Commercial Driver Handbook ( PDF ) - California Department of ...

After passing the required knowledge test(s), you
must schedule a CDL performance test which
includes a pre-trip inspection/knowledge test,
basic control skills tests, and the driving test.
You must use the same (or similar) vehicle for all
three performance tests. Under certain specified
conditions, the driving test requirements may be
waived by DMV or CHP.
Use of TesTing Aids ProhibiTed
The use of testing aids is strictly prohibited during
the knowledge test. This includes, but is not limited
to: the California Commercial Driver Handbook,
cheat sheets, or electronic communication devices
such as a cell phone, hand-held computer, etc.
If any testing aid(s) or a substitute test taker is
used during the written test, the written test will
be marked as a “failure.” An action may also be
taken by DMV against your driving privilege or
the driving privilege of anyone else who assists
the applicant in the examination process.
During the pre-trip inspection the department does
not allow the use of testing aids other than the
vehicle inspection guide (pages 155 and 156) in
this handbook. If you are caught using anything
other than the inspection guides, the commercial
driving test will be marked as a failure. The use
of electronic devices such as cell phones, blue
tooth, CB radios, etc. is prohibited during the
commercial driving test. Also people waiting in
the testing vicinity are prohibited from using hand
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Cdl offiCes
Call 1-800-777-0133 to schedule a CDL driving test at one of the following offices:
Arleta Fremont Redding Stockton
Bakersfield
Fresno CDL
Driving Center
Bishop Fullerton
Salinas Torrance
San Bernardino CDL
Driving Test Center
Ukiah
Capitola Lancaster San Luis Obispo Vallejo
Compton Modesto Santa Barbara Ventura
El Centro Montebello Santa Rosa
Eureka Rancho San Diego Santa Teresa Yuba City
W Sacramento CDL
Driving Test Center
signals and shouting instructions. If this occurs,
the test will be discontinued and be marked as a
commercial drive test failure. If markings are found
on the vehicle being used for the test to help with
passing the pre-trip or skills test, including but
not limited to: writing on the vehicle, tape, paint
markings that do not appear like they belong, or
markings on the curbs, walls, or trees that would
help the applicant maneuver the vehicle for the
skills test, the test will be discontinued and will
be marked as a failure.
Pre-trip inspection. You demonstrate your knowledge
of how the specific features and equipment on
the test vehicle should be checked. This handbook
contains inspection guides on pages 155 and 156 for
handy reference. You may use only one of these
guides when taking your pre-trip test. If you do
not pass the pre-trip inspection test, the other tests
will be postponed. There is no additional fee for
re-taking the pre-trip tests on the same application.
See Section 11 for pre-trip information.
Skills tests. You perform various skills that test
your control and ability to maneuver the vehicle.
The tests consist of exercises marked by traffic
cones or markers. The examiner will explain how
each exercise is to be done. You will be scored on
your ability to properly perform each exercise.
Failure of any skill test ends the test and a retest
fee is due for each skills retest. See Section 12 for
skill test information.