Federal & State Regulations | Driver qualifications - California

California has not adopted Part 391 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs).

Applicability varies under California’s driver qualification requirements. Generally, the requirements apply to drivers in possession of a CDL and/or drivers of vehicles as defined in 34500 of the California Vehicle Code (definition includes vehicles weighing or rated at 10,001 pounds or more).

Age	18-years old non-hazmat 21-years old hazmat
Drivers Qualification (DQ File)	The following driver qualification requirements apply to drivers of vehicles as defined in 34500: A record of the different types of vehicles and vehicle combinations driver is capable of driving, and DMV report/record (signed and dated). In addition to the items listed above, the following driver qualification documentation is required of drivers in possession of a CDL: Application for employment, and Pull notice records (signed and dated).
Driving Records	Form INF 70 must be used. Form INF 70 is available from DMV’s website: https://roar-assets-auto.rbl.ms/documents/15263/inf70.pdf The fee is $5.00 for an automated record (computer printout)
Drug and Alcohol Testing - DOT	Motor carriers must make Part 382 alcohol and drug records available for inspection. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) may use to use return-to-duty and follow-up test results to monitor drivers who are motor carriers. A drug or alcohol testing consortium, as defined in §382.107, must mail a copy of all drug and alcohol positive test result summaries to the CHP within three days of the test (only for those drivers employed by motor carriers who operate terminals in California). Exception: These requirements do not apply to firefighters operating any firefighting equipment.
Physical Exam - Motor Carrier	Physical exam, long form, and certificate required of drivers in possession of a CDL. A current long form and certificate must be on file with DMV. If driver does not meet the medical standards, DMV may issue a certificate allowing the driver to continue to drive if prescribed criteria are met.
Pull Notice Program	Drivers in possession of a CDL must be enrolled in the DMV Employer Pull Notice Program. This program notifies participating employers when an employee’s driving record is posted with a conviction, accident, or DMV action. It identifies drivers who have a negligent operator status, have been convicted of Vehicle Code violations, or whose licenses have been suspended or revoked. Motor carriers must review, sign, date, and maintain driver Pull Notice records. Exception: A casual driver is not required to be enrolled in the program if the employer has a current (< 6-month-old) public record as recorded by the DMV. A driver is defined as a casual driver when the employer has employed the driver less than 30 days in the preceding 6 months.

['Driver qualifications', 'Physical exam - Motor Carrier']

['Drivers qualification (DQ file)', 'Physical exam - Motor Carrier']

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Driver qualifications - California