There are THREE types (classifications) of California CDL (Commercial Drivers License)
If you possess a Class C CDL, you may not drive Class A or Class B vehicles.
See detailed differences between the
California CDL Classification Codes.
Prepare for the California Class C Written Tests
California Class C CDL (Commercial Drivers License) Requirements
Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definition
of Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers,
including the driver, or is transporting material that has been designated
as hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103 and is required to be placarded under subpart
F of 49 CFR Part 172 or is transporting any quantity of a material listed
as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR Part 73. This also includes vehicles
with a tank exceeding 1000 gallons even when the GWVR does not exceed 26,000
pounds.
The bottom line . . . A Class C CDL is required only for those vehicles that otherwise DO NOT REQUIRE A CDL (vehicles that do not exceed 26,000 pounds GVWR),
except for the cargo/load that they carry. Therefore it is the ENDORSEMENT requirement that determines the Class C CDL requirement.
A Class C CDL is only required when the "light" vehicle requires any of the following "endorsements" . . .
- Passenger Vehicle
- School Bus
- Hazardous Materials
- Tank Vehicle
Employers may require their drivers to possess a Class C CDL as a condition of employment even when not required by statute. This is often due to their insurance carriers requiring this to ensure proper training leading to greater safety and fewer claims.
If you need help . . .
determining what Class of CDL you need based upon the type
of vehicle you will drive (A, B or C) or are not sure which CDL
Endorsements you need based upon the type of loads you will carry; use the
free CDL Selector Tool . . .
California
Go to CDL Selector Tool
Not sure which CA CDL Tests you need to pass? Use this tool to determine what Class of CDL and which CDL Endorsements you require.
How to get a California Class C CDL (Commercial Drivers License)
- Provide documentation and pay fees
- Provide Medical Certificate
- Pass applicable written test(s) to obtain a California CDL C permit (General
Knowledge) plus any applicable endorsement written tests
- Pass skills tests in a "representative" type vehicle
For more detailed information, go to
how to get your California CDL.
California Class C Exam Requirements
To operate vehicles transporting placarded amounts of hazardous materials, or
vehicles designed to transport more than 15 persons including the driver with
a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of less than 26,001 lbs, then a California Class C CDL
is needed. The following tests are required:
- General Knowledge test
- Air Brakes (if applicable)
- Pre-Trip (if applicable)
- Basic Skills (if applicable)
- CDL Road Test
- Applicable exams for desired endorsements
You can normally take the required California CDL written tests and obtain your your California CDL permit without having to make an appointment.
Are YOU ready to get YOUR California CDL?
Prepare for YOUR California CDL Tests NOW . . .
In addition to the California CDL (commercial driver's license) information found in our website covering the California CDL and in the free California CDL Handbook (which is quite boring and a bit confusing - and doesn't have a single multiple-choice question in it that is asked on the actual tests), the complete online
California CDL Practice Test prep program will prepare you to easily pass your
California CDL written exams to get your California CDL permit. The skills test modules are invaluable to give you a head start before doing your
behind the wheel work, possibly saving you a lot of money. The California CDL test prep program includes the following features . . .
- Covers ALL Eight California CDL written tests.
- In separate study modules - you won't need all of them - don't waste time on what you don't require.
- Covers ALL Three California CDL skills tests.
- In separate study modules - you won't need all of them - don't waste time on what you don't require.
- 670 practice California CDL test questions with actual answers.
- Access to CDL videos covering written and skills tests.
- CDL study guide in both text and audio - listen as you read along.
- CDL study Quick Reviews.
- Interactive online CDL Quizzes.
- and much more!
May your new CAREER be prosperous!!!
Michael Hamilton
Director
"I just want to thank you for your program. Much better than expected. I got my Class B permit on my first try. I am now studying your CDL skills tests material before I start my hands-on training.
" - M.K., Lakeland, FL
"I passed my CDL tests easily. I'm not a good reader, so the voice audio really helped me. The interactive quizzes and video practice tests were great.
" - S.T., Odessa, TX
"Just letting you know that I passed my CDL tests the first time and got my Class A CDL permit. Everything I needed was available to me and much more. Thank you.
" - B.G., Battle Creek, MI
"Because of test anxiety, I procrastinated until I only had three days left before I needed my CDL permit before purchasing from you. I am holding my CDL permit. I wish I found your web site sooner. Thanks!
" - R.K., Hamilton, OH
