How to Apply for a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)

what are the 3 tests for cdl permit in california
CDL knowledge test
CDL Skills Test
Air Brakes
Combination Vehicles

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 If you fail the same test three times, your application is no longer valid and you need to reapply.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.

Source:https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/commercial-driver-licenses-cdl/
Linkback:https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/commercial-driver-licenses-cdl/