CDL state transfer

If you can't trust our DMV, who can you trust? Honestly, it's a mess. But if I have time tomorrow, I'll stop by and ask about CDL transfers from other states and I'll post the answer I get. Then I'll go in the next day and post the answer I get.

 

To recap my experience with the CA DMV, I moved from Washington State in 2012 to get my CDL and join my brother. It took me about half a dozen visits to the DMV to finally get through the process of transferring my WA license, then take the written test and get my permit. Each time it was a different story. When I finally took my written test I was told I couldn't take the tests for endorsements, but later when I went back to take my endorsement tests I was told I should have taken them at the same time. Seriously uninformed folks at the DMV.

 

I'll bet you weren't the only one ...

 

Okay, I called California DMV (1-800-777-1033), left a call-back number, and 46 minutes later they called back as promised. I was told that as long as there are "no restrictions" from another state (i.e., your current license is valid), the driving test is waived when you transfer to California. You must provide: 1) proof of (new) California residence 2) proof of insurance 3) your current long-form medical, and you must take the written exam for the basic drivers' license and a written test for each endorsement. And of course, you must surrender your current CDL. If all tests are passed, they issue an interim license (they'll mail your new California CDL to you at your residence address in a couple of weeks). Again, that is what DMV told me this morning. They suggested that you make an appointment (just one) at the DMV office most convenient for you (there's a list of DMV offices and their hours at the DMV website; you can make an appointment online) for the tests and the paperwork process to transfer--early morning is best. Most DMV offices open at 08:00.

This is what I did when I transferred from Oregon to California in 2006--there was no driving test, just written exams. I suggest taking practice exams (Google "California CDL practice exams").

I hope that helps. And I hope they got it right.

 

I tried making appointments, but didn't want to wait 3-5 weeks to get into the DMV, so I ended up walking in without an appointment each time. Best to go and get in line at around 5:00 am, then you have a shot at getting out by noon (after being turned away because the last DMV representative gave you a bum steer and you need more paperwork or can't take the test today or... or.... )....

 

Thank you sir. You're great. Seems IL is the only backward state that has you take take all pre-trip, road, and written tests to transfer an out of state CDL. As a matter of fact even if you're just renewing an IL CDL you have to take ALL written tests if you got any tickets in past few years.:smt011

 

Glad I could help. Safe trip.

 

I'll update for TX in about 2 weeks.

 

When transferring to CA you might want to check on the medical form requirement.

CA has their own form that they require. They don't accept the standard form that most states use.
So you may need to get a new physical done.

 

Good info, Moosetek13. I don't know if CA uses a different form (it wouldn't surprise me ), but here's a PDF of the form they do use. The revision date is 01/2014.
https://apps.dmv.ca.gov/forms/dl/dl51.pdf.