The complete California commercial driver license workflow.

Follow California driver-license, class selection, medical, CLP, ELDT, 15-hour behind-the-wheel, skills test, and issuance steps.

Open CDL path Start free practice

California Class A/B path$100 application · 180-day CLP

14day CLP hold15CA BTW hoursELDTwhen required

Knowledge tests first; vehicle inspection, basic control, and on-road skills follow.

01Choose class and endorsementsClass A, B, commercial C, N, T, P, S, H or X 02Complete medical and self-certificationInterstate/intrastate and excepted/non-excepted 03Apply for the CLP$100 original Class A/B application; vision and knowledge tests 04Complete ELDT when requiredTPR-listed provider for first Class A/B, B-to-A, P, S or H 05Complete California 15-hour trainingOriginal Class A or B applicants submit DL 1236 06Pass the three skills segmentsInspection, control skills and on-road driving 07Receive the commercial licenseInterim CDL, restrictions, medical status and endorsements 08Start commercial driving workEmployer qualification, Clearinghouse, safety and job fit

Hold a valid California driver licenseSelected Class A, B or commercial CSelected required endorsementsConfirmed current legal-presence eligibilityCompleted medical self-certification and formsPaid the correct DMV application feePassed required knowledge tests and obtained CLPCompleted ELDT when applicableCompleted California 15-hour BTW training for original A/BHeld the CLP for at least 14 daysScheduled the correct vehicle for skills testingPassed inspection, control and on-road segmentsVerified CDL class, endorsements and restrictions on issuance

California CDL Guide

Commercial license class selection, CLP, medical, ELDT, knowledge tests, skills preparation, endorsements, and first-job planning.

Core routesMedical certification ELDT Skills test First CDL job

ReferenceOfficial sources Updates About Privacy Disclaimer

Requirements linked to current California DMV and FMCSA sources.Updated July 16, 2026