California Commercial Learner's Permit & CDL Preparation California CDL Commercial Handbook
CDL California CDL GuideClass · CLP · ELDT · Skills · Endorsements
California commercial driver license path

Choose Class A, B, or commercial C before you pay for training or take the wrong tests.

Match the vehicle and job to the license class, complete medical certification and ELDT when required, obtain the CLP, hold it for 14 days, finish California's 15-hour behind-the-wheel requirement for original Class A or B, and prepare for vehicle inspection, basic control, and on-road testing.

Build my CDL routeTake a 10-question diagnostic
Original Class A/B fee$100Application valid 12 months
CLP validity180 daysOne additional 180-day renewal within the application year
Skills eligibility14 daysMinimum CLP holding period
California BTW15 hoursOriginal Class A or B applicants
Start with the vehicle

Which commercial license route matches your work?

Go directly to the blocker

Use the next useful step.

01I do not know which license or endorsement I needCompare A, B, C, N, T, P, S, H and X

Match weight, trailer, passenger, school-bus, tank, and hazardous-material work.

 02I need the medical formsComplete the commercial medical route

Self-certification, MCSA-5875, MCSA-5876, examiner timing, and DMV submission.

 03I am unsure whether federal training appliesCheck ELDT applicability

First Class A/B, B-to-A upgrades, and first P, S, or H endorsements use a registered provider.

 04I need the permitPrepare the CLP appointment

California DL, identity/residency, fee, vision, knowledge tests, photo, thumbprint, and endorsements.

 05I need useful questionsUse 320 original questions

General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination, endorsements, inspection, backing, and road skills.

 06I passed knowledge testsPrepare all three skills segments

Vehicle inspection, basic control, and on-road driving in the correct vehicle.
Original Class A/B workflow

Nine controlled steps from ordinary license to CDL.

  1. 1
    Hold a valid California driver license

    The ordinary California DL validates the commercial learner's permit.

  2. 2
    Select class, endorsements, and operation type

    Determine intrastate/interstate and excepted/non-excepted medical status.

  3. 3
    Complete medical certification

    Use a certified medical examiner when the operation requires federal medical qualification.

  4. 4
    Apply and pass knowledge tests

    Pay the current fee, complete vision/photo/thumbprint, and obtain the CLP.

  5. 5
    Complete ELDT when applicable

    Training must come from a provider listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry.

  6. 6
    Complete California's 15-hour BTW training

    Original Class A or B applicants submit the DL 1236 certification.

  7. 7
    Hold the CLP at least 14 days

    Practice only with a properly licensed supervising driver and correct vehicle.

  8. 8
    Pass all three skills segments

    Vehicle inspection, basic control, and on-road driving.

  9. 9
    Receive and protect the CDL

    DMV issues an interim commercial license while the card is produced; keep medical and endorsements current.

Current legal-presence alert

Limited-term/non-domiciled CDL issuance is under temporary restriction.

Applicants affected by limited-term legal presence rules should check the current California DMV notice before applying, renewing, or changing status.

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