California CDL: How to Get a Commercial Driver's License (2026)

1 CDL classes: A, B, and C

California follows the federal three-class system. Which class you need depends on the vehicle you’ll drive:

• Class A: any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, when the towed unit exceeds 10,000 pounds. This is the classic tractor-trailer license.
• Class B: any single vehicle with a GVWR over 26,000 pounds, or any such vehicle towing a unit of 10,000 pounds or less. Think buses, box trucks, and large straight trucks.
• Class C (commercial): vehicles that don’t fit A or B but carry hazardous materials (H endorsement), are designed for 16+ passengers including the driver (P endorsement), or are school buses (S endorsement).

You may also hold endorsements on top of a class: T (doubles/triples), N (tank vehicles), H (hazardous materials), P (passenger), S (school bus), and X (tank + hazmat combined). Endorsement exams cost $59–$100 depending on the endorsement (see fees below).

2 Who qualifies: age and basics

Before anything else, check the non-negotiable requirements:

• A valid California Class C driver license — you cannot apply for a CDL from scratch. Your Class C must be current (not suspended or revoked).
• Age 18+ for intrastate driving (within California only). Your CDL will carry a “K” restriction limiting you to California.
• Age 21+ for interstate driving (across state lines) and for the hazmat (H) endorsement — federal rule, no exceptions.
• A DOT medical exam passed with a certified medical examiner (see section 4).

If you only ever plan to drive commercially inside California, 18 is enough to start. But most trucking jobs cross state lines — the real career threshold is 21.

3 Step-by-step: how to get your CDL

1. Start the application online at dmv.ca.gov, then complete the process in person at a DMV office (CDL transactions require an office visit).
2. Bring the paperwork: the DL 939 (10-year history record check form) and your medical certificates — the MER (MCSA-5875) and MEC (MCSA-5876) from your DOT exam. Your application and fees are valid for 12 months.
3. Pass the knowledge tests for your class and any endorsements. Three attempts are allowed; if you fail three times the application is void and you must reapply.
4. Get your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and hold it at least 14 days before the skills test. No exceptions, no shortcuts.
5. Schedule your skills test by appointment — CDL skills tests are offered at 23 DMV locations statewide (some open Saturdays), appointment only. Walk-ins are not accepted for CDL skills tests.
6. Pass the three-part skills test: vehicle inspection, basic control skills, and the on-road drive.
7. Receive an interim CDL valid 60 days while your permanent card is mailed.

4 The commercial learner’s permit (CLP)

The CLP is where many applicants stumble on the rules. Key facts:

• Valid 180 days, with one 180-day renewal allowed.
• Minimum 14-day hold before you’re eligible to take the skills test — the clock starts the day the CLP is issued.
• You must practice accompanied by a qualified CDL holder with the proper class and endorsements, seated next to you.
• Limited endorsements are available on a CLP: N (tank), P (passenger), and S (school bus) — but a hazmat (H) endorsement cannot be issued on a CLP.

Use those 14+ days well: the vehicle inspection portion of the skills test is where most first-time failures happen, and it’s the most practice-dependent section.

5 Medical requirements (DOT exam)

Every CDL applicant must pass a Department of Transportation medical exam with a certified medical examiner listed on the National Registry. You’ll receive two documents: the Medical Examination Report (MER, form MCSA-5875) and the Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC, form MCSA-5876) — bring both to the DMV.

Important 2026 change: since July 2026, interstate drivers’ medical certifications are submitted electronically by the medical examiner — you can no longer self-submit a paper certificate for interstate operation. The examiner sends it directly to DMV’s system.

You’ll also self-certify your driving type: non-excepted interstate, excepted interstate, non-excepted intrastate, or excepted intrastate. Most working truck drivers are non-excepted interstate, which requires keeping a current medical certificate on file at all times.

6 The skills test: what to expect

The CDL skills test has three parts, taken in order — you must pass each to move to the next:

1. Vehicle inspection: a thorough walk-around where you explain to the examiner what you’re checking and why. This is the most memorization-heavy section.
2. Basic control skills: backing and maneuvering exercises (straight-line backing, offset backing, alley dock) on a closed course.
3. Road test: driving in real traffic while the examiner scores your performance.

Key rules:

• The test is conducted in English only — federal requirement.
• You get 3 attempts at the skills test.
• A $46 retest fee applies each time you retake it.
• Skills-test waivers exist: a valid out-of-state CDL (equivalent class), a DL 170 (Employer Testing Program certificate), or a DL 965 military waiver (Troops to Trucks program) can waive the skills test.

7 Endorsements and ELDT training

Endorsements unlock specific driving work — each requires its own knowledge test and fee:

• T (doubles/triples): $59
• N (tank vehicles): $59
• H (hazmat): $59 + a TSA security threat assessment (apply through TSA at 1-855-347-8371). Age 21+ required.
• P (passenger): $100
• S (school bus): requires the P endorsement first
• X: tank + hazmat combined

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) has been federally required since February 2022 for first-time Class A/B applicants and certain endorsement upgrades. You must complete training with a registered ELDT provider — California additionally requires 15 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Your training provider reports completion to the federal Training Provider Registry; DMV checks it before issuing your CDL. A “trucking school” isn’t legally mandatory by name, but ELDT from a registered provider effectively is.

8 Fees, renewal, and out-of-state transfers

CDL fees (official DMV schedule, October 2026):

• Class A or B original: $100 | renewal: $59
• Class C (commercial): $59 original or renewal
• Skills retest: $46
• Replacement (lost/stolen): $44

Renewal: You can renew online if you have a clean record — but not with a hazmat endorsement (hazmat renewals require the in-person TSA check cycle). If your CDL has been expired for 2+ years, you must retake the skills test. Note: non-domiciled CDLs are currently paused — you must be a California resident (or otherwise domiciled) to hold a CA CDL. For the full renewal process — medical certificate, online eligibility, fees, and hazmat — see our CDL renewal guide.

Transferring an out-of-state CDL: surrender your valid out-of-state CDL at a California DMV office and the skills test is waived if your license is equivalent — you’ll still take the knowledge tests. This is one of the smoothest paths into a California CDL.

9 Disqualifications: what can take your CDL away

CDL disqualifications follow federal FMCSA rules — they’re stricter than regular license penalties. This is a summary of the process, not legal advice:

• Major offenses (DUI in a commercial vehicle, leaving the scene, felony involving a vehicle): 1-year disqualification for a first offense, lifetime for a second.
• Serious traffic violations (excessive speeding, reckless driving, following too closely): 60 days for two violations in 3 years, 120 days for three.
• Railroad-highway grade crossing violations: 60 days to 1 year depending on offense history.
• Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH): since November 2024, drivers with unresolved Clearinghouse violations are downgraded — the CDL privilege is removed until the return-to-duty process is complete.

Because a CDL is a livelihood, the stakes of any violation are high. If you’re facing a disqualifying action, talk to a licensed California attorney — the DMV’s Driver Safety offices handle the administrative side, but the consequences extend well beyond the DMV counter.

10 Frequently asked questions