California Commercial Learner's Permit & CDL Preparation California CDL Commercial Handbook
California Commercial Driver Handbook topics

Study knowledge tests and skills tests as one connected driving system.

Use twelve focused modules, 320 original questions, endorsement drills, missed-question review and full Class A/Class B readiness modes.

All applicantsGeneral Knowledge

Vehicle control, inspections, communication, speed, space, hazards, emergencies, railroad crossings, fatigue, and safe driving.

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Cargo-carrying vehiclesCargo Transport

Weight, balance, securement, inspection intervals, tiedowns, hazardous loading conditions, and sealed loads.

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Air-brake vehiclesAir Brakes

System components, inspection, warning devices, stopping, parking, failures, and the air-brake restriction.

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Class A combinationsCombination Vehicles

Coupling, uncoupling, rollover, trailer skid, air lines, inspection, and combination braking.

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P endorsementPassenger Vehicles

Passenger safety, loading, prohibited practices, emergency equipment, stops, and vehicle inspection.

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S endorsementSchool Bus

Student loading, danger zones, mirrors, railroad crossings, emergency evacuation, and special certificate requirements.

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N endorsementTank Vehicles

Surge, outage, bulkheads, baffled and unbaffled tanks, smooth bore, high center of gravity, and liquid control.

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T endorsementDoubles & Triples

Coupling order, converter dollies, inspections, rollover, crack-the-whip, and emergency handling.

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H/X endorsementHazardous Materials

Shipping papers, placards, segregation, loading, security, incidents, routes, and TSA/ELDT requirements.

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Skills testVehicle Inspection Test

Engine compartment, cab, lights, brakes, coupling, suspension, tires, emergency equipment, and test communication.

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Skills testBasic Control Skills

Straight-line backing, offset backing, parallel parking, alley dock, pull-ups, boundaries, and observations.

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Skills testOn-Road Driving

Turns, intersections, lane changes, curves, upgrades, downgrades, railroad crossings, signs, traffic, and stopping.

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