T E O F C ALIFOR T A NI S A f4v CALIFORNIA COMMERCIAL

ENGLISH

2019-2021

CALIFORNIA

COMMERCIAL DRIVER HANDBOOK

This handbook is available at dmv..

Gavin Newsom, Governor State of California

David S. Kim, Secretary California State Transportation Agency

Steve Gordon, Director California Department of Motor Vehicles

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CALIFORNIA DRIVER LICENSE CLASSES

You May Drive With a

And You May Tow a

Commercial Class A Driver License: ? Any legal combination of vehicles, including vehicles under

Class B and Class C

? Single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross vehicle weight (GVW) of more than 10,000 pounds.

? Trailer bus, with endorsement

? More than one vehicle, with endorsement.

? Vehicle under Class B and Class C.

Noncommercial Class A Driver License: ? Any vehicle under Class C ? Any housecar over 40 feet but not over 45 feet

? Trailer coach weighing over 10,000 pounds GVWR, not used for hire. ? Fifth-wheel travel trailer weighing over 15,000 pounds GVWR, not

used for hire.

If the towing vehicle weighs 4,000 pounds or more unladen, you may tow a livestock trailer exceeding 10,000 pounds GVWR but not exceeding 15,000 pounds GVWR if all of the following conditions are met and the vehicle is:

? Controlled and operated by a farmer used to transport livestock to or from a farm.

? Not used in the operations of a common commerce or contract carrier.

? Used within 150 miles of the person's farm.

Commercial Class B Driver License: ? A single vehicle with a GVWR or GVW of more than 26,000 pounds ? A 3 or more axle vehicle weighing over 6,000 pounds ? A bus (except a trailer bus) with a GVWR or GVW of more than 26,000 pounds,

with endorsement ? Any farm labor vehicle, with endorsement ? All vehicles under Class C

? Single vehicle with a GVWR or GVW of 10,000 pounds or less. ? Vehicle under Class C.

Noncommercial Class B Driver License: ? Any vehicle under Class C

? Any housecar over 40 feet but not over 45 feet with endorsement

Basic Class C Driver License: ? A 2-axle vehicle with a GVWR or GVW of 26,000 pounds or less ? A 3-axle vehicle weighing 6,000 pounds gross or less ? A motorized scooter

? Any housecar 40 feet or less ? A farmer or employee of a farmer may also drive any combination of vehicles

with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,000 pounds or less if used exclusively in agricultural operations and not for hire or compensation

Commercial Class C Driver License:

? A bus (except a trailer bus) with a GVWR or GVW of 26,000 pounds or less, with endorsement

? Any Class C vehicle carrying hazardous materials (HazMat) which requires placards, with a HazMat endorsement on their license as defined by CVC ??353 and 15278

? A single vehicle designed to transport liquid or gaseous materials in a tank or tanks having an individual rated capacity of more than 119 gallons and aggregate rated capacity of 1,000 gallons or more that is permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle or chassis with a GVWR or GVW of 26,000 pounds or less, with endorsement

? Single vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less, including a tow dolly, if used.

? Trailer coach or fifth-wheel travel trailer under 10,000 pounds GVWR when towing is not for compensation.

? Fifth-wheel travel trailer exceeding 10,000 pounds but not exceeding 15,000 pounds GVWR, when towing is not for compensation and with endorsement.

If the towing vehicle weighs 4,000 pounds or more unladen, you may tow a trailer coach not exceeding 9,000 pounds gross.

Note: No passenger vehicle, regardless of weight, may tow more than one vehicle. No motor vehicle under 4,000 pounds unladen may tow any vehicle weighing 6,000 pounds or more gross (CVC ?21715).

Motorcycle Class M1 Driver License: ? 2-wheel motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized scooter

Motorcycle Class M2 Driver License: ? Motorized bicycle, moped, bicycle with an attached motor, or motorized scooter

? Motorcycle trailer.

Note: Class M1 or M2 is added to any other class driver license after passing law and skill tests.

Examples

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION ..................... 1-1 Who Needs a CDL........................................ 1-1 How to Get a CLP/CDL ................................ 1-2 Endorsements ............................................. 1-4 Restrictions................................................... 1-6 CDL Exceptions............................................ 1-7 Special Certificates....................................... 1-7 General......................................................... 1-9 1.1 ? CDL Tests .......................................... 1-10 1.2 ? Medical Documentation Requirements ............................................. 1-12 1.3 ? CDL Disqualifications ........................ 1-14 1.4 ? Other CDL Rules ............................... 1-16 1.5 ? International Registration Plan and International Fuel Tax Agreement............... 1-28

SECTION 2: DRIVING SAFELY ................... 2-1 2.1 ? Vehicle Inspection ............................... 2-1 2.2 ? Basic Control of Your Vehicle .............. 2-9 2.3 ? Shifting Gears.................................... 2-10 2.4 ? Seeing ............................................... 2-12 2.5 ? Communicating ................................. 2-14 2.6 ? Controlling Your Speed...................... 2-15 2.7 ? Managing Space ............................... 2-19 2.8 ? Seeing Hazards................................. 2-21 2.9 ? Distracted Driving .............................. 2-24 2.10 ? Aggressive Drivers/Road Rage ....... 2-27 2.11 ? Driving at Night ................................ 2-28 2.12 ? Driving in Fog .................................. 2-32 2.13 ? Driving in Winter .............................. 2-32 2.14 ? Driving in Very Hot Weather ............ 2-34 2.15 ? Railroad-Highway Crossings ........... 2-35 2.16 ? Mountain Driving ............................. 2-37 2.17 ? Driving Emergencies ....................... 2-38 2.18 ? Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) .... 2-41 2.19 ? Skid Control and Recovery.............. 2-42 2.20 ? Accident Procedures ....................... 2-44 2.21 ? Fires ................................................ 2-44 2.22 ? Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Driving ... 2-46 2.23 ? Hazardous Materials Rules for All Commercial Drivers.................................... 2-48

SECTION 3: TRANSPORTING CARGO SAFELY .......................................................... 3-1

3.1 ? Inspecting Cargo ................................. 3-1 3.2 ? Cargo Weight and Balance.................. 3-1 3.3 ? Securing Cargo ................................... 3-2 3.4 ? Cargo Needing Special Attention ........ 3-4

SECTION 4: TRANSPORTING PASSENGERS SAFELY ............................... 4-1

4.1 ? Vehicle Inspection ............................... 4-1 4.2 ? Loading and Trip Start ......................... 4-2 4.3 ? On the Road ........................................ 4-4 4.4 ? After-Trip Vehicle Inspection................ 4-5 4.5 ? Prohibited Practices ............................ 4-6 4.6 ? Use of Brake-Door Interlocks .............. 4-6

SECTION 5: AIR BRAKES ........................... 5-1 5.1 ? Parts of an Air Brake System .............. 5-1 5.2 ? Dual Air Brake ..................................... 5-6 5.3 ? Inspecting Air Brake Systems.............. 5-7 5.4 ? Using Air Brakes .................................5-11

SECTION 6: COMBINATION VEHICLES.... 6-1 6.1 ? Driving Combination Vehicles Safely... 6-1 6.2 ? Combination Vehicle Air Brakes .......... 6-5 6.3 ? Anti-lock Brake Systems...................... 6-8 6.4 ? Coupling and Uncoupling .................... 6-9 6.5 ? Inspecting a Combination Vehicle ..... 6-16

SECTION 7: DOUBLES AND TRIPLES ...... 7-1 7.1 ? Pulling Double/Triple Trailers............... 7-1 7.2 ? Coupling and Uncoupling .................... 7-2 7.3 ? Inspecting Doubles and Triples ........... 7-4 7.4 ? Doubles/Triples Air Brake Check......... 7-5

SECTION 8: TANK VEHICLES .................... 8-1 8.1 ? Inspecting Tank Vehicles ..................... 8-1 8.2 ? Driving Tank Vehicles .......................... 8-2 8.3 ? Safe Driving Rules............................... 8-3

SECTION 9: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ... 9-1 9.1 ? Intent of the Regulations ..................... 9-3 9.2 ? Hazardous Materials Transportation-- Who Does What ........................................... 9-3 9.3 ? Communication Rules ......................... 9-4 9.4 ? Loading and Unloading ......................9-11 9.5 ? Bulk Packaging Marking, Loading, and Unloading ............................................ 9-15 9.6 ? Hazardous Materials -- Driving and Parking Rules.......................... 9-16 9.7 ? Hazardous Materials -- Emergencies .............................................. 9-19 9.8 ? Hazardous Materials -- Glossary...... 9-24

SECTION 10: SCHOOL BUSES ................ 10-1 10.1 ? Danger Zones and Use of Mirrors ... 10-1 10.2 ? Loading and Unloading ................... 10-3 10.3 ? Emergency Exit and Evacuation ..... 10-7 10.4 ? Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings 10-8 10.5 ? Student Management .....................10-11 10.6 ? Anti-lock Braking Systems ..............10-11 10.7 ? Special Safety Considerations ...... 10-12

SECTION 11: VEHICLE INSPECTION TEST ..............................................................11-1

11.1 ? All Vehicles........................................11-1 11.2 ? Internal Inspection (All Vehicles)................................................11-1 11.3 ? External Inspection (All Vehicles)................................................11-5 11.4 ? School Bus Only ...............................11-9 11.5 ? Trailer..............................................11-10 11.6 ? Coach/Transit Bus ..........................11-10 11.7 ? Taking the CDL Vehicle Inspection Test ............................................................ 11-11

SECTION 12: BASIC CONTROL SKILLS TEST............................................................. 12-1

12.1 ? Skills Test Scoring ........................... 12-1 12.2 ? Skills Test Exercises ........................ 12-2

SECTION 13: ROAD TEST......................... 13-1 13.1 ? How You Will Be Tested................... 13-1

GLOSSARY ................................................. 13-5 Purchase of Reference Materials ............... 13-8 Disclaimer................................................... 13-8 Where to Write............................................ 13-8

This material is based upon work supported by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under Cooperative Agreement No. DTFH61-97-X-00017. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the Author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

? Copyright, Department of Motor Vehicles 2019-2021

All rights reserved

This work is protected by U. S. Copyright Law. DMV owns the copyright of this work. Copyright law prohibits the following: (1) reproduction of the copyrighted work; (2) distribution of copies of the copyrighted work; (3) preparation of derivative works based upon the copyrighted work; (4) displaying the copyrighted work publicly; or (5) performing the copyrighted work publicly. All requests for permission to make copies of all or any part of this publication should be addressed to:

Department of Motor Vehicles Legal Office, MS C128 PO Box 932382 Sacramento, CA 94232-3820

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

This Section Covers

Who Needs a CDL

1.1 ? CDL Tests

You Must Have a CDL to Operate:

1.2 ? Medical Documentation Requirements 1.3 ? CDL Disqualifications 1.4 ? Other CDL Rules 1.5 ? International Registration Plan and

International Fuel Tax Agreement

? 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 carry-

There is a federal requirement that each state have minimum standards for licensing of commercial drivers.

The California Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety

ing more than 10 passengers, including the driver (see chart below).

? A 3-axle vehicle weighing more than 6,000 pounds.

You Must Have a CDL When:

Program was enacted to improve traffic safety on

? Towing a vehicle or trailer, which has a GVWR

our roadways. As a result, California has developed

of 10,001 pounds or more.

licensing and testing requirements for drivers of commercial vehicles that equals or exceeds federal standards.

? Transporting hazardous materials (HazMat), which require placards.

? Transporting HazMat, as defined in California

This handbook provides driver license (DL) testing

Health and Safety Code (CHSC) ??25115 and

information for drivers who wish to have a commer-

25117.

cial learner's permit (CLP)/commercial driver license

? Towing any combination of 2 trailers or vehicle

(CDL). This handbook does not provide informa-

and trailer.

tion on all the federal and state requirements needed

Horse trailers with living quarters and a GVWR over

before you can drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). More information may be found in Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) or California Vehicle Code (CVC).

10,000 pounds require a commercial Class A DL. Restriction 88 will be added to the DL if the truck and trailer GCWR is under 26,001 pounds.

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. . . ,:i\? ? I1ss the gross combination weight rating of the vehicle driven more than 26,000 pounds?

YES

NNOO

*f'dTl:H: Is the vehicle used as a vanpool?

NO

-....---- YES ..... Commercial Driver License

t

NOT REQUIRED

Is the vehicle, maintained or used to carry more than 15 NO persons including the driver?

Is the vehicle designed, maintained or used to carry more than 10

NO

persons including the driver?

YES

YES

Is the vehicle used

Commercial Driver License

YES

for transporting persons for compensation,

NO

REQUIRED

profit, or used by any nonprofit

organization or group?

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Restriction 88 ? restricted to combination vehicles with a GCWR of less than 26,001 pounds and the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.

Horse trailers are defined as property carrying vehicles and the addition of "living quarters" to a trailer does not permanently alter that vehicle for human habitation. The "living quarters" are secondary or incidental to the primary function of the vehicle, which is transporting property.

How to Get a CLP/CDL

Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)

The commercial instruction permit has been renamed CLP to comply with federal regulations. The CLP:

? Applicant must be at least 18 years of age.

? Will not be issued to an applicant until they have obtained a valid California DL that, at a minimum, allows the applicant to operate a noncommercial Class C motor vehicle. A temporary California DL is acceptable.

? Is only valid when accompanied by the CLP holder's valid California DL.

? Will be valid for a maximum of 180 days from the date of issuance and may be renewed for up to an additional 180 days, provided the CLP expiration date does not exceed a period of 1 year from the initial application date.

? Is limited to the following endorsements:

-- Tank (N).

-- Passenger (P).

-- School Bus (S).

? Holder with an "N" endorsement is prohibited from operating a tank vehicle unless the tank is empty. The tank must be purged if it previously contained HazMat.

? Holder with a "P" endorsement and/or "S" endorsement is prohibited from operating a CMV with passengers, other than federal/state auditors and inspectors, test examiners, other trainees, and the accompanying CDL holder.

? Holder must wait a minimum of 14 days after initial CLP issuance to be eligible to take the skills test. The 14-day waiting period applies to classification upgrades and endorsement/restriction changes that require a skills test.

? Holder must be accompanied by a CDL holder while operating a CMV. The CDL holder must possess the appropriate class CDL and endorsements necessary to operate the CMV.

? Holder must surrender their CLP and DL to DMV prior to being issued a CDL.

Applicants Applying for a CDL

? Must be 18 years of age.

? Must obtain a California Noncommercial Class C DL (a temporary/interim DL is acceptable). The DL must be carried to validate the CLP CFR, Title 49 ??383.5 and 383.25).

? May drive for hire within California if you are 18 years of age or older and do not engage in interstate commerce activities.

? Must be at least 21 years old to drive a commercial vehicle engaged in interstate commerce or transport HazMat or wastes (intrastate or interstate commerce) CVC ?12515).

Provide the Following Items:

? A completed Commercial Driver License Application (DL 44C/eDL 44C) form. The eDL 44C may be completed online in advance. Signing this form means you agree to submit to a chemical test to determine the alcohol or drug content of your blood when requested by a peace officer. If you refuse to sign this form, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will not issue or renew your DL.

? Your true full name.

? Approved Medicals ? (See Section 1.2)

? An acceptable identity (birth date/legal presence) document. All applicants for an original, renewal, upgrade, or transfer of their CLP/CDL must submit proof of legal presence in the U.S. as authorized under federal law.

-- If the name on your identity document is different from the name on your CDL application, you must also submit an acceptable true full name document.

-- Your true full name, as shown on your identity document, will appear on your CLP/CDL.

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