You have three attempts to pass each of the required knowledge tests.

Pay the nonrefundable application fee (application and fee valid for 12 months).

Present acceptable residency documents (if you have never had a California driver license or identification (DL/ID) card).

Your current name needs to match the name on the identity document (see the FAQs for more information).

Verify your identity with an acceptable identity document.

It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office.

Provide proof of your social security number (SSN).

Submit a completed Medical Examination Report (MER) Form (MCSA 5875) and Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) (MCSA 5876) (see the “Medical examination report” section below for more information).

Submit a completed 10 Year History Record Check (DL 939) (if you have been issued a DL of any kind in another state or jurisdiction in the last 10 years).

Get a standard California noncommercial Class C driver’s license (DL) (a temporary/interim DL is acceptable).

If you have never had a commercial driver’s license (CDL), or you want to make a classification, endorsement, or restriction change that requires a skills test, you first need to get a CLP and hold it for at least 14 days. In addition to the federal requirements, when applying for an original CDL (Class A or B) in California, the applicant must complete a minimum of 15 hours of behind-the-wheel training and submit a California Commercial Driver Behind The Wheel Training Certification (DL 1236) to the DMV as proof of completion prior to the issuance of their CDL.įor more information regarding ELDT, please visit For more information about the TPR, visit: .įrequently asked questions regarding ELDT for applicants and training providers.

Obtaining a School Bus (S), Passenger (P), or Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement.

Upgrading an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL or.

Obtaining an original CDL (Class A or B).

Successful completion of ELDT is required on or after February 7, 2022, for applicants who are:

On February 7, 2022, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) implemented federal Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements for commercial driver’s license (CDL) applicants. ELDT must be conducted by a registered training provider listed on the federal Training Provider Registry (TPR). Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) CDL Applicants:

California class b license test