CA Commercial Drivers (CDL)

Commercial drivers have a little bit more to do when it comes to their license, due to the fact that the vehicle they are operating is mainly for business or company purposes. There are several different factors that come into play with such a license, which you should understand well in order to go through the necessary processes with ease and without delay. You will find that if you aren’t aware of the appropriate processes, you can easily end up in the wrong place with the wrong forms, sent to restart again with the appropriate steps—in other words, wasting your time! 4dmv.com is a great resource for California commercial drivers that are ready to obtain their licensing services in the most convenient and time-saving method possible.

What is a CDL Commercial License?

California CDL licensing is offered to those who operate large commercial vehicles on state roadways; however, not everyone can receive a CDL. In fact, only professional, high skill drivers are able to obtain their license after proving a clear understanding of commercial rules and regulations, as well as high aptitude behind the wheel.

To operate any type of commercial vehicle within California, a CDL license is absolutely required, as these are much larger vehicles that require special skills and adequate maneuvers. Proving your residency within California for a CDL license is done through various means:

  • California voter registration
  • Resident tuition payment within higher education institution of California
  • California homeowner’s property tax file for exemption
  • California license of any sort
There are also other qualifications that are typically benefits or other provisions not provided to out-of-state residents. Any Class A, Class B, or Class C vehicles with required endorsements will require a CDL license for legal operation in the state of California.

Vehicles considered as commercial vehicles are those that are driven for purposes of transporting property or passengers for paid compensation, as well as meet the following qualifications:

  • GVWR over 26,000
  • Tows vehicles with GVWR over 10,000
  • Tows multiple vehicles or trailer bus
  • Operated with 3+ axles, unless under 6,000 gross pounds
  • Any vehicle operated, designed for, or kept for carrying of over 10 passengers including driver, for higher or some sort of profit, or used by any not-for-profit entity or interest group. Includes farm vehicle, bus, general public transit, etc.
  • Operated for transportation of hazardous material which requires placard
  • Operated for transportation of hazardous waste in accordance with California Health and Safety Code 25115 and 25117

California Commercial Driver Handbook

The first step to getting a CDL license in California is studying the handbooks offered in order to ensure that you understand the various elements and rules that surround the license, giving you an advantage when it comes to the appropriate testing. The California Commercial Driver Handbook is the top reference for California CDL drivers, as it explains the rules, regulations, restrictions, and requirements surrounding the California commercial license.

For information about the commercial license online, you can view various publications at Commercial Driver License Information.

Getting Your California CDL License

There is a different written test provided to those that are obtaining their California CDL driver’s license, which means that studying requires different material. If you are studying for your CDL license exam, you can use the samples that are provided by the California DMV, which provides 2 sample exams to study from:

You can also find great practice tests offered online for CDL drivers practicing to complete their exams in California. These resources are optimal for those that would like the practice needed to ensure they fully comprehend the information they are tested on.

You can apply for the CDL license in California if you are 18 or older and not driving across state lines or over the age of 21 driving over state laws or to transport hazardous waste or material.

The necessary application for commercial CDL drivers in California is the Commercial Driver Application DL 44C, which cannot be downloaded or viewed online as it is provided with a barcode unique to the specific application, and only offered by mail or in-person from the DMV.

In order to obtain your CDL license, you will be required to complete the behind-the-wheel exam, which is offered by appointment only. To schedule your appointment online you can visit  Drive Test Appointment, or you can simply call 1-800-777-0133.

  • Complete application DL 44C—by signing you consent to chemical, alcohol or drug testing of blood.
  • Provide proof of legal full name.
  • Provide approved California medical certificate form completed by qualified medical professional.
  • Provide appropriate BD/LP document. To determine accepted documents visit  Birth Date Verification and Legal presense requirements
  • Provide Social Security Card.
  • Submit DL 170, obtained online Certificate of Driving Skill or by phone 1-800-777-0133, signed by you and employer.
  • Pay all applicable fees which can be determined by viewing fee chart online at Commercial Driver License Handbook Section.

CDL Testing

The California CDL road exam cannot be completed in the same way as the standard license testing due to the nature of the vehicles you will be in operation of. Instead, you must make an appointment with the appropriate CDL office. You will also have to complete a law and vision test as well. Law tests include:

  • General knowledge for all Class A and B
  • Air brakes if operating air brake equipped vehicles
  • Combination vehicle test for operation of Class A combination vehicle
  • Passenger transport test for transportation of vehicles
  • Hazmat test for transportation of hazardous material or waste
  • Tank Vehicle Test for transportation of bulk liquids
  • Doubles/Triples for double or triple trailers—however you must note that triple trailers are illegal within the state of California.
Renewal and replacement of CDL licensing in California is done with similar processes and forms, as well as fees. You can visit Commercial Driver License Handbook Section 1  to find out what additional forms and fees may be required if any, as well as what testing will be required for renewals. CDL license renewals are not permitted online, which means that you must report in-person in order to renew your CDL.