California

California Trucking Schools and Programs

There are many truck driving careers in California and all you need to get started with them is a Class A CDL. Once you have the license, you can begin looking into many industries with many employers.

A CDL or commercial driver’s license opens many employment opportunities as a truck driver. Each state has its own requirements that must be satisfied before you can receive a CDL, including the state of California. A Class A CDL is necessary to drive a vehicle that is over 26,001 pounds or if you are towing a vehicle that weighs more than 10,000 pounds.

Federal regulations state that all individuals who wish to obtain a CDL, including those in the state of California, must be at least 18 years old. If you wish to use the CDL to travel across state lines for interstate commerce, the minimum age requirement increases to 21 years old. To actually apply for the CDL, you must complete form DL 44C. The Department of Motor Vehicles also requires you to:

• • Verify your social security number

• • Provide a thumb print

• • Pass a vision exam

• • Submit a medical report for commercial driver license form

• • Verify your birth date

• • Have your picture taken

The fee to apply for a five year Class A CDL is $66 if you do not have a California driver’s license or $64 if you do. It is also necessary to complete a traffic laws and sign test for the class of vehicle you wish to drive in order to receive the permit.

Once you have the permit and want to obtain your license, you need to schedule a driving test with the DMV CDL office. It is your responsibility to bring the same class of vehicle you are applying for a license for. You will also need to pass a pre-trip inspection followed by the skills and driving test. You have three chances to pass each of these.

You can lose your CDL after you get it after committing traffic infractions including but not limited to speeding, reckless driving or drug and alcohol related incidents. If you have a 2nd conviction of an incident related to drugs or alcohol, you will lose the ability to obtain your CDL for life. Remember that having a CDL is a privilege that you must work for and can be revoked at any time if you fail to follow the rules and regulations established by the federal and state governments.