California Commercial Learner's Permit & CDL Preparation California CDL Commercial Handbook
On-road test

Show safe decisions before the examiner has to intervene.

Prepare turns, intersections, lane changes, urban and rural traffic, expressways, grades, railroad crossings, bridges, signs, stopping and general control.

What the examiner evaluates

Observation, speed, spacing, lane position, signals, mirror use, vehicle control, shifting, braking, hazard response and compliance with traffic controls.

Make commercial-vehicle decisions early

Reduce speed before curves and grades, select lanes before turns, leave room for offtracking, check clearance and communicate before changing position.

Railroad crossings are deliberate

Use the procedure required for the vehicle and endorsement, ensure enough room beyond the tracks, and avoid shifting while crossing.