fbpixel

California Truck Driver Training Standards – 5 Tips for Trucker Safety

November 21, 2023

California Truck Driver Training Standards – 5 Tips for Trucker Safety

A California truck driver must run through a different set of rules and regulations for driving a truck.

For starters, a California truck driver must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in order to operate a truck

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, a California truck driver must own a CDL to operate:

  • Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. 
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR less than 26,000 pounds which is designed, used, or maintained to transport more than 10 passengers (including the driver).
  • A combination vehicle with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle that tows another vehicle with a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more. 
  • Any vehicle that tows more than 1 vehicle or a trailer bus
  • Any size vehicle which requires hazardous material placards or carries material listed as a select agent or toxin in Code of Federal Regulations.
  • Transports hazardous wastes

Your CDL will fall under a class type, A, B, or C. Each letter determines the size and type of vehicle you can drive.

  • Commercial Class A allows a California truck driver to operate any legal combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the gross combination weight rating of the vehicle(s) being towed is more than 10,001 pounds. 
  • Commercial Class B allows a California truck driver to operate a vehicle with a gross combination weight rating of more than 26,000 pounds, or any vehicle towing a vehicle weighing no more than 10,000 pounds gross combination weight rating, or a 3-axle vehicle weighing over 6,000 pounds. 
  • Commercial Class C allows a California truck driver to drive with one or more of the following endorsements: Hazardous materials, passenger vehicle, or tank vehicle.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles states that to get a CDL, a California truck driver:

  • Must be 18 years old
  • Can apply for a commercial learner’s permit (CLP), but must also hold a California driver’s license to do so.
  • Must be at least 21 years old to drive a commercial motor vehicle that partakes in interstate commerce or to transport hazardous materials/waste.

A California truck driver can find more info about obtaining a CLP at the California DMV website.

Additionally, a California truck driver must past a number of tests and inspections, including:

  • Vehicle inspection tests which are used to check if a California truck driver can “identify which features and equipment on the test vehicle should be inspected before operating the vehicle”.
  • A basic control skills test which may test drivers on straight line backing or parallel parking.
  • Road tests that may evaluate left/right changes or going over railroad crossings.

Safety is extremely important for any California truck driver. There are a number of ways drivers can maintain safety, such as:

  • Frequent vehicle inspections
  • Controlling their speed
  • Staying focused on the road ahead
  • Controlling the space around them, such as in front of and behind the truck.
  • Avoid driving distracted
  • Knowing about any anti lock braking system
  • Being cognizant of weather conditions

Truck accidents can be extremely devastating, especially for other vehicles. Common injuries that stem from truck accidents include:

  • Wrongful Death 
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) 
  • Broken bones/fractures 
  • Whiplash
  • Disfigurement 
  • Cuts and lacerations 
  • Scarring 
  • Nerve injuries and damage 
  • Spinal cord injuries 
  • Paralysis 
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder

At C&B Law Group, our team of truck accident attorneys are prepared to help you following any personal injuries due to a crash. 

Our seasoned team of Los Angeles personal injury lawyers can help with recovering damages such as:

  • Lost wages
  • Medical expenses
  • Pain and suffering

A California truck driver has a duty of care to protect others on the road. Failure to do so can result in negative ramifications for all parties involved.

If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident, contact C&B Law Group today to learn more about a free consultation.

Get Started Now

Schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced lawyers today by filling out the form below, or call us at (866) 747-7333

    or call us at

    (866) 747-7333

    Hablamos Español

    • img
    • img
    • img
    • img
    • img
    • img
    • img
    • img
    • img

    Recent Blog Posts

    view all blog posts