Process of Getting Your CDL in California

Anyone considering a career in truck driving needs a Commercial Driving License (CDL). If you’re a CDL holder, it demonstrates you possess the necessary skills and knowledge to operate a commercial truck safely.   

Besides CDL, a legitimate trucking operation requires a USDOT number, truck insurance, and Unified Carrier Registration (UCR), among other requirements.

After attending a driving school and passing the necessary tests, a CDL is a pass to drive commercial trucks on highways.

More importantly, a driver with a CDL arguably makes fewer mistakes, resulting in fewer losses and higher profits for your trucking business.

Here’s the full process of getting your CDL in California.

Step 1: Ensure You Meet All Eligibility Requirements

You must provide the following documents to meet the eligibility requirements of a CDL in California:

• Verify your Identity using an acceptable method—for interstate trips; the trainee should be at least 21 years old and 18 years old for the same state.
• Medical Examination Report
• Provide proof of social security number.

Step 2: Commercial Learner’s Permit

After submitting the necessary documentation, you’ll need a commercial learner’s permit, a step closer to the valid CDL. Before submitting your application, ensure you’re 18 years old and a regular driving license holder.

Similar to the eligibility criteria in step 1, you’ll need a social security card, thumbprints, and photos.

After meeting that criterion, submit the following details:

• Medical examination report compiled by a registered practitioner
• A commercial driver’s license application
• A self-certification form declaring the commercial vehicle you want to drive

After that, you’ll be required to pay a license fee for the commercial license permit class. Candidates who proceed to the next stage should pass the vision test and a written exam.

Next, the California Department of Motor Vehicles will issue you a commercial learner’s permit.

Consequently, you become eligible to train for class A vehicles, including (tractor-trailers, trucks, tanker vehicles, etc.) under the supervision of a driver with a class A CDL. After a few months of practice, you can undertake a road test to get a CDL.

The last step involves attending a truck driving school to familiarize yourself with the vehicles, undertake practical driving lessons, and learn how to inspect them. 

Step 3: Get Your Truck CDL

First, call your local CDL office to make an appointment. You’ll take a driving test to attain the certification at this stage. However, you’ll need to bring the appropriate class vehicle to the CDL office.

The vehicle will only be accepted if it passes a pre-inspection from DMV. The road test offers three trials, after which you’re issued an interim CDL.

The interim CDL is valid for 90 days or until the final CDL arrives in your mail.

Speak to a Knowledgeable Truck Insurance Professional

Getting your CDL is a key step in compliance as also learning good truck driving skills, which is often rewarded by insurance companies.

eWhat’s more, you deserve the best truck insurance to reduce potential loss to your business.

At Panorama Insurance Agency, we work closely with multiple insurers to provide an affordable and tailored insurance plan.

Contact us online or call us at 818.658.2867 to schedule an appointment.