California Commercial Learner's Permit & CDL Preparation California CDL Commercial Handbook
First CDL job

Use the CDL as the start of a safe driving career.

Choose local or interstate work, match class and endorsements, review pay structure, equipment, training, Clearinghouse, medical, safety record and employer terms.

01Local Class B or delivery work

Short-haul routes, straight trucks, refuse, construction, utility or local service vehicles.

02Class A tractor-trailer

Regional, local or interstate freight depending on age, endorsements, experience and employer requirements.

03Passenger or school bus

Additional endorsements, training, medical standards, certificates, background and employer qualifications apply.

04Tank or hazmat

Specialized loading, surge, routing, security, shipping-paper and incident responsibilities apply.

Questions to ask an employer

  • Is the role intrastate or interstate, and which endorsements and restrictions are acceptable?
  • How are orientation, road evaluation, mentoring and equipment assignment handled?
  • Is pay hourly, mileage, load, route, salary or a combination?
  • Who pays detention, breakdown, layover, training, lodging and return travel?
  • What are the home-time, dispatch, camera, phone, safety and disciplinary policies?
  • How does the company handle Clearinghouse queries, medical updates and driver qualification records?