How many questions are on the class a permit test

The knowledge test is available in 4 languages (interpreters aren't allowed):

• English
• Spanish
• Russian
• Serbian–Croatian

Make an appointment to take the knowledge test at a driver licensing office location that offers testing. The test fee covers 1 attempt at each knowledge test taken within 90 days of the receipt.

You must pass the knowledge test and get a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP):

• Before you can take the skills test.
• Any time you upgrade your CDL by:
  • A higher commercial class
  • Adding endorsements that require a skills test:
    • Passenger endorsement
    • School bus endorsement
    • Tank vehicle endorsement (only if testing and or training in tank vehicle)
  • Removing an air brake restriction

You're required to take the knowledge test any time you:

• Transfer
• Add
• Renew a hazardous material endorsement (HME). See hazardous materials endorsement (hazmat) for more information on HME requirements.

Knowledge test scores are valid for:

• 180 days from the date passed.
• Another 180 days, if you renew your CLP within 30 days of your original CLP expiring. Double, triple, and hazardous materials cannot be renewed with CLP and expire 180 days from the date passed.

How to prepare

• Study the Commercial driver guide to prepare for the test. The guide is only available in English and contains all the information you'll need to pass the test. In the first chapter you will find a table titled "What sections should you study?" This table indicates with an "x" which section(s) you should study before taking the tests.
• You may also take the practice test for a sample of the types of questions that will be on the test.

Penalties for trying to get a CDL fraudulently could include:

• Cancellation of your driver license.
• Having to wait up to 1 year before you can apply again for a CDL.

Questions? Need help?

Call us: 360.902.3900 (TTY: Call 711)

CALIFORNIA CDL PRACTICE TEST - GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

View instructions

The CDL general knowledge test is required to be taken by all CDL applicants. The California CDL test consists of 50 questions. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 40 questions (80%). The general knowledge test covers the contents of the California CDL Manual. All 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. In addition, the Class A CDL test will include questions based on the Combination Vehicles section. Take this CDL practice test now to prepare for the actual CA general knowledge test! To get your CDL, you must pass both the knowledge and skills tests. CDL knowledge tests include: General Knowledge, Passenger Transport, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, Hazardous Materials, Tanker Vehicles, Doubles/Triples, School Bus, Firefighter. Depending on what class of license (A, B or C) and endorsements you need, you must take one or more knowledge tests. A special endorsement is also required to drive certain types of vehicles. 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). The School Bus endorsement (S) is only available for Class A or B CDL, and the Doubles/Triples endorsement (T) is only available for Class A driver's licenses.

Not Sure You Will Pass?
Get a Pass Guarantee

UPGRADE TO CDL PREMIUM

1. When approaching a traffic light that has been green for a long time, you should:

2. Glad hands are:

3. When you have to back, you should always try to back toward the driver's side because:

4. If you are traveling at 55 mph in a 30 foot vehicle, how many seconds of following distance should you have?

5. Road surfaces where water collects can create conditions that cause a vehicle to hydroplane. Which of the following is an indication of standing water?

6. When a tire fails, do NOT:

7. Perception Distance + Reaction Distance + Brake Lag Distance + Braking Distance = ?

8. When the spring brakes are on, you should:

9. How can you determine your following distance?

10. What should you do at an accident scene, among other things, to help prevent another accident?

NOT SURE YOU WILL PASS? GET CDL PREMIUM NOW! - Learn More

What are the 3 tests for CDL permit in California?

How do I pass my CDL permit test in SC?

How much is the CDL permit test in SC?

How many questions are on the California CDL general knowledge test?