What's the Passing Score on the California CDL General Knowledge Test?
California's CDL general knowledge test is commonly cited as requiring at least 80% correct answers to pass, which corresponds to about 40 of 50 questions under the standard, federally influenced format used across most states. Confirm the current requirement with the CA DMV before your appointment.
How the score is calculated
An 80% passing threshold leaves some room for error, but missing more than roughly one in five questions typically means a retest is required, along with any applicable retest fee.
The DMV sets and can adjust this threshold, so confirm the current passing score for the CDL general knowledge test on the official CA DMV website before your appointment.
Setting a practice target
Since roughly 80% is the minimum, a reasonable practice goal is to consistently score 90% or higher across all 17 general knowledge topic areas before your appointment, giving yourself a safety margin.
Our practice tests show your score as a percentage immediately after each 25-question set, along with a topic-by-topic breakdown so you know exactly which areas need more review.
Where test-takers commonly lose points
Air brake system knowledge, hours-of-service rules, and cargo securement requirements are common areas where first-time test-takers lose points, since these topics involve more technical detail than general driving knowledge.
Reviewing the explanation after every practice question, not just the correct answer, is the fastest way to close these gaps before test day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions can I miss on the CDL general knowledge test?
With an 80% passing threshold on a 50-question test, you can typically miss up to 10 questions and still pass, though the exact count depends on the format used for your specific exam. Confirm current details with the CA DMV.
Is the passing score different for endorsement-specific tests?
Endorsement tests (such as hazardous materials or passenger transport) are scored separately from the general knowledge test and may have their own passing requirements. Confirm current thresholds with the CA DMV.
Does a low score on one topic area cause automatic failure?
Typically, the overall percentage across the full test determines whether you pass, not performance on any single topic area, but always confirm the exact scoring method with the CA DMV.
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Start a free California cdl practice testLast reviewed: 2026-07-06