Which CDL skills test does California use?

California gives both versions, depending on the test site.

How old do you have to be to get a CDL in California?

21 to drive across state lines under federal rules. Most states let drivers 18 to 20 hold a CDL for in-state driving only; the California manual says whether California does.

How to get your CDL in California (2026)

Updated October 2026 · Written from the state CDL manuals

Getting a CDL in California follows the federal steps every state uses: a DOT medical card, the knowledge tests for a learner permit, at least 14 days with the permit, entry-level driver training, and the three-part skills test. California DMV runs the tests and publishes the manual they are written from.

Skills test: California gives both versions, depending on the test site.
Checklist on the pre-trip: Yes. You may use a blank checklist as a memory aid during the vehicle inspection.
Low air warning in the pre-trip inspection (skills test): before 55 psi.
California’s manual adds rules of its own beyond the national model.

What the California manual says about the tests

California runs both versions: 22 of its 25 CDL test sites converted to the modernized test, the rest still give the older one. Your version depends on where you test.
On the modernized test you inspect one axle and may use the checklist with no extra markings.
The handbook requires the vehicle inspection in English; interpreters are not allowed.
Air brake items must be demonstrated and said out loud, including the parameters. Missing them is an automatic failure of the whole vehicle inspection.
You get three attempts at each part of the skills test: vehicle inspection, basic control skills and road test.

Source: California DMV handbook (DL 650) and modernization FAQ.

The steps in California

Choose your class (most truck drivers get Class A) and any endorsements.
Be 21 to drive across state lines. Whether 18 to 20 year olds can drive within California is in the state manual.
Get a DOT medical card from an examiner on the FMCSA National Registry.
Pass California’s knowledge tests and get your commercial learner’s permit.
Hold the permit at least 14 days.
Finish entry-level driver training with a registered provider.
Pass the skills test: vehicle inspection, basic control skills, road test.

Each step in detail, with what to expect: how to get your CDL. Fees, forms and offices are in the California Commercial Driver Handbook (DL 650).

What California does its own way

Skills test version: both versions, depending on the test site.
Checklist during the pre-trip: Yes. You may use a blank checklist as a memory aid during the vehicle inspection.
Low air warning in the pre-trip inspection (skills test): Before pressure drops below 55 psi
Static leakage test: engine off, brakes released, timed one minute; pressure must not drop more than 2 psi for single vehicles.
Static leakage test limits are 2 psi for single vehicles, 3 psi for a combination of two, and 5 psi for a combination of three or more.

The California manual has more rules of its own, with practice questions for each, in the app. Some national questions also have a different answer in this state.

Everything above, chapter by chapter: the California CDL manual guide. Practice for California’s tests: California CDL practice test.

Not in California? Pick your state.

Study for the California tests

Practice questions written from the California manual, an AI coach on every answer, and Mr. Egg's video lessons for the pre-trip.

Practise for California in the app

Questions people ask

Get a DOT medical card, pass California's knowledge tests for a commercial learner's permit, hold it at least 14 days, complete entry-level driver training from a registered provider, then pass the vehicle inspection, basic control and road tests.