General Knowledge Practice Test
Core commercial-driving rules, safety and operations.
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FREE · UPDATED FOR 2026 · INSTANT EXPLANATIONS
California CDL Practice Tests 2026
Prepare for California commercial-driver knowledge tests with focused practice for General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles and five CDL endorsements. Every answer includes an official handbook reference.
OFFICIAL TEST OVERVIEW
How California CDL Knowledge Testing Works
California requires every CDL applicant to pass the knowledge tests matching the commercial license class, brake system and endorsements sought. General Knowledge covers the safety information every commercial driver must know. Additional tests apply to air-brake vehicles, Class A combinations, passenger or school buses, tanks, hazardous materials, and doubles or triples.
Complete the California driver license application, provide required documents, meet vision and medical requirements when applicable, pay DMV fees, and take the required knowledge tests. The official question bank is not published, so study the current handbook—not only memorized answers.
8 CDL TEST CATEGORIES
Choose Your California CDL Practice Test
Start with General Knowledge, then practice every section required for your license class and endorsements.
Air Brakes Practice Test
Air-brake components, inspections and safe operation.
View Test Guide & Start →Combination Vehicles Practice Test
Coupling, combination handling and inspections.
View Test Guide & Start →Hazardous Materials Practice Test
HazMat safety concepts and federal requirements.
View Test Guide & Start →Tank Vehicles Practice Test
Liquid surge, inspection and tanker operation.
View Test Guide & Start →Passenger Vehicles Practice Test
Safe passenger transport and vehicle procedures.
View Test Guide & Start →School Bus Practice Test
School-bus safety, loading and emergency procedures.
View Test Guide & Start →Doubles and Triples Practice Test
Multiple-trailer coupling and safe handling.
View Test Guide & Start →Each category page contains the full number of practice questions shown on its card. Official question selection is controlled by California DMV.
Select a test above to begin
Your progress, correct answers and missed questions will appear here. No registration is required.
California CDL Test Facts at a Glance
- What score passes?
- 80%. On a 50-question test, 40 correct answers equal 80%.
- Who gives the official test?
- The California Department of Motor Vehicles.
- What is tested?
- General knowledge plus subjects required by the vehicle, license class and endorsements.
- When is ELDT required?
- For a first Class A or B CDL, complete required ELDT before the skills test. For a first H endorsement, complete required theory training before the knowledge test.
California CDL Practice Test FAQ
What score is needed to pass a California CDL knowledge test?+
California CDL knowledge tests use an 80% passing standard. For a 50-question General Knowledge test, that equals at least 40 correct answers.
Is this the official California DMV CDL test?+
No. These are free educational practice questions. The official knowledge test is administered by the California DMV.
Which handbook should I study?+
Study the current California Commercial Driver’s Handbook and every section that applies to your license class, vehicle and endorsements.
Do first-time applicants need ELDT?+
Most applicants seeking a first Class A or Class B CDL, a Class B-to-A upgrade, or a first H, P or S endorsement must complete applicable ELDT with a provider listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry.
How long must I hold a California CLP?+
California DMV states that applicants must hold a commercial learner’s permit for at least 14 days before taking the CDL skills test.
PRACTICE ONLY — NOT A GOVERNMENT EXAM
Talk to Patriot CDL →Build knowledge before test day.
Patriot CDL is not affiliated with California DMV. Rules can change. Verify current information in the official handbook and on the DMV website.