I've taken and hold the Ca Non Commercial A written test and driving test. I've also ridden with 3 friends so that they could take their driving test at the West Sacramento Commercial DMV. A friend of mine with a Commercial A license rode with me when I went for my driving test. All you need is a current license holder of a Commercial A or a Non Commercial A license to ride with you while you drive your rig to the test station. They will check your Licensed Co-Driver's license when you check in to do your test. The temporary license you receive after taking the written tests is basically a permit to operate your rig as long as you have a properly licensed driver with you until you get the permanent license, just like when you started driving at 15 1/2 years old with a driving permit.
You must take a Travel Trailer over 10,000lbs GVWR or a 5th Wheel over 15,000lbs GVWR to the test facility or they will not allow you to take the driving test. Also make sure you have the current registration for both truck and trailer, and proof of insurance. They will ask for it.
There is a safety check of your rig before any other tests are started. If you have one thing wrong (light bulb out, cracked windshield, missing lug nut etc), the exam is stopped right there and you'll need to reschedule the test. The hardest part of the test is the pre-trip inspection, and there's very little leeway for error on that part of the test. They want to make sure you know what you're looking for, and explain to the examiner what you're looking for. There's some good YouTube videos you can watch to give you an idea of what to do, even though they are being done on Class 8 trucks. I thought the skills portion of the test in the DMV Truck Testing Yard was a piece of cake, along with the driving test out on the road.
