trailer and coupling system inspection

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Endorsement Tests

Additional certifications for specialized commercial driving

About Combination Vehicles Tests

Tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations

Combination Vehicles Test 1

Coupling and uncoupling procedures

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Combination Vehicles Test 2

Inspection of combination vehicles

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Combination Vehicles Test 3

Driving combination vehicles safely

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Combination Vehicles Test 4

Backing and maneuvering techniques

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Combination Vehicles Test 5

Advanced combination vehicle operation

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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About Hazmat Tests

Hazardous materials transportation and safety

Hazmat Test 1

Hazmat classification and identification

📝 30 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Hazmat Test 2

Loading and handling procedures

📝 30 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Hazmat Test 3

Documentation and placarding

📝 30 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Hazmat Test 4

Emergency response and safety procedures

📝 30 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test
About Passenger Vehicles Tests

Buses and vehicles designed to transport passengers

Passenger Vehicle Test 1

Pre-trip inspection for passenger vehicles

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Passenger Vehicle Test 2

Loading and unloading passengers

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Passenger Vehicle Test 3

Passenger safety and emergency procedures

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Passenger Vehicle Test 4

Special situations and regulations

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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About School Bus Tests

School bus operation and student transportation safety

School Bus Test 1

Loading and unloading students

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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School Bus Test 2

Emergency exits and evacuation procedures

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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School Bus Test 3

Student management and safety

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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School Bus Test 4

Special hazards and situations

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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About Tanker Vehicles Tests

Liquid cargo transportation and tank vehicle operation

Tanker Vehicle Test 1

Tanker vehicle inspection and safety

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Tanker Vehicle Test 2

Driving techniques for liquid cargo

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Tanker Vehicle Test 3

Loading, unloading, and emergency procedures

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test
About Doubles/Triples Tests

Double and triple trailer combinations

Doubles/Triples Test 1

Coupling and inspection procedures

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Doubles/Triples Test 2

Driving techniques and safety

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Doubles/Triples Test 3

Emergency procedures and troubleshooting

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

FAQs — Arkansas CDL

Additional certifications for specialized commercial driving

Q1- Who needs a CDL in California?

Drivers of:
  • Vehicles with GVWR 26,001 lb+.
  • Combinations with GCWR 26,001 lb+ if trailer over 10,001 lb.
  • Vehicles designed for 16+ passengers including driver.
  • Hazmat placarded vehicles.

Q2- Minimum age for CDL in California?

18 for intrastate, **21** for interstate/hazmat/passenger.

Q3- DOT medical card required?

Yes, most drivers need a valid **Medical Examiner’s Certificate**.

Q4- What is ELDT?

Entry‑Level Driver Training required for Class A/B CDLs and H, S, P endorsements.

Q5- How long must I hold a CLP?

At least 14 days before the skills test.

Q6- Where are CDL tests given in California?

Through the California DMV.

Q7- Passing score for CDL tests?

80% minimum.

Q8- Are CDL tests offered in Spanish?

Some written CDL tests are offered in Spanish. Check with California DMV for availability.

Q9- Hazmat endorsement requirements?

TSA background check + Hazmat exam.

Q10- What to bring to test day?

California license, CLP, medical card, ELDT proof, and a vehicle matching your CDL class.