Free California CDL Permit Practice Test: General Knowledge 2025

The great state of California can offer numerous economic opportunities to commercial drivers because of its diverse economy, the largest in the United States. California produces about one-seventh of America’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Key economic sectors dependent on truck driving include agriculture (the Central Valley), manufacturing, trade, and transportation. The Port of Los Angeles is the nation’s largest seaport, and the Port of Long Beach is the second largest. Together, they bring in about 40% of America’s imports. Note: Seaports, like airports, are secure areas. You may need to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card to pick up cargo there. Finally, the tourism and hospitality sectors employ bus drivers to take visitors to the state’s many points of interest.

Key commercial routes for transporting goods within the state and to neighboring states include Interstates 5, 10, 15, and 80; US Route 101, which goes from Los Angeles to the Oregon border; and State Route 99, which goes through the Central Valley.

Before you can obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), you must obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), which will allow you to practice commercial driving under the supervision of a licensed CDL holder. An important step toward obtaining the CLP is to pass the official General Knowledge test on commercial driving theory. Have you been studying the official California Commercial Driver Handbook (California CDL Handbook 2025)? You certainly should because the questions on the official knowledge test are based on it. However, you’re probably here because you want to get a little more help to pass the knowledge test than you’re getting from this driving manual. We can help, just as we’ve helped thousands of other aspiring drivers.

This free California CDL permit practice test, which you’re about to take, is based on the official state manual, just like the official knowledge test. It’s up to date as of March, 2025. There are 50 multiple-choice questions on such topics as basic driving techniques, commercial driving regulations, emergency preparedness, and pre-trip inspections. Unlike the official knowledge test, this practice test comes with our automated assistant. It can give you a hint if you get stuck on a question and an explanation of the correct answer if you still miss the question. Please read the explanation so you won’t make the same mistake in the future What this practice test doesn’t come with is a time limit. Take your time to improve your chances of passing the test and learn as much as you can from the experience.