OverviewThe States and Washington, DC are the backbone of Commercial Driver's Licensing. They issue the licenses and assess the qualifications and validity of each of their drivers. Click on any of the following items to learn more. Show
Certifications and Record ChecksWhen an individual applies for a CDL, or attempts to renew or update his or her CDL, the State must perform a check of its databases, and of the Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS), and the National Driver Registry (NDR) to ensure that the driver is not disqualified in that State or another jurisdiction, or does not possess a commercial license from more than one jurisdiction. If the driver possesses a license from another jurisdiction, the State must require the CDL applicant to surrender his/her driver's license issued by that jurisdiction before issuing a new license. The State must request the complete driving record of the applicant from all jurisdictions where the driver was previously licensed in the past 10 years. As of January 30, 2012, for each operator of a commercial motor vehicle required to have a commercial driver's license, the current licensing State must:
Within 10 calendar days of receiving information from FMCSA regarding issuance or renewal of a medical variance for a driver, the State must update the CDLIS driver record to include the medical variance information provided by FMCSA. Within 10 calendar days of the expiration or recission of a driver's medical certification status or a medical variance, the State must:
For persons applying for a hazardous materials endorsement, the State must require compliance with the standards for such endorsement as specified in Transportation Security Administration requirements, and provide proof of citizenship or immigration status. A lawful permanent resident of the United States requesting a hazardous materials endorsement must additionally provide his or her Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) Alien registration number. If a State determines, in its check of an applicant's license status and record prior to issuing a CDL, or at any time after the CDL is issued, that the applicant has falsified information or any of the required certifications, the State shall at a minimum disqualify the person's CDL or his/her pending application from operating a commercial motor vehicle for a period of at least 60 consecutive days. If the person is convicted of fraud related to this issuance, the State must record this withdrawal in the persons driving record and they may not reapply for at least 1 year. If a State receives credible information that a CLP/CDL holder is suspected, but not convicted of fraud related to the issuance of their license, the State must require the license holder to retake the questionable test. If the driver does not retake the test within 30 days the State is required to disqualify the driver. Back to Top Knowledge & Skills TestStates develop their own knowledge and skills tests, which must meet the minimum Federal standards in Subpart G and H of 49 CFR Part 383. Model driver and examiner manuals and tests have been prepared and distributed to the States to use, if they wish. Each basic knowledge test covers the 20 general areas outlined in 49 CFR 383.111(a). The knowledge test shall contain at least 30 items. A separate test for drivers seeking to operate CMV's with airbrakes must cover the 7 areas outlined in 49 CFR 383.111(b). To pass the knowledge tests (general and endorsement); applicants must correctly answer at least 80 percent of the questions. To pass the skills test, applicants must successfully perform all the required skills (listed in 49 CFR 383.113 through 49 CFR 383.123). The skills test must be taken in a vehicle representative of the type of vehicle that the applicant operates or expects to operate. Back to Top CDL ManualEach state has its own Commercial Driver's License Manual and drivers should always use their state's manual to prepare for the knowledge and skills testing. Many states have their manuals available online for downloading and printing for your convenience. Back to Top Third Party Skills TestingA State may authorize a person (including another State, an employer, a private driver training facility or other private institution, or a department, agency or instrumentality of a local government) to administer the skills tests, if the following conditions are met:
Back to Top Military Exemption for Skills Testing RequirementsAs of May 2011, States are authorized to waive the Skills Test portion of the application for a Commercial Driver's License for military service members and recently separated Veterans with two years of safe driving experience in similar vehicles. More information on the qualification and experience criteria in the federal regulation can be found on the Military Skills Test Waiver Form. Back to Top Commercial Driver's License or Commercial Learner's Permit DocumentWhile FMCSA sets the minimum standards that States must meet regarding CDLs and Commercial Learner's Permits (CLP), administration of the actual CDL program and issuance of the license itself remains the exclusive function of the States. States may determine the application process, license fee, license renewal cycle, renewal procedures, and reinstatement requirements after a disqualification; provided that the Federal standards and criteria are met. States may exceed the Federal requirements for certain criteria, such as medical, fitness, and other driver qualifications. Per Federal regulations, all CDLs must contain the following information:
Note: The Social Security Number must be provided on the application, but must not be printed on the CDL or CLP. States may issue commercial learner's permits for purposes of behind-the-wheel training on public highways as long as the learner's permit holder is required to be accompanied by someone with a valid CDL appropriate for the class and type of vehicle being operated. Further, the learner's permits can only be issued for limited time periods. The permit holder cannot operate a commercial motor vehicle transporting hazardous materials as defined in §383.5. The permit holder must have a valid operators (non-CDL) driver's license, and have passed such vision, sign/symbol, and knowledge tests as the State issuing the learner's permit ordinarily administers to applicants for operator (non-CDL) drivers' licenses. Back to Top Strengthening the Supply Chain through LicensingTrucking plays a critical role in the U.S. supply chain and economy and America’s truck drivers have been on the frontlines of this pandemic, delivering goods to every corner of this country. Seventy-two percent of goods in America are shipped by truck. One role that FMCSA can play to help is getting drivers licensed to operate commercial motor vehicles and States manage this role every day. Even while facing significant challenges brought on by the pandemic – such as limited staff, office closures, and strained testing procedures because of masks, social distancing, and cleaning protocols – States, on average, are issuing more than 50,000 commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and commercial learner’s permits (CLPs) each month. However, there is still work to be done and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is doing targeted outreach and engagement with those States where it is taking longer for driver applicants to receive their CDLs/CLPs. The FMCSA wants to ensure States are using all available tools to reduce testing and delays and getting drivers on the job, working, and earning faster. Click Here for Toolkit. Back to Top Non-Domiciled Commercial Driver's LicenseIn certain circumstances, States are permitted to issue a CDL to an individual who is not domiciled within its jurisdiction. The word "Non-domiciled" must be prominently displayed on the CDL or CLP , but does not have to be contiguous with the words "Commercial Driver's License," "CDL", "Commercial Learner's Permit" or "CLP". Non-domicile CDL means a CDL issued by a State under either of the following two conditions:
Back to Top ExemptionsEach State must exempt from the requirements of 49 CFR 383 certain individuals operating CMVs for military purposes. This exception is applicable to active duty military personnel; members of the military reserves; member of the national guard on active duty, including personnel on full-time national guard duty, personnel on part-time national guard training, and national guard military technicians (civilians who are required to wear military uniforms); and active duty U.S. Coast Guard personnel. This exception is not applicable to U.S. Reserve technicians. A State may, at its discretion, exempt firefighters, emergency response vehicle drivers, farmers, and drivers removing snow and ice in small communities from the CDL requirements, subject to certain conditions. The use of this waiver is limited to the driver's home State unless there is a reciprocity agreement with adjoining States. See 49 CFR 383.3(d). In addition, a State may issue a restricted license and waive the CDL knowledge and skills testing requirements for seasonal drivers in farm-related service industries. A State can also waive the CDL hazardous materials endorsement test requirements for part-time drivers working for the pyrotechnics industry, subject to certain conditions. See 49 CFR 383.3(f) & (g). Back to Top PenaltiesA driver who is convicted of violating an out-of-service order shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $2,500 for a first conviction and not less than $5,000 for a second or subsequent conviction, in addition to disqualification under §383.51(e). An employer who is convicted of a violation of an out-of-service order shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $2,750 nor more than $25,000. An employer who is convicted of a violation of a Federal, State, or local law or regulation, pertaining to railroad-highway grade crossings must be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $10,000. Back to Top Commercial Driver's License Information SystemStates must be connected to the Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS) and the National Driver Register (NDR) in order to exchange information about CDL drivers, traffic convictions, and disqualifications. A State must use both the CDLIS and NDR to check a driver's record, and the CDLIS to make certain that the applicant does not already have a CDL or is disqualified. The State shall notify the operator of the CDLIS of the issuance, transfer, renewal, or upgrade of a license within the 10-day period beginning on the date of license issuance. Members of the enforcement community seeking access to CDLIS data should visit the FMCSA Technical Support Web site. Carriers needing CDLIS data should seek a commercial company that provides a clearinghouse service for this information, or contact the driver's State of licensure. Back to Top BAC StandardsThe FMCSA has established 0.04% as the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level at or above which a CDL commercial motor vehicle operator who is required to have a CDL, and is operating a commercial motor vehicle, is deemed to be driving under the influence of alcohol and subject to the disqualification sanctions in the Federal regulations. Most States have established a BAC level of .08% as the level at or above which a person operating a non-commercial motor vehicle is deemed to be driving under the influence of alcohol. Sanctions for alcohol-related driving violations may affect the driver's qualification and eligibility for both commercial and non-commercial licenses. Back to Top Employer NotificationsWithin 30 days of a conviction for any traffic violation, except parking violations, a driver must notify his/her employer, regardless of the nature of the violation or the type of vehicle which was driven at the time. A CMV driver must notify his employer if the driver's license is suspended, revoked, canceled, or if he/she is disqualified from driving. The notification must be made by the end of the next business day following receipt of the notice of the suspension, revocation, cancellation, lost privilege or disqualification. Employers may not knowingly use a driver who has more than one license or whose license is suspended, revoked or canceled, or is disqualified from driving. Violation of this requirement may result in civil or criminal penalties. Back to Top Employer Notification Services (ENS)FMCSA Best Practices and RecommendationsCurrently, 18 States have Employer Notification Services (ENS) that notify employers when the driving statuses of their employees change. Prompt notification of suspensions and revocations, crashes, and other violations allows motor carriers to ensure drivers do not operate illegally. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has supported the development and implementation of ENS for over 10 years. Through FMCSA’s work, ENS has been piloted and studied and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) has provided ENS design and implementation recommendations to FMCSA through a grant. Building on the years of work on this issue, FMCSA provides this document as a resource for States to use when considering implementing or updating an ENS. This document will guide States through the voluntary development and implementation process, including the types of data to include, the types of service, and other program considerations. In addition, this document provides information on the States with ENS already in place, so that those organizations may be resources too. FMCSA ENS Best Practices and Recommendations Employer Notification Service (ENS) Design and Best Practices RecommendationAs required in the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21); P.L. 112-114, the FMCSA established recommendations and a plan for the development and implementation of a national driver record notification system. The report includes, an assessment of the merits of achieving a national system by expanding the Commercial Driver’s License Information System and an estimate of the fees that an employer will be charged to offset the operating costs of the national system. FMCSA created this report with the help of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA). AAMVA ENS Design and Best Practices RecommendationAAMVA produced the Best Practices Guide for ENS for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) under grant/cooperative agreement number FM-CDL-0143-13-01-03. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the Author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the FMCSA. This report includes survey results, findings, and analysis about possible solutions for an employer notification system (ENS). The purpose of this report is to present the pros and cons of the various ENS solutions and propose a fee model to be used for the implementation of a national ENS using AAMVAnet and CDLIS. Back to Top Notification of Previous EmploymentAll employers shall request and all person's applying for employment as a commercial motor vehicle operator shall provide, employment history as a commercial motor vehicle operator for the 10 years preceding the date the application is submitted. The request shall be made at the time of application for employment. Back to Top Major Violations While Operating a Motor Vehicle
Back to Top Serious Violations While Operating a Motor Vehicle
Back to Top Railroad Highway Grade Crossing Violations While Operating a CMV
Back to Top Violation of Out-of-Service Order While Operating a CMVViolating a driver or vehicle out-of-service order transporting hazardous or non-hazardous materials or while operating a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver. Back to Top DisqualificationsDisqualifications apply to CDL holders and persons required to have a CDL: Using a CMV or non CMV in the commission of a felony involving manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing a controlled substance will result in a disqualification for life, without the possibility of reinstatement. Disqualification for Major OffensesThe first violation for a major violation, in a CMV or a non-CMV, results in a 1-year disqualification or a 3-year disqualification if transporting hazardous materials required to be placarded. The second violation for a major violation, in a CMV or a non-CMV, results in a lifetime disqualification. The driver may be eligible for reinstatement under certain conditions after 10 years. Disqualification for Serious Traffic Violations The first violation for a serious violation does not result in a disqualification. A second serious violation within 3 years, results in a 60-day disqualification, and a third serious violation within 3 years, results in a 120-day disqualification. Serious disqualifications must be served consecutively. All serious violations in a CMV are included. Serious violations in a non-CMV must not be included, unless it results in the revocation, cancellation, or suspension of the CDL holder's license or non-CMV driving privileges. Disqualification for railroad-highway grade crossing (RRHGC) offenses, while operating a CMVThe first violation of a RRHGC results in a disqualification of not less than 60 days. The second violation, within 3 years, results in a disqualification of not less than 120 days. The third and subsequent violations within 3 years results in a disqualification of not less than 1 year. Disqualification for violating out-of-service orders (OOSO), while operating a CMVCategory 1 describes a driver who violates an OOSO related to transporting placarded hazardous materials or operating a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers. Category 2 describes drivers not in Category 1. Category 1: The first violation results in a disqualification of no less than 180 days or more than 2 years. The second and subsequent violations within 10 years, results in a disqualification of no less than 3 years or more than 5 years. Category 2: The first violation results in a disqualification of no less than 180 days or more than 1 year. The second violation within 10 years, results in a disqualification of no less than 2 years or more than 5 years. The third and subsequent violations result in disqualifications of no less than 3 years or more than 5 years. If a CDL holder is disqualified from operating a CMV, the State may issue him/her a license to operate a non-CMV. Drivers who are disqualified from operating a CMV cannot be issued a "conditional" or "hardship" CDL or any other type of limited driving privileges to continue driving a CMV. For disqualification purposes, convictions for out-of-state violations will be treated the same as convictions for violations that are committed in the driver's home State. Convictions and disqualifications for 60 days or longer received by a driver outside his or her home State are transmitted to the State of Record (SOR) so that the convictions and disqualifications can be applied to the driver's history record (DHR). Back to Top Implied Consent to Alcohol TestingAny person who holds a CDL is considered to have consented to such testing as is required by any State or jurisdiction in the enforcement of being under the influence of a controlled substance or using alcohol, be under the influence of alcohol, or have any measured alcohol concentration or detected presence of alcohol, while on duty, or operating, or in physical control of a commercial motor vehicle. Consent is implied by driving a commercial motor vehicle. Back to Top CDL from a Decertified StateA CDL issued by a State prior to the date the State is notified by the FMCSA Administrator that the State is prohibited from issuing CDLs, will remain valid until its stated expiration date. Back to Top What entity must authorize a BCA waiver?PRT and BCA medical waivers must be approved by the CO/OIC before CFL enters waiver into PRIMS.
What is the maximum authorized size of tattoo on a Sailors forearm?Visible tattoos must not exceed the size of a Marine's hand and must end two inches above or below the elbow or knee. Marine tattoos for officers must not exceed four visible tattoos when the Marine is in his or her standard PT uniform.
When an individual fails the PFA Written notification will be provided?In the event of a PFA failure, members will receive a written notification. Enlisted members receive a page-13 and officers receive a Letter of Notification (LON). Members should maintain a copy for their records.
Which of the following situations qualifies a Sailor to wear one navy service stripe?All personnel wear one stripe for each four years of active duty service or reserve service in an active status in any of the armed services.
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