FREE California CDL General Knowledge Practice Test 1 2026
Covers the FMCSA General Knowledge core every CA CDL applicant is tested on - 49 questions on vehicle inspection, basic control, and safe driving practices, with 39 correct to pass.
California CDL General Knowledge Practice Test 1: what to expect and what trips drivers up
Looking for a California CDL practice test that actually mirrors what the DMV puts in front of you on test day? This free CDL practice test is built around the real structure of the California CDL permit test, covering the same general knowledge categories examiners pull from every session. Whether you search for a DMV CDL practice test, a CDL practice test online, or simply want to know how to get your CDL permit, this page is the starting point for California commercial learner's permit candidates statewide.
Every question here reflects the topics inside the California Commercial Driver Handbook: vehicle inspection, basic control, space and speed management, hazard recognition, and emergency procedures. California's commercial driving landscape shapes what matters most in practice: drivers pulling containers out of the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach deal with tight drayage routes and heavy stop-and-go traffic, while Central Valley freight runs reward drivers who know their pre-trip inspection cold and can hold a steady line on long agricultural hauls. This CDL practice test free session reflects those real-world demands, not generic filler.
How many questions are on the California CDL general knowledge test? The state exam runs 50 questions, and passing requires 80 percent, meaning 40 correct answers, before a commercial learner's permit is issued. This flagship California CDL practice test is your rehearsal for that exact benchmark, so work through it as many times as you need until your score holds steady, then take that confidence straight into your appointment at the California DMV.
Every question traces back to the California CDL Manual - skim the right-of-way and signs chapters before your retake.
-
All state tests unlocked
-
Exam Simulator
-
English + Spanish
-
Fix It Bank
Restart your test?
Are you sure you want to restart your test? Your test progress will be lost.
🎓 Exam Mode - just like the real thing
- ⏱ 37-minute timer, same as your DMV
- 🙈 No hints, no instant feedback
- 🔀 Questions come in random order
- ❌ More than 10 mistakes ends the exam - like the real one
- 💾 Your practice progress on this test stays saved
Report a mistake
Spotted a wrong answer, a typo, or an outdated rule? Tell us - we review every report.


