Road test

Scope

This regulation applies to drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce and the motor carriers of these drivers.

Regulatory citations

• 49 CFR 391.31 — Road test
• 49 CFR 391.33 — Equivalent of road test

Key definitions

• Commercial motor vehicle (CMV): A self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway, in interstate commerce, that meets any one of the following criteria:
  • Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR), or gross vehicle weight (GVW) or gross combination weight (GCW), of 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 not used to transport passengers for compensation; or
  • Is transporting hazardous materials of a type or quantity which requires placarding.

Summary of requirements

Road test. The road test must be conducted using the type of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) the motor carrier intends to assign to the driver. In order to pass the road test, the driver must successfully complete the following tasks:

• A pretrip inspection;
• Coupling and uncoupling a combination (if the driver may drive such equipment);
• Placing the vehicle in operation;
• Using the vehicle’s controls and emergency equipment;
• Driving in traffic and passing other vehicles;
• Turning;
• Braking, and slowing by means other than braking; and
• Backing and parking.

The motor carrier is required to rate the driver’s skill in each operation on a road test form, which shall then be signed by the person giving the test.

Upon successful completion of a road test, the person administering the test must complete a certificate of road test and give a copy to the driver.

Record retention. The original road test form (signed by the person giving the test) and the original or a copy of the certificate of road test should be kept in the driver’s qualification file.

Exceptions. In lieu of a road test, the regulations allow the motor carrier to accept:

• A valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) (not including double/triple trailer/ tank vehicle endorsements, or for a driver using the Alternative Vision Standard in 391.44 for the first time) issued to the driver to operate specific categories of CMVs of the type the motor carrier intends to assign the driver; or
• A certificate of road test issued to the driver by another motor carrier during the preceding three years.

An employer may accept a CDL in lieu of giving a road test.

However, if the employer intends to assign the driver to a vehicle necessitating the doubles/triples or tank vehicle endorsement, the employer still needs to administer the road test in that type of vehicle.

If an employer accepts a previous road test certificate or operator’s license in lieu of a road test, the employing carrier must retain a legible copy of the certificate or license in the driver’s qualification file.