Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CA Board of Transportation
Truck Driver (CDL) Licensing in California
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for truck driver (cdl) in California, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Truck Driver (CDL) in California
Estimated timeline: 18-21 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Must be 18 years of age
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 3
Persons operating a commercial vehicle for a fee.
- 4
Persons operating buses are also required to obtain a commercial driver license.
- 5
Class A or B: Original: $98, Renewal: $58, Commercial driving or skill retest: $45, Replacement: $43, Information Update: $36.
- 6
Class C: Original: $58, Renewal, $58, Commercial driving or skill retest: $45, Replacement: $43, Information Update: $36.
- 7
Examination Frequency: Vision, knowledge (law), and performance tests must be completed in twelve months from the date of application.
- 8
Medical exam required.
Exam and processing details
- Frequency
- Vision, knowledge (law), and performance tests must be completed in twelve months from the date of application. Medical exam required. Locations: See Information and Applications. The written exam can be taken at any DMV office. However, the driving test can only be taken at selected offices. See the DMV Web site for a list. Experience
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Original | $98, |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Motor Vehicles • Licensing Operations Division • Commercial Licensing Policy Section
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$59,950 median (4% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#12 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must be 18 years of age).
- 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Frequency: Vision, knowledge (law), and performance tests must be completed in twelve months from the date of application. Medical exam required. Locations: See Information and....
- 4. Prepare supporting documentation (Examination Frequency: Vision, knowledge (law), and performance tests must be completed in twelve months from the date of application.).
- 5. Budget filing costs (Original: $98,).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Motor Vehicles~Licensing Operations Division~Commercial Licensing Policy Section and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in California
With a median salary of $59,950, Truck Driver (CDL)s in California earn 4% above the national median of $57,440. California ranks #12 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 18-21 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,758Median annual salary
$59,950Hourly estimate
$28.824% above national median
Difference: +$2,510
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationTruck Driver (CDL) Salary Ranking
#12 of 50 statesfor Truck Driver (CDL) median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alaska | $64,890 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $64,720 |
| #3 | Washington | $63,760 |
| #4 | Oregon | $61,180 |
| #5 | Minnesota | $61,090 |
Nearby States Comparison
Truck Driver (CDL) licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $59,950 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 18-21 years |
| Oregon | $61,180 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Nevada | $60,900 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 18-21 years |
| Arizona | $53,690 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Nevada | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arizona | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Motor Vehicles • Licensing Operations Division • Commercial Licensing Policy Section
P.O. Box 932345, MS-J152, Sacramento, CA, 94232-3450
Phone: 8007770133
Related Careers in California
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Pilot | $122,100 | Varies by state board | 1-12 months |
| Acupuncturist | $77,640 | Varies by state board | 1-2 years |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $84,910 | Varies by state board | 1-17 years |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Varies by state board | 1-12 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in California?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 18-21 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Truck Driver (CDL) salary in California?
The median annual salary for Truck Driver (CDL)s in California is $59,950. Salaries range from $38,460 (10th percentile) to $80,310 (90th percentile).
How does the Truck Driver (CDL) salary in California compare to the national average?
Truck Driver (CDL)s in California earn 4% above the national median of $57,440, with a state median of $59,950.
How many Truck Driver (CDL)s work in California?
California employs approximately 211,740 Truck Driver (CDL)s according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Truck Driver (CDL) license to California from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Truck Driver (CDL)s in California?
The licensing agency is Department of Motor Vehicles / Licensing Operations Division / Commercial Licensing Policy Section. Review agency details at https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/licensing-fees/.
How often do you renew a Truck Driver (CDL) license in California?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.