Combination Vehicles Practice Test | California 2026 #1

Train for FREE online with our California CDL combination vehicle test. The official exam test consists of several obligatory parts, with all of them checking your knowledge of different blocks of road rules. If you need to obtain a CA combination license in 2026, practice as much as possible. Free sample tests published on our website will help you check and improve your knowledge and boost your grades. Please bear in mind that DMV requirements for issuing a combination license may vary from state to state.

Number of Question 20

Passing Score 17

Number of Tests 20

1 . To find out if a vehicle that was built before 1998 has an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), you can:

Pump the air brakes to activate the ABS.

Look into the back of the fifth wheel.

Check for wheel speed sensors coming from the back of the brakes.

If you are operating a vehicle built before 1998 and are unsure if the trailer has an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), you can check under the trailer for wheel speed sensors coming from the back of the brakes.

2 . Avoid needing to make sudden lane changes by:

Using your horn to encourage other drivers to move out of your lane.

Only driving slower than the posted speed limit.

Watching the road ahead while driving.

Making a sudden lane change can be dangerous when driving a combination vehicle. Avoid the need to make a sudden lane change by looking down the road for upcoming obstacles that will require you to change lanes.

3 . Before beginning a trip, you should:

Leave the service line valve open.

Remove the relay valves.

Close the emergency line valve.

Before a trip, you should ensure that air reaches all air brakes on all trailers by opening up the rear emergency line and service line shut-off valves and listening for escaping air. Close both shut-off valves before beginning to drive.

4 . When entering or crossing traffic while driving a combination vehicle, it is especially important that you:

Sound your horn.

Make sure there is a large enough gap for your vehicle.

Expect other drivers to make room for your vehicle.

Combination vehicles require more space on the road than other vehicles. When entering or crossing traffic while driving a combination vehicle, it is especially important that there is a large enough gap in traffic for you to safely do so.

5 . Maintain a following distance of at least ____ for every 10 feet of your vehicle if you are traveling at a speed under 40 mph.

One second

Two seconds

Three seconds

At speeds below 40 mph, you should allow at least one second of following distance for every 10 feet of your vehicle. Follow the same formula when traveling at faster speeds, then add one additional second to your following distance. Remember that larger vehicles require more space to stop than smaller vehicles.

6 . Pull out the trailer air supply control to test:

The parking brake.

The trailer emergency brakes.

The trailer service brakes.

The landing gear.

Be sure to test the trailer emergency brakes before beginning a trip. After ensuring that the trailer rolls freely, you can test the emergency brakes by pulling out the trailer air supply control, or placing it in the "emergency" position. Pull forward slightly with the tractor and make sure the trailer does not move.

7 . If you press the tractor air supply control and your trailer's spring brakes do not release, you should:

Inspect the air line connections.

Activate the Anti-Lock Braking System.

Turn the engine off and on again.

It is important that all of a vehicle's equipment is in proper working condition before beginning a trip. If a trailer's spring brakes do not release when you push in the tractor air supply control, you should make sure the air line connections are properly attached and sealed.

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2026 California | Frequently Asked Questions

To acquire a CDL Passenger endorsement in California, you must first have a commercial driver's license (CDL). Then, you need to pass a written passenger transport test and a skills test in the type of vehicle you'll be driving. You must also complete a medical examination and submit the Medical Examination Report form to the DMV.

To obtain a CDL Passenger license in California, you must hold a valid commercial driving license (CDL). You must then pass a written passenger transport test and a skills test in the type of vehicle you'll be driving. Additionally, you need to undergo a medical examination and submit the Medical Examination Report form to the DMV.

Yes, to secure a CDL Passenger endorsement in California, you need specific training to pass the written and skills tests required by the DMV. While not mandatory, professional training programs help you gain practical experience. These programs cover topics like vehicle inspection, on-road driving, and passenger safety, which are critical for the endorsement.

Yes, for a CDL Passenger endorsement in California, you are required to pass a written passenger transport test. This test focuses on specific knowledge related to carrying passengers, such as bus safety rules and procedures. This is in addition to the general knowledge test that is required for the base CDL.

During the CDL Passenger endorsement assessment, you will be expected to demonstrate your ability to safely load and unload passengers, respond to emergency situations, operate a vehicle of the same class as the one you plan to drive, and conduct vehicle inspections. Additionally, you'll need to show your ability to manage distractions and maintain a safe environment for passengers.

No, it is illegal to transport passengers in California without a valid CDL Passenger endorsement. This endorsement is required for drivers operating vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver. Violating this law can lead to serious consequences, including fines, disqualification or suspension of your CDL, and even jail time in severe cases.

Yes, you can add the CDL Passenger endorsement to your existing Commercial Driver's License (CDL). You don't need a new application for your license, but you will need to pass the Passenger Vehicle written test and a skills test in a passenger vehicle. Ensure you have the correct class of CDL for the vehicle you plan to drive.

Yes, there are specific limitations for drivers with a CDL Passenger endorsement in California. For instance, you must not have more than two moving violations or at-fault accidents in the past two years. You also cannot have a DUI conviction within the past ten years. Furthermore, you must pass a physical examination every two years to ensure you're fit to drive.

Yes, in California, to acquire a CDL Passenger endorsement, you must be at least 21 years old. This is due to the fact that interstate driving or transporting hazardous materials is involved. However, at 18 years old, you can apply for a CDL for intrastate driving (within California only), but it won't include passenger endorsement.

With a CDL Passenger endorsement, you are eligible to operate vehicles such as buses, shuttles, and vans that are designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver. This endorsement is particularly useful for those seeking employment as a bus driver in schools, public transit, and private charter companies.