California CDL License Requirements
California CDL schools can help you prepare to earn your CDL in no time at all. In California, you may obtain a CDL license at the age of 16, although, you must be 21 years old to haul across state lines, transport hazardous materials, or to drive a bus. Additionally, CDL candidates must pass a vision exam, a general knowledge test, and a road skills test as well as provide an up-to-date physical. Depending on the endorsements you need, other knowledge and skills tests may be required to drive certain vehicles, such as buses, tankers or to haul hazardous materials. A truck driving school in California will prepare you to pass the CDL exam with ease.
Find CDL Training Schools in California
Before you hit the road as a California CDL driver, there are a few things you should know. According to California CDL requirements, you must be at least 18 years old, pass a current physical examination, and have a valid driver’s license. According to the USDOT, if you want to travel across state lines, you must be at least 21 years old. All CDL applicants then need to pass a general knowledge exam and a skills test, which includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic vehicle knowledge test, and a hands-on test in which you’ll drive on the road. The driving test also must be taken in a vehicle that matches the class of CDL license you are trying to obtain. Other endorsements may also be tested for including, air brakes, school buses, and vehicles that carry hazardous material. A California CDL is within reach! Let us help you find the best CDL driving schools in California.
CDL Training Costs in California
One of the biggest obstacles you will come across will be figuring out how to pay for your Commercial Driver’s License. The average tuition cost for trucking school is about $5,600. Fortunately, there are a few ways that you can pay for your California trucking schools. If you don’t have the money up front to pay, financial aid is a great way to ensure that your CDL education is financially feasible. Applying for financial aid through FAFSA gives you the ability to pay for CDL school through loans subsidized by the government, a federal Pell Grant awarded through participating institutions is money that can be used for school and does not need to be paid back. In some cases, a trucking company will pay for you to go to school with the expectation that you will pass your exam and work for the company. Make sure that you explore all options before you begin your CDL education in California.
CDL Prep in California
Now that you’ve survived California CDL training school, it’s time to start thinking about the other steps you can take to ensure that you nail the California CDL exam. Luckily, our practice test can give you an idea of what to expect when you take your actual exam. You’ll also want to make sure that you practice in the same vehicle that you take the test in. Driving a vehicle you’re comfortable in will make you feel more at ease when taking the road portion of your test. It’s always a great idea to talk to someone who has previously taken the exam so you can learn what to expect.
California CDL Endorsement & Waivers
California CDL drivers have an extensive list of endorsements and certifications that they can test for in addition to the standard Class A, B, or C licensing. These include endorsements such as:
- Passenger Transportation (PV)
- Double Trailers (D)
- Hazardous Materials (HM)
- Tank Vehicle (TV)
- Triple Trailers (T)
CDL Tests in California
There are two portions of the California CDL test that need to be passed before you can hit the road. The knowledge portion of the exam will test your knowledge on safety, road signs, and a variety of other areas while the road test will put you behind the wheel to test your driving ability.
CDL Knowledge Tests in California
The knowledge portion of the California CDL test consists of 50 questions that cover subjects like safety, pre-trip inspection, driving techniques, and road signs. To pass this portion, you must get at least an 80% on the exam. If you want to get a feel of how the exam will be formatted and what kind of questions to expect, our test offers 50 questions that will help you prepare for your upcoming California CDL exam. Once you complete this portion of the exam, you will move on to the skills portion of the test.
CDL Skills Test in California
The California CDL skills test is designed to ensure that you have the proper knowledge and ability to operate a commercial vehicle. The test will be broken down into three portions. The pre-inspection portion will ensure that you’re able to properly assess your vehicle before taking it on the road. The next portion will cover the operating techniques and identification of all aspects of the vehicle. Finally, you will be asked to perform various maneuvers like turning, backing up, and merging lanes that will be a common occurrence on the road. Once these are completed, you’ll finally become a CDL licensed trucker in California.
Job Outlook in California
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, trucking jobs in the United States are expected to increase 5% by the year 2024. Right below the expected growth rate of 7% for all occupations, it’s yet another sign that points towards an industry that’s trending upward. It’s time to join the crowd that’s flocking to California to become licensed CDL drivers.
California Truck Driver Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average driver in California makes about $44,900 per year. This is just above the national average of $43,590. The investment you put into your CDL license education will surely be worth it when you land a trucking job that offers a stellar wage.