Update: Passed My Tests And Also Got My REAL ID

I'm happy to report that, thanks to the High Road CDL Training Program, I passed my DMV tests and now have my CDL permit!

A huge thank you to Brett for creating and maintaining this site, as well as to everyone else who posts here for offering such great advice.

I have a couple of tips to share for taking the test in California, thanks to a very helpful woman at the DMV. Yes, those types of people do actually exist at the DMV. :)

The test is taken on a computer. You can't go back over your test when you are finished like you could if you took the test on paper. Also, their computer program only lets you skip three questions. If you feel the need to skip a fourth question, you can't. Guess. At least that way, you have a 1 in 4 chance of getting the question correct.

Something else that the helpful woman at the DMV told me: You can take your CA DMV tests on paper if you want to, but you have to ask for it. They will not volunteer that option to you.

I generally like to go over my test before handing it in, but I took it on the computer. The great benefit of taking it on the computer is that it will tell you whether immediately whether you passed or failed.

My recruiter said not to take the Hazmat tests due to the strict California rules. I took Brett's advice and got a passenger and tanker endorsement. I was really sick the day I took my tests and somehow failed to get take the Class A/Combination test. Swift says that it is not a problem. PRIME, the other company I'm talking to, said I need it. I will most likely go and take that test this week.

If you take this seriously, and study the questions on the High Road CDL Training Program, you will do okay. If you don't take it seriously, you will most likely fail. It's that simple.

While I was there, I also applied for my federal "REAL ID." What is that? Beginning on October 1, 2020, you will need a REAL ID to board a domestic flight, enter federal buildings and to go on military bases. Each state is handling this federal ID requirement differently. (Check the DMV site in your state to see how they are handling this.)

It just so happens that, in California, the documents that you need for your federally approved REAL ID are the same documents that you need for your CDL permit. There is no charge for the REAL ID. Yes, it's a pain, but I was already there and already had the documents required, so I applied for one.

In case you doubt what I'm saying, here is the language regarding the REAL ID taken directly from the California DMV website:

“A REAL ID is a federally approved card that can be used to board a domestic airplane and access certain federal facilities after October 1, 2020.  The current California driver license/ID card does not meet the requirements of a REAL ID and will not be accepted by TSA to board a domestic flight or by federal agents to enter certain federal facilities beginning October 1, 2020.”

Thank you for everyone for their continuing support and encouragement!

Stay safe out there, everybody! Colin K.

Hey, that's awesome Colin! Congrats on getting the permit. That's one big step out of the way so on to the next!

Thank you, Brett, especially since you and your site played a huge role in me getting this far. Now I'm trying to decide between Swift and PRIME. Both are great companies. Both also allow dogs, which is important to me. (I won't get one until after completing my first year.)

I think I'd like Dry Van best but I really like PRIME's training program. It seems the most extensive and I think would prepare me best for being on my own. PRIME's recruiter has also done a better job of keeping in touch with me. I'll keep everybody posted.

Thanks again, Colin K.

Congratulations Colin K. I am currently studying with the High Road Training program and was worried if the information given was adequate enough to pass the permit test even though I've read the Florida and Missouri CDL Manual. So thank you for alleviating this worry, I'm currently on section 2 with a 95% overall and 100% across the board so far for section 2.

For Bret, one thing I think should be added is the proper lamp colors in the review portion. It's probably not a big deal for the written test but elsewhere I've heard that a lot of drivers are placed out of service simply because they were unaware that their lamps were the improper color; don't know how accurate that information is but it's just a thought of mine.

Congratulations again Colin and Good Luck to you in your future endeavors.

I'm glad that you found my post helpful, Workhorse. Keep studying, and scoring as you are, and you will do just fine. The training material here will get you through it.

If I can do it, so can you. Please keep us posted and best of luck to you!

Best Regards, Colin K.