When doing a road test with a new driver (where none of the exceptions in 391.33 apply), what does the road test need to include and who can conduct it?

The regulation involved requires that the road test include a pretrip, coupling and uncoupling (if applicable), driving the vehicle (placing the vehicle into operation, using the vehicle’s controls, operating in traffic, turning, braking, slowing, stopping, etc.), and backing. (391.31)

Anyone the carrier believes has the knowledge necessary to evaluate the driver can conduct the road test. However, if the examiner has not been qualified as a commercial motor vehicle driver and does not have the qualifications to operate the specific vehicle (for example, does not hold a CDL to operate a CDL vehicle), the examiner will not be able to take over the vehicle and drive it back to the facility.