The California CDL permit test typically contains 50 – 95 multiple-choice questions varying on the type of endorsement and the CDL Class. Answering these questions correctly and getting a CLP is an important milestone for commercial drivers seeking qualification to practice driving a CMV on public roads. This guide shall break down a number of questions included in each of the three CLP essential sections: general knowledge, air brakes, and combination vehicles. Knowing what to expect really gives you an edge in preparing for and passing the test. Let’s get into the details to set you up for success.
How many questions are on the CDL permit test in California?
It depends on your desired vehicles and the type of CDL Class that you intend to obtain. However, the test for a California CDL permit generally has 50-95 questions. These are segmented into three key areas:
- General knowledge: 50 questions.
- Air brakes (if applicable): 25 questions.
- Combination vehicles (if applicable): 20 questions.
Each section addresses certain contents and it checks your knowledge on every aspect of commercial driving, vehicle operation, and safety generally.
General knowledge
The California CDL permit test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions in the general knowledge section that encompasses major areas that every commercial driver must know. You need to get at least 80% for this section, which often means getting up to 10 questions wrong. Here’s a breakdown of the main topics covered:
- Safe driving: Describes how to drive safely in rain, snow, or fog; and how to maintain appropriate speeds and distances.
- Vehicle inspection procedures: Ensures drivers will be able to properly inspect the vehicle before each trip to ensure brakes, lights, tires, and other critical parts are functioning.
- Emergency management: This will check your knowledge on how to deal with such specific emergencies as brake failure or tire blowout and what kind of action is necessary for protecting you and other road users.
- Hazardous conditions: Drive over conditions that may be hazardous, such as steep grades and sharp turns, and know how to work in and manage high winds safely with control.
- Basic vehicle control: Covers the basics of operating a commercial vehicle, including gear shifting, safe backing, and smooth turns.
Mastering these subjects will establish a strong foundation for safe and responsible driving practices, besides adding to the confidence level you may need to pass the general knowledge section.
Take the California General Knowledge practice test now!
Air brakes
The air brakes portion of the California CDL permit test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions, all on the topic of operation with air brakes. You must correctly answer at least 20 questions in this portion; this allows you to miss up to 5 questions and still achieve a passing score. Material to focus on for the air brakes portion includes:
- Principles of the air brake system: Describe how air brakes work, including how air pressure, brake chambers, and compressed air interact to brake a large vehicle.
- Proper use and maintenance of air Brakes: Explain the safe operating procedures for using air brakes, including maintaining air pressure and conducting checks for leakage or defective parts that may cause brake failure.
- Recognizing and responding to air brake problems: Trains drivers to recognize the warning signs of brake problems, including strange noises and pressure losses, and what to do if there is a problem.
- Air brake emergency & stop procedures: This chapter describes safe stopping procedures in an emergency with air brakes, including how to make controlled stops and avoid jackknifing and skidding.
This section will be important to anyone who works with air brake-equipped vehicles and will help you know what you are doing in safely and effectively operating and maintaining these systems.
Take the California Air Brakes practice test now!
Combination vehicles
There are 20 multiple-choice questions on the combination vehicles portion of the California CDL permit test. The test is tailored for those driving vehicles with more than one component. To pass, you will need to answer at least 80% correctly, no more than 4 questions wrong. Here is a basic summary of what you might want to focus on for this section:
- Coupling and uncoupling procedures: Describes correct procedures for safely coupling and uncoupling tractor-trailer units, including checking connections to prevent separations while on the road.
- Handling and turning combination vehicles: Describes how to handle combination vehicles in tight spaces and/or sharp turns, thereby minimizing the risk of rollover or jackknife.
- Preventing rollovers and jackknifing: This topic covers safe operating practices that include slowing down and steering properly on curves to avoid accidents because of instability in critical situations.
- Inspecting and maintaining combination vehicles: Drivers learn how to conduct a proper pre-trip inspection of the combination vehicle by checking certain areas of the vehicle, which include coupling devices, brake systems, and lights.
Understanding these skills is crucial to any person operating combination vehicles since it guarantees the safety of cargo that is being moved and minimizes the risks on the road.
Take the California Combination Vehicles practice test now!
FAQs
1. How many questions can you miss on the CDL permit test in California?
You can miss about 19 out of 95 questions in this section. The average scores to pass each portion of the CDL permit test are at least 80%. This means you could get around 10 questions wrong in the general knowledge, around 5 in the air brakes section, and around 4 in the combination vehicles section. But if you want to ensure success, it is best to minimize errors as much as possible.
2. Is the California CDL permit test hard?
The test on the CDL permit could be challenging, especially if you are not accustomed to the topics. For the most part, air brakes and combination vehicles are usually viewed as very challenging areas since their technical content is very specific. More preparation no doubt will help you better your score in these areas.
3. What are the most commonly missed questions on a CDL permit test in California?
Several areas that often fail include air brake operational questions, vehicle inspection procedures, and combination vehicle coupling techniques. Since these require a very broad-based knowledge and practical experience as well, a review in such areas is highly recommended.
Final thoughts
The California CDL permit test is one of the biggest steps you’ll take toward having a rewarding career as a commercial driver. Knowing how many questions are on the CDL permit test in California and precisely what each of the covered sections entails puts you at an advantage. Focus your studying on general knowledge, air brakes, and combination vehicles, and you’ll be confident to pass with flying colors. You are well on your way to becoming one of California’s proficient and licensed commercial drivers. Good luck!
