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Written exam

RegSenseezExplanationFleet SafetyFederal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOTDriver qualificationsBest ResultsDriver qualification and hiringFocus AreaEnglishTransportationUSA

A written exam is a safety management control used by many motor carriers as a part of the driver qualification process. A typical examination covers multiple areas of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) and the Hazardous Materials Regulations to measure an applicant’s knowledge.

Scope

A written exam is not specifically required in the FMCSRs.* Instead, it fits within the scope of 390.3(e). Everyone involved in motor carrier safety must know and comply with the safety regulations.

Regulatory citations

Key definitions

  • Commercial motor vehicle (CMV): Any self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property when the vehicle:
    • Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight, of 4,536 kg (10,001 pounds) or more, whichever is greater; or
    • Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation; or
    • Is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation; or
    • Is used in transporting hazmat in a quantity requiring placarding.
  • Driver Any person who operates any CMV.
  • Safety management controls: The systems, policies, programs, practices, and procedures used by a motor carrier to ensure compliance with applicable safety and hazardous materials regulations, which ensure the safe movement of products and passengers through the transportation system, and to reduce the risk of highway accidents and hazardous materials incidents resulting in fatalities, injuries, and property damage.

Summary of requirements

A motor carrier determines which safety management controls it wants to use to satisfy 390.3(e). Examples provided to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) during an investigation often include training and communication, policies and procedures, assigned roles and responsibilities, hiring and qualification standards, and monitoring and tracking of compliance. Asking applicants to pass a written test is one example of qualifying a new driver.

*Note: A number of years ago, the FMCSRs required a written exam of drivers. It was removed from the safety regulations on December 23, 1994.

['Driver qualifications']
['Driver qualification and hiring']
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