It takes special skills, training, and aptitude to safely operate large vehicles. We issue commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to ensure that drivers meet our high standards for operating commercial motor vehicles.
Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH):
Beginning November 18, 2024, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will implement federal DACH requirements.
DMV is prohibited from issuing, replacing, renewing, transferring, or upgrading a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or commercial learner’s permit (CLP) for any driver with a “prohibited” status in DACH.
Additionally, DMV is required to remove the commercial driving privileges of CLP or CDL holders who have a “prohibited” status in DACH, until completion of the return-to-duty process.
DACH is a secure online database that gives employers and state driver licensing agencies real-time information about commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders’ drug and alcohol program violations. DACH contains records of violations of drug and alcohol prohibitions in 49 CFR Part 382, Subpart B, including positive drug or alcohol test results and test refusals. Additionally, DACH records when a driver completes the return-to-duty process and follow-up testing plan. DACH contains violations occurring on or after January 6, 2020.
DMV will query DACH prior to issuing, replacing, renewing, upgrading, or transferring a CDL.
- DMV must not issue, replace, renew, upgrade, or transfer a CDL, or CLP for any individual prohibited from including driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), due to one or more drug and alcohol program violations.
- DMV must, upon receipt of notification that a driver is prohibited from operating a CMV due to a drug and alcohol program violation, downgrade the commercial driving privilege from the driver’s license.
To have your DACH status changed from “prohibited” to “not prohibited,” you must complete the return-to-duty process, as established by 49 CFR part 40, subpart O. Upon completion, your DACH status will update to “not prohibited” and DMV will reinstate your commercial driving privileges.
(FMCSA has created a resource that outlines the steps drivers take to complete their return-to-duty process: download the Return-to-Duty Quick Reference Guide. For more information about the return-to-duty process, visit the DACH Learning Center.)
If you have a current CDL in your possession, you are not authorized to operate CMVs. Your commercial driving privilege has been removed.
No. You may continue utilizing your CDL to operate non-CMVs.
You have two options:
- Login or create your own DACH account and complete the return-to-duty process. You may renew no earlier than 24 hours after your DACH status indicates “not prohibited” to renew your CDL.
- Downgrade your class of license to a non-commercial driver’s license. If you are issued a non-commercial driver’s license and want to upgrade to a CDL, then the knowledge and skills/drive tests will be required.
You have two options:
- Login or create your own DACH account and complete the return-to-duty process. You may request a replacement no earlier than 24 hours after your DACH status indicates “not prohibited” to renew your CDL.
- Downgrade your class of license to a non-commercial driver’s license. If you are issued a non-commercial driver’s license and want to upgrade to a CDL, then the knowledge and skills/drive tests will be required.
You may update your information; however, DMV cannot issue you a new CDL. To have an updated CDL issued to you, there are two options:
- Login or create your own DACH account and complete the return-to-duty process. You may request a replacement no earlier than 24 hours after your DACH status indicates “not prohibited” to renew your CDL.
- Downgrade your class of license to a non-commercial driver’s license. If you are issued a non-commercial driver’s license and want to upgrade to a CDL, then the knowledge and skills/drive tests will be required.
You will need to register to provide electronic consent if a prospective or current employer needs to conduct a query of your DACH record—this includes all pre-employment queries. Registration is also required to electronically view the information in your own DACH record.
Registration is available at clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/register.
Yes. Once you have registered in DACH, you can access your DACH record electronically, at no cost. This record includes any drug and alcohol program violation information available in DACH, along with the status of your return-to-duty process, if applicable.
DACH will notify you using the method indicated during your DACH registration—either mail or email—any time information is added, revised, or removed. If you have not yet registered for DACH, these notifications will be sent by mail using the address associated with your CDL.
Yes. DACH will link your CDL numbers in order to maintain complete and accurate information.
An owner-operator is subject to the requirements pertaining to employers as well as those pertaining to drivers. An employer who employs themselves as a CDL driver must designate a consortium/third-party administrator to comply with the employer’s DACH reporting requirements (§ 382.705(b)(6)).
Yes. There are two processes for correcting or removing information, depending on the nature of the requested correction or removal:
- You may request that FMCSA correct administrative errors, add documentary evidence of a non-conviction for a driving under the influence (DUI) while driving a CMV citation that did not result in a conviction, and remove a report of a failed test appearance or employer-reported violations if the reports do not comply with § 382.705(b)(3) and (5).
- You may request a correction of a test refusal, test result, or other violation information in your DACH record in accordance with the Privacy Act procedures in 49 CFR Part 10, Subpart E and F.
Additional information can be found on the FMCSA’s website at:
Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) CDL Applicants:
Successful completion of Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) conducted by a registered training provider listed on the federal Training Provider Registry (TPR) is required for commercial driver’s license (CDL) applicants who are:
- Obtaining an original CDL (Class A or B);
- Upgrading an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL; or
- Obtaining a School Bus (S), Passenger (P), or Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement
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.
For more information regarding ELDT, please visit www.fmcsa.dot.gov.
For more information about the TPR, visit: tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Frequently asked questions regarding ELDT for applicants and training providers.
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. Here’s how you apply for a CLP:
- Get a standard California noncommercial Class C driver’s license (DL) (a temporary/interim DL is acceptable).
- Complete an online CDL Application.
- Visit a DMV office, where you will:
- 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).
- 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).
- Verify your identity with an acceptable identity document. Your current name needs to match the name on the identity document.
- Present acceptable residency documents (if you have never had a California driver license or identification (DL/ID) card).
- Pay the nonrefundable application fee (application and fee valid for 12 months).
- Have your thumbprint scanned.
- Have your photo taken.
- Pass the knowledge test(s). You have three attempts to pass each of the required knowledge tests. If you fail the same test three times, your application is no longer valid and you need to reapply. To allow for sufficient testing time, we do not administer knowledge tests within 30 minutes of closing.
- If you want to apply for a REAL ID, you must also provide proof of your identity and two proofs of residency from the list of acceptable REAL ID documents.
We will issue you a CLP after you pass the knowledge test(s).
If you do not meet all the requirements to get a CDL within 12 months of applying (including passing the knowledge test and skills test), the application will no longer be valid and you must reapply.
Rules and Restrictions
Here are the rules and restrictions for operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) with a CLP:
- You must also obtain and carry a valid California driver’s license (DL).
- The CLP is valid for a maximum of 180 days from the date issued. It can be renewed for an additional 180 days if the expiration date is not more than one year from the initial application date.
- If you present limited term legal presence documents, your CLP may expire on the same date as your legal presence documents.
- A CLP is limited to these endorsements:
- Tank (N)
- Passenger (P)
- School Bus (S)
- You must be accompanied by a California CDL holder while operating a CMV. The license holder must possess the appropriate class of CDL and endorsements to operate the CMV.
- If you have an “N” endorsement, the tanks must be empty when you are driving the CMV. The tank must be purged if it previously contained a hazardous material.
- If you have a “P” or “S” endorsement, you cannot operate a CMV with passengers (other than federal/state auditors and inspectors, test examiners, other trainees, and the accompanying CDL holder).
You can find more information in the California commercial Driver’s Handbook.
After you hold a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) for 14 days, you can apply to take the skills test to earn your CDL. This 14 day waiting period also applies to classification upgrades and endorsement/restriction changes that require a skills test.
To apply for a CDL:
- Schedule a skills test appointment (skills tests are not given without an appointment). You may also call 1-800-777-0133 during the regular business hours (8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, excluding holidays) to make an appointment.
- Bring the type of vehicle(s) for the class you want to drive.
- Pass the skills test, which includes a vehicle inspection, basic control skills test, and road test. If you fail any part of the skills test, all other testing will be postponed. You have three tries to pass the skills test. You must pay a retest fee each time you retake the skills test.
More information on the skills test can be found in the California Commercial Driver’s Handbook.
Certain applicants may qualify to have the skills test requirement waived:
- If you have a valid CDL from another state that is current or has been expired for less than two years, you can surrender that license (or proof thereof). The license must have equivalent classification, endorsements, and restrictions to the one you are applying for in California.
- You can submit a Certificate of Driving Skill (DL 170 ETP) if your employer is authorized to issue them. Both you and your employer must sign the form.
- If you have military driving experience, you can submit a completed Commercial Military Waiver (DL 965). Learn more about the Troops to Trucks military waiver program.
- If you have a California CLP, and completed CDL training and passed the skills test in another state, you are not required to take the skills test in California. The skills test results will be sent to California DMV from the state where you were tested. You will need to go to a DMV Commercial Driving Test Office to finalize your application. Failing to return to a commercial DMV office may result in your application expiring.
After you pass your skills test, surrender your out-of-state CDL, or submit your certificate, we will issue an interim CDL that’s valid for 60 days. If you have not received your official CDL after 45 days, call us at 1-800-777-0133 to check the status.
In this Section
CDL Classes & Certifications
There are three commercial driver’s license classes and four self-certification types.
Learn more about CDL classes and certifications
Medical Examinations & Eligibility
Commercial drivers, firefighters, and non-commercial drivers with Class A and Class B licenses are required to meet federal medical standards.
Learn more about CDL medical requirements
TSA Background Check for HAZMAT Endorsement
In order to get a hazardous materials (HazMat) endorsement on your CDL, you need to undergo a Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) security threat assessment.
Learn more about the TSA background check
Employer Testing Program
The Employer Testing Program (ETP) authorizes qualified commercial employers to administer the drive test to employees needing a CDL. Learn more about the program, the requirements, and how to apply.
Learn more about the ETP
Sample CDL Knowledge Tests
Before you can get a CDL, you need to pass applicable knowledge tests demonstrating you understand the rules of the road and how to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle. These sample tests can help you prepare for your knowledge test.
Practice with the sample tests
What Classifies as a CMV?
In California, you may be hired to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) carrying cargo that originates and terminates within state lines if you are at least 18 years old, and to drive for interstate commerce or transport hazardous materials/waste if you’re 21 or older. In either scenario, you need to hold a CDL in order to drive a CMV.
You can learn more by visiting the California Commercial Driver’s Handbook.
A CMV is defined as a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles and trailers used for hire to transport passengers or property.
- A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
- A combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
- A vehicle designed, used, or maintained for carrying more than ten passengers (including the driver).
- A vehicle towing another vehicle or trailer with a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more.
- A vehicle transporting hazardous materials (requires placards).
- A vehicle transporting hazardous waste as defined in California Health and Safety Code §25115 and §25117.
- A vehicle towing a combination of two trailers or vehicle and trailer.
- A 3-axle vehicle weighing more than 6,000 pounds.
Need something else?
Employer Pull Notice (EPN) Program
The EPN program allows companies to monitor the driving records of their drivers.
Update Info on Your Driver's License (DL) or ID Card
Learn how to change your name, address, or gender on your driver’s license or ID card.
REAL ID cards
Beginning May 7, 2025, you’ll need a federal compliant card such as a passport, military ID, or REAL ID to board a domestic flight or access some federal facilities.