CDL Truck Driver in California
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for CA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, California.
Jobs (CA)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a cdl truck driver in California
To become a CDL Truck Driver in California, applicants must obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) by passing knowledge tests and then complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from an approved provider. This includes both federal ELDT and a California-specific requirement of at least 15 hours of behind-the-wheel training. After holding the CLP for a minimum of 14 days, individuals can take the CDL skills test, which includes a vehicle inspection, basic control skills, and a road test. The licensing body is the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and a valid DOT medical certificate is required. While a CDL from another state may be transferable, applicants will generally need to reapply and may be required to retake written and practical exams.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for California. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist California requirements
| Licensing body | California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
| State license | Required |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test |
| Application fee | $85 |
| Renewal | Every 5.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate commerce or 21+ for interstate commerce or to transport hazardous materials. A valid DOT medical certificate is required and must be submitted to the DMV. Federal ELDT is required for new applicants for an original Class A or B CDL, or for those upgrading a Class B to Class A, or obtaining S, P, or H endorsements. In addition to federal ELDT, California requires a minimum of 15 hours of behind-the-wheel training for original Class A or B CDL applicants, with at least 10 hours on public roads. The application fee covers knowledge tests and CLP. Skills test fees are paid to third-party providers and vary significantly ($100-$300 per attempt). The DMV has temporarily paused issuing non-domiciled CLPs and CDLs. Effective June 23, 2025, new federal requirements will mandate electronic submission of medical information for Interstate drivers. |
workspace_premium California license tiers
California offers multiple tiers of cdl truck driver licensing:
| Tier | Hours required |
|---|---|
| Class A | N/A |
| Class B | N/A |
| Class C | N/A |
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleCalifornia license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk