With a CDL instruction permit in hand and confident of passing the medical examination, the applicant should look at completing the knowledge tests relevant to their intended driving. In California, with the exception of the General Knowledge Test, these tests are purpose specific and are taken on the basis of the license and endorsements required.
All applicants are required to complete the General Knowledge Test.
Other knowledge tests include:
| The Passenger Transport Test |
Bus Drivers |
| Hazardous Materials Test |
Drivers intending to haul hazardous materials or waste in amounts requiring placarding. |
| The Tanker Test |
Drivers intending to haul bulk liquids. |
| The Combination Vehicles Test |
Drivers intending to drive combination vehicles |
| The Doubles or Triples Test |
Drivers intending to haul double or triple trailers respectively. |
| The Air Brakes Test |
Drivers intending to drive vehicles with Air Brakes |
Other purpose specific tests may apply and this is another instance of the driver anticipating the path ahead and making relevant enquiries to ascertain the tests that they need to undertake. It is highly probable that drivers will need multiple endorsements and will need to complete more than one Knowledge Test in addition to the General Knowledge Test.
In California, these examinations can be taken at California DMV Offices. There are DMV Offices at the locations listed below:
Arleta
Bishop
Torrance
Modesto
Escondido
Bakersfield
Vallejo
Santa Barbara |
Oakland-Coliseum
Fresno
Capitola
Visalia
Santa Teresa
Lancaster
El Centro
Salinas |
Ukiah
San Luis
Montebello
Yuba City
Eureka
San Diego
Stockton
Obispo |
Santa Rosa
San Bernardino
Compton
Fremont
Fullerton
Ventura
W Sacramento
Redding |
The General Knowledge Test may be included in the application fee, but the other endorsement tests cost $39 with the exception of the Passenger Vehicle endorsement which costs $66. The times and locations relevant to specific areas are available at:
www.asp.state.ar.us/divisions/hp/pdf/dl_cdl_sites_051911.pdf
In order to pass these tests, the candidate usually must achieve a score of at least 85%. As with the CDL Instruction Permit this level of expertise is demanded to ensure the safety of all road users and the professionalism of the CDL Driver.
If an applicant is considering adding a HazMat endorsement to your CDL, taking advantage of eGears online CDL training will help by covering the complete Hazardous Materials section of the CDL manual. Get more information on the eGears HazMat practice test here.
