The California DMV issues commercial licenses. California has a few rules that differ from other states, so read this before you book. Rules and fees change, so treat this guide as a starting point and confirm everything on the official site before you go.
Before you apply
- You must be 18 to drive a commercial vehicle inside California and 21 to drive between states or haul hazardous materials or waste.
- You need a regular California Class C license first.
- You submit medical forms: the Medical Examination Report and the Medical Examiner's Certificate.
Getting the permit
Complete the online CDL application, then visit a DMV office to verify your identity, pay the fee and pass the knowledge tests. You get three attempts per test. Fail the same test three times and your application expires, so you start over.
- The application is valid for 12 months.
- The commercial learner's permit (CLP) is valid for 180 days and can be renewed once for another 180 days.
- You must hold the CLP at least 14 days before the skills test.
Training
First-time Class A and B applicants, and anyone adding the passenger, school bus or hazardous materials endorsement, need entry-level driver training. California also requires an extra 15 hours of behind-the-wheel training for an original Class A or B license. Your training provider completes a certification form that you submit before the CDL is issued.
The skills test
Skills tests are by appointment only, and you bring a vehicle for the class you are testing for. The test has three parts: vehicle inspection, basic control skills and a road test. You get three tries, with a retest fee each time.
Plan your timeline. The 14-day wait, the training hours and the appointment all have to fit inside the permit's 180 days.