How to Get a CDL in California (2026)
Complete sequence to get your California CDL — permit test, ELDT, BTW, skills test, endorsements. State-specific rules and CA DMV requirements.
What It Costs and Where to Start in California
Every FMCSA-approved ELDT theory course is $20, online, and finished in under 2 hours. Completion is filed to the federal Training Provider Registry within 24 hours.
- Hazmat — $20 FMCSA-approved ELDT
- CDL A — $20 FMCSA-approved ELDT
- CDL B — $20 FMCSA-approved ELDT
- Passenger — $20 FMCSA-approved ELDT
- School Bus — $20 FMCSA-approved ELDT
- 3-Endorsement Bundle — $50 FMCSA-approved ELDT
- All Bundles — from $30 FMCSA-approved ELDT
- Hazmat + Test Prep — $30 FMCSA-approved ELDT
- CDL-A Permit Prep — $15 DMV study aid — not ELDT
Not sure which one?
- I already have a CDL and want to add an endorsement — you only need the endorsement course: Hazmat, Passenger, or School Bus, $20 each. Skip CDL-A and CDL-B entirely.
- I'm brand new and have no CDL — start with CDL-A or CDL-B theory, then complete behind-the-wheel training locally. Theory alone does not get you licensed.
- I want all three endorsements — the 3-endorsement bundle is $50 instead of $60 separately.
- What's the cheapest way to do everything? — bundles are the floor: $50 for H+P+S, or $30 for either CDL theory course paired with permit prep. Adding Hazmat all-in, including the federal TSA background check and your state's endorsement fee, typically runs $110–$150.
- Tanker (N) or Doubles/Triples (T)? — neither has an ELDT requirement. The federal rule covers Class A, Class B, the B-to-A upgrade, and Hazmat, Passenger and School Bus only. Both are knowledge-test only at your state DMV: Tanker Test Prep — $15, or Hazmat & Tanker Complete — $45 if you need the Hazmat ELDT too.
California CDL Requirements — The Complete Picture
To get a Commercial Driver's License in California, you work through California Department of Motor Vehicles (CA DMV). The federal FMCSA ELDT mandate (effective February 7, 2022) applies in every state including California — any new CDL applicant, class upgrade, or endorsement addition requires you to complete FMCSA-approved ELDT before sitting for the CDL skills test.
How to Get a CDL in California — Step by Step
Pass the DMV permit test at CA DMV
Study for and pass the knowledge test at California Department of Motor Vehicles (CA DMV) to earn your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP).
Hold your CLP for at least 14 days
Federal minimum before you can take the CDL skills test — California follows the federal 14-day rule.
Complete FMCSA-approved ELDT theory training
This is what DLA Academy provides — $20 per course, 100% online, auto-submitted to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry within 24 hours.
Complete behind-the-wheel (BTW) training
Done at a local FMCSA-registered BTW provider for CDL-A and CDL-B — separate from DLA Academy. Hazmat, Passenger, and School Bus are theory-only on the federal side.
Pass the CDL skills test at CA DMV
Pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and the road test. CA DMV verifies your ELDT completion through the FMCSA TPR before you test.
Receive your California CDL
Once you pass, CA DMV issues your CDL — you're cleared to drive commercially.
Hazmat endorsement applicants additionally need TSA threat-assessment fingerprinting through IDEMIA Universal Enroll (standard process — typical wait time 30–45 days for clearance).
Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) Training — Required, But Not From Us
For CDL-A and CDL-B applicants, federal ELDT requirements have two parts: theory (what DLA Academy provides) and behind-the-wheel training (BTW). BTW must be completed at a local FMCSA-registered BTW provider — typically a trucking school, a CDL training facility, or an employer-sponsored program. DLA Academy does not offer BTW.
BTW for CDL-A and CDL-B typically takes 40–160+ hours depending on the program, costs $3,000–$10,000+ depending on the provider, and must be done at an FMCSA-registered facility (the FMCSA TPR has a directory) — many are located in California metro areas.
For Hazmat, Passenger, and School Bus endorsements: no BTW required. Those endorsements are theory-only on the federal side — though some states require additional in-vehicle testing for School Bus and Passenger at the state level.
TSA Hazmat Fingerprinting
For the Hazmat endorsement, California requires a TSA threat assessment. Schedule your fingerprinting appointment through IDEMIA (Universal Enroll). Results typically take 30–45 days. California Department of Motor Vehicles (CA DMV) cannot add the H endorsement to your CDL until TSA clears you.
California CDLs are issued by California Department of Motor Vehicles (CA DMV).
Pre-February 2022 CDL Holders — Are You Grandfathered?
The FMCSA ELDT mandate took effect February 7, 2022. If your CDL was issued before that date, you are grandfathered for your current license class. You don't have to retroactively complete ELDT to keep driving.
BUT — grandfathering only covers your existing license class. If you're doing any of the following after February 7, 2022, ELDT is required regardless of when your CDL was issued:
- Upgrading from Class B to Class A → need CDL-A Theory ELDT
- Upgrading from Class C to Class B → need CDL-B Theory ELDT
- Adding the Hazmat (H) endorsement → need Hazmat ELDT
- Adding the Passenger (P) endorsement → need Passenger ELDT
- Adding the School Bus (S) endorsement → need School Bus ELDT
California Department of Motor Vehicles (CA DMV) verifies your ELDT completion through the FMCSA TPR before issuing the new class or endorsement.
Apply for your CLP, schedule skills tests, and verify ELDT submission through your state agency's CDL portal.
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/commercial-driver-handbook/
Every course is FMCSA-approved and auto-submitted to the Training Provider Registry. Accepted at California Department of Motor Vehicles (CA DMV).
Add the H endorsement to your California CDL. Theory only — no BTW required.
California Class A CDL theory required before the skills test at CA DMV.
California Class B CDL theory for straight trucks, dump trucks, and buses.
Add the S endorsement to your California CDL to drive a school bus.
Add the P endorsement to operate 16+ passenger vehicles in California.
Save $10 by bundling Hazmat, Passenger, and School Bus for California.
Common Questions About ELDT & CDL Endorsements
More California CDL Resources
Bundles cost less than the same courses bought one at a time, and every price below is the bundled price.
Not sure which one? Every bundle is listed here, with what each one contains.
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Verify DLA Academy by name at the FMCSA Training Provider Registry: tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov
California CDL Drivers — Start Your ELDT Today
FMCSA-approved ELDT courses starting at $20. Auto-submitted to TPR. Accepted at California Department of Motor Vehicles.