For any person hoping to engage professionally in commercial driving, understanding the timeline is essential to planning your path forward. Typically, it takes 4 to 12 weeks to obtain your CDL in California, and it can change based on the kind of license, whether you have an endorsement or not, and depending on the schedule of training. Among the numerous steps involved in the process, some major ones are getting a Commercial Learner’s Permit, completing CDL training, and passing a skills test. Below, we’ll break down each step of the journey so that you can estimate how long it will take to get your CDL and start your new career.
How long does it take to get a CDL in California?
It generally takes 4-12 weeks to obtain a CDL in California. This timeline includes getting documents ready to attend the CDL school for training and taking the tests for licensure. Let’s dive into each step to understand the time commitment.
Choose your CDL Class and endorsements
When it comes to acquiring your CDL, the first step is selecting the right CDL class and realizing if you need any endorsements.
- Class A: For a vehicle with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs or more, or a tractor-trailer or tanker.
- Class B: For single vehicle; weight 26,001 lbs or more, which is a bus or a dump truck.
- Class C: For smaller commercial vehicles, or those transporting a number of passengers, or hazardous material.
- Endorsements: Particular endorses adding to Hazmat (H), Passenger (P), or Doubles/Triples (T) are requirements only where a special job is concerned. Each of these endorsements needs further knowledge testing, sometimes requiring skills testing.
- Estimated time: Do the research and decide should take an estimated 1-3 days.
- Key considerations: You should consider the kind of vehicle you would like to drive and the target job you’re aiming for. This is necessary for eligibility, as if classes and endorsements are decided early, it ensures that applicable training and testing requirements are met.
Prepare required documents
Get through all the papers that you should have to implement in the application of CDL eligibility criteria in California before proceeding with the application process.
The required documents:
- A valid non-commercial California driver’s license.
- Proof of residence: Utility bill, lease, etc.
- Identity proof: Birthplace, or passport instead.
- Your Social Security number or card.
- Medical Examiner’s Certificate to prove to you by DOT physical examination that you meet the physical requirements to drive a commercial vehicle.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks.
Helpful tips:
- Review all acceptable documents on the California DMV website or detailed ones on California CDL requirements to have a complete and up-to-date list.
- Ensure that all documents are valid and, thus, correspondingly match with what’s on your driver’s license to avoid any untimely delays.
Having all your documents organized will facilitate the application for your license and lead you right on to the next step without any hindrances to your path.
Obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
The Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) is given under the law to qualify a CDL holder to practice driving a commercial vehicle under observations as a precondition for being awarded the CDL.
Steps for getting a CLP in California:
- Pass written knowledge test at a California DMV Office.
- Present all needed documents, such as proof of identity and residency.
- Pay the application fee.
Comprehensive practicing for CLP will take your time. However, a right preparation and strategies by following the state CDL manual book or doing practice tests will make your progress smoother.
Take the California CDL practice test here!
Once successfully completed, your CLP will be issued and it requires you to wait for 14 days to take the CDL skills test. The 14-day waiting period is best for practice with an equally qualified CDL holder and get the feel of vehicle operation.
Estimated time: 2-3 weeks (includes the mandatory waiting period and the practice for CLP knowledge).
Complete CDL training
Another major step to actually obtaining your license is CDL training. This is where you learn the skills you require to maneuver large vehicles and the state and federal regulations.
Types of training options:
- Full-time program: This typically ranges from 4 to 6 weeks, which gives a fast track to your CDL.
- Part-time programs: It extends up to 8-12 weeks for a person who is juggling work or any other commitments.
What you will learn:
- Pre-trip inspections.
- Basic control and operation of vehicles.
- Driving and safety techniques.
- Regulation on Federal and State Commercial Driving.
Estimated time: 4-8 weeks, depending on the type of program and schedule.
Pass the CDL skills test
The CDL skills test is a comprehensive assessment of driving abilities. It includes three portions as mentioned below:
- Pre-trip inspection: It is where you show how well you can inspect your vehicle, checking for possible safety issues before getting on the road.
Take the California CDL pre-trip inspection practice test here!
- Basic control skills: Show your control of the vehicle through specific maneuvers, such as backing and parallel parking.
- Road test: Prove your skills in real-world driving conditions, including lane changes, turns, and safe braking.
Schedule the test: The test is available at the DMV or through another third-party testing center. Each area has somewhat different wait times to get appointments for testing so prepare in advance.
Estimated time:1-3 weeks – for the schedule and testing.
Tips for success:
- Practice as much as possible before the test under the supervision of a qualified CDL holder.
- Review the California CDL Handbook on specific testing procedures.
- Take some knowledge practice tests to familiarize yourself with the vehicle components.
Obtain a physical CDL
You will be eligible to receive your CDL officially as you have passed the skill test.
Then, you are required to:
- Submit the results of your passing test to your DMV.
- Licensing fees should be paid.
- Wait for a physical copy of your CDL to come in the mail, usually within 1-2 weeks.
Estimated time: 1-2 weeks.
Once this step is completed, you can now start your career as an officially licensed commercial driver in California.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to get a CDL class A in California?
In general, obtaining a California CDL Class A will take around between 4 to 8 weeks based on your training program and the schedule available for the tests. Here is the main steps breakdown:
- Training duration: Most CDL Class A training extends about 4-6 weeks. Part-time training may take much longer though.
- CLP permit waiting time: A minimum of 14 days is required for an individual to have this commercial learner’s permit before testing.
- Testing and processing: Scheduling and passing of the CDL skills test may add up to another 1 to 3 weeks, depending on how the DMV schedules it.
Well-prepared candidates enrolled in full-time training programs usually take around six weeks to get their Class A CDL.
2. How long is CDL school in California?
CDL school in California typically ranges from 4 to 12 weeks, based on whether you go to a full-time or part-time program. The length of a CDL school also depends on the class of CDL you’ll want to pursue and any endorsements required. In the case of a Class A program, it might be a bit more vast compared to a Class B program since the size and type of vehicle you would learn to operate are different.
Final thoughts
In short, how long does it take to get a CDL in California? It usually takes anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the type of license you seek, training program, and endorsements you may want. If you carefully attend to each step, including choosing your CDL class and preparing the required documents to finish training and passing the skills test, that will be a smooth journey to earning your CDL. In case you have decided to launch into a career in commercial driving, don’t hesitate! With hard work and the right preparation, you’ll soon be on your way to a fulfilling and lifelong career.
