The regulations allow a motor carrier the option of accepting a valid CDL in lieu of a road test if it is issued by a state which requires a road test for the type of vehicle the driver is to be assigned.
If the employer intends to assign the driver a vehicle necessitating the doubles/triples or tank vehicle endorsement on a CDL, the employer still needs to administer the road test in that type of vehicle.
If an employer accepts an operator’s license in lieu of a road test, the employing carrier must retain a legible copy of the license in the driver’s qualification file for the duration of employment and for three years after employment ceases.