CDL Testing and Commercial
Learner’s Permit Standards
Final Rule
Del Mar College/NAPFTDS
Region 4 Conference
Corpus Christi, Texas
November 10 - 11, 2011
CDL Testing and Commercial Learner’s
Permit Standards
• Why Testing and Permit Standards in one
rulemaking?
– They are related issues. Testing is the path to
both the CLP and the CDL
Rulemaking Summary
• Effective Date of Final Rule – July 8, 2011
• Compliance Date – July 8, 2014
• Addresses 17 major issues:
 Revised CDL knowledge and skills testing
requirements
 New CLP/CDL issuance requirements
 Other CLP/CDL regulatory changes
Rulemaking Summary (cont)
• Purpose:
 Enhance highway safety
 Ensure only qualified drivers operate CMVs
(passed knowledge & skills tests, legally
present & properly documented)
1. Strengthen Legal Presence
Requirement
• Issue CLP/CDL only to:
 U.S. Citizen
 Lawful permanent resident of U.S.
• Issue Non-domiciled CLP/CDL to persons with:
 Temporary legal presence
 Indefinite legal presence, or
 From a State that had its CDL program
decertified
1. Strengthen Legal Presence
Requirement (cont.)
•
Require proof of:
a) U.S. Citizenship/Permanent legal
presence
b) Temporary/Indefinite legal presence
•
Acceptable documentation
a) Table 1 to 383.71 (HM endorsement)
b) Foreign issued passport/U.S.
immigration documentation
1. Strengthen Legal Presence
Requirement (cont.)
• Proof of domicile in State
 Document with name and residential address
in State
 No domicile proof for nonresident
2. SSN Verification
•
•
•
•
State to verify Name, DOB and SSN
No CLP/CDL issuance without verification
Electronic verification (Individual/batch)
Exceptions:
 Only performed on initial CLP issuance
 Transfer of CDL
 1st renewal of CLP/CDL (after effective date of
Final Rule if SSN was not verified previously)
3. Surrender CLP, CDL or Non-CDL
• Currently, surrender only required when CDL is
replacing out-of-State Non-CDL or CDL
• Applicant must now surrender/return:
 Non-CDL/CLP being upgraded to CDL
 CDL initially issued, upgraded or transferred
 No surrender on renewals
• Return of surrendered license
 Only after physically marking it
 Punching hole/cutting corner not acceptable
 Punching “VOID” considered invalidated
4. CDL Testing Requirements for OutOf-State Driver Training
• CLP holder may take driver training in any State
• Take skills test in State of training
• State of training sends skills test to State of
domicile – process still to be determined.
• State of Domicile is required to accept out-ofstate skills test scores
5. State Reciprocity of CLPs
• CLP only issued by State of Domicile
• CLP/Nonresident CLP must be recognized for
training purposes by all States
• Reciprocity is similar to CDL/Nonresident CDL
6. Minimum Standards for Issuing CLPs
• Pass Knowledge Test to Obtain CLP
• CLP – Separate document from CDL/Non-CDL
• CLP document - Same tamperproof requirements
as CDL except photo is prohibited on the CLP
• Record CLP in CDLIS
• Not valid without underlying non-CDL/CDL
• Must be accompanied by valid CDL holder
7. Maximum Initial/ Renewal Periods for
CLP/CDL
• Initial validity/renewal periods for CLP
 Initial validity up to 180 days
 Renewal for additional 180 days without
retesting for knowledge
• Initial validity/renewal periods for CDL
 Average current period of validity = 5yr.
 Maximum issuance period is 8 years.
8. Minimum Age for CLP
• Currently, some States issue CLP’s to applicants
under 18 years of age
• Uniformity needed for CLP reciprocity
• Minimum age of 18 years old
• Intrastate - 18 years and older
• Interstate - 21 years and older
9. Preconditions to Take Skills Test
• Initial CLP must be issued for 14 days before
taking skills test
Rationale – Applicant needs behind the
wheel training and practice before taking
license test
• Separate rulemaking on proposed entry level
training before skills test. Final rulemaking
expected Fall of 2011.
10. Limit Endorsements on CLP
• Only P and S endorsements require skills test
• Only P, S (with no-passenger restriction), and
Tank (N with empty restriction) endorsements
permitted on CLP
• Passengers prohibited with CLP and P
endorsement
• P endorsement must be class specific on CLP
11. Methods of Administering CDL Tests
• Eliminate use of interpreters for knowledge and
skills tests
Applicant and examiner fraud found in use of
interpreters
• English only for skills tests – bilingual or
multilingual examiners may not test in languages
other than English
Need immediate response to verbal commands
and instructions in English
12. Update Federal Knowledge and
Skills Test Standards
• Incorporates AAMVA 2005 CDL Test System by
reference – Final Rule deleted this.
• Jurisdictions required to use an FMCSA preapproved State Testing System that meets the
minimum requirements established by the Final
Rule and that is comparable to the AAMVA 2005
CDL Test System (July 2010 version) which
FMCSA approved in the Final Rule.
12. Update Federal Knowledge/ Skills
Test Standards (cont.)
• Promotes uniformity among States
 Pre-trip inspection – Skills test
 Final Rule permits banking of skills test scores
 Eliminate 383.77 – Substitute for skills test
which was intended only for the initial testing
cycle prior to April 1, 1992 – Now applies only
to drivers with military CMV experience.
 Requires covert monitoring of State and 3rd
party skills examiners
CDL Version 2.0 Score Sheet
NEW Score Sheet
CDL Skills Tests Score Sheet (front)
VEHICLE INSPECTION TEST
VEHICLE INSPECTION TEST
(*) If vehicle has no air brakes, put a line through these components.
ALL VEHICLES
Engine Start
ALL VEHICLES
Engine Compartment
oil level ........................... 
coolant level ..................... 
power steering fluid/(belt) ..... 
water pump (belt) ............... 
alternator (belt) ................. 
*air compressor (belt) .......... 
leaks/hoses...................... 
Engine Start
clutch/gearshift.................. 
temperature ..................... 
oil pressure ...................... 
ammeter/voltmeter ............. 
*air brake check (1-2-3) ....... 
steering play .................... 
parking brake, hydraulic ....... 
mirrors, windshield ............. 
wipers/ washers ................ 
lighting indicators (L-R-4-H) .. 
horn(s) ........................... 
heater/defroster ................. 
safety belt/emerg (F-E-T) ..... 
School Bus/Truck/Tractor
Front of Vehicle
lights .............................. 
steering box/hoses ............. 
steering linkage ................. 
Front Suspension
spring/air ......................... 
spring mount ..................... 
shock absorber .................. 
Front Wheel
rims ............................... 
hub oil seal ....................... 
tires (I-C-D) ...................... 
lug nuts ........................... 
Front Brake
*slack adjustor ................... 
*brake chamber ................. 
brake hoses/lines ............... 
brake drum/linings .............. 
Driver/Fuel Area
door, mirror ...................... 
fuel tank/leaks ................... 
battery/box ....................... 
Under Vehicle
drive shaft ........................ 
exhaust system ................. 
frame.............................. 
School Bus Only
passenger entry/lift ............. 
emergency exits, seating ...... 
student lights, stop arm ........ 
Rear Wheels
vehicle axles ........................ 2 3
trailer axles .......................... 1 2
air brakes .................. Yes No (*)
safety belt ..................................... 
emergency equipment (F-E-T) ..... 
safe start ....................................... 
temperature gauge ....................... 
oil pressure gauge ........................ 
ammeter or voltmeter gauge ........ 
*air gauge ..................................... 
lighting indicators (L-R-4-H) ......... 
(*) If vehicle has no air
brakes, put a line through
these components.
Truck
Trailer
air & electric connectors .............. 
air & electric connectors & lines ... 
tongue storage area ..................... 
Coupling System
Coupling System
Optional Equipment
Trailer
FR
rims ............................ 
tires (I-C-D) ................... 
axle seals ..................... 
lug nuts ........................ 
spacers ........................ 
Rear Suspension
springs/air/torque ............ 
spring mounts ................ 
shock absorbers ............. 
Coach/Transit Bus
Trailer Front
air/electric connect .............. 
header board .................... 
lights/reflectors .................. 
Side of Trailer
landing gear ..................... 
frame, tandem release ......... 
lights/reflectors .................. 
doors/ties/lifts .................... 
Wheels
FR
*slack adjustor ................ 
*brake chamber .............. 
brake hoses/lines ............ 
brake drum/linings ........... 
rims ............................ 
tires (I-C-D) ................... 
axle seals ..................... 
lug nuts ........................ 
spacers ........................ 
Rear of Vehicle
Suspension
Rear Brakes
lights/reflectors .................. 
doors/ties/lift ..................... 
splash guards ................... 
Tractor Only
air/electric lines .................. 
catwalk ........................... 
lights/reflectors .................. 
Coupling System
mounting bolts ................... 
safety latch/locking jaws ....... 
platform ........................... 
release arm ...................... 
kingpin/apron/gap ............... 
sliding 5th wheel locking
pins................................ 
springs/air/torque ............ 
spring mounts ................ 
Brakes
*slack adjustor ................ 
*brake chamber .............. 
brake hoses/lines ............ 
brake drum/linings ........... 
Rear of Trailer
lights/reflectors .................. 
doors/ties/lift ..................... 
splash guards ................... 
Front of Vehicle
lights .............................. 
Passenger Items
passenger entry/lift ............. 
emergency exits ................ 
seating ............................ 
Driver/Entry Area
door, mirror ...................... 
Front Brakes/Suspension
air leaks/level .................... 
Front Wheel
rims ............................... 
hub oil seal ....................... 
tires (I-C-D) ...................... 
lug nuts ........................... 
Fuel Tank Area
fuel tank/leaks ................... 
Baggage Compartments
battery/box ....................... 
doors secure..................... 
Rear Wheels
FR
rims ............................ 
tires (I-C-D) ................... 
axle seals ..................... 
lug nuts ........................ 
spacers ........................ 
Rear Brakes/Suspension
air leaks/level ................. 
Rear of Vehicle
lights/reflectors .................. 
splash guards ................... 
BASIC CONTROL SKILLS TESTS
Right Turn
Pullups
Encroachments
Clearance
Straight Line Backing
0 1 2 3 4 5 Pullups
0 1 2 3 4 5 Encroachments
0 1 2 3 4 5 Stop Line (2 ft.)
Alley Dock
Pullups
Encroachments
Stop Line (2 ft.)
Serpentine
0 1 2 3 4 5 Pullups
0 1 2 3 4 5 Encroachments
0 1
VEHICLE INSPECTION SCORE:
mounting bolts ............................. 
pintle hook ................................... 
hitch release lever........................ 
safety devices .............................. 
Parallel Park (Conventional)
0 1 2 3 4 5 Pullups
0 1 2 3 4 5 Encroachments
0 1
Inside
0 1
0 1 2 3 4 5
0 1 2 3 4 5
Rear (18")
0 1
Parallel Park (Sight Side)
0 1 2 3 4 5 Pullups
0 1 2 3 4 5 Encroachments
Inside
0 1
0 1 2 3 4 5
0 1 2 3 4 5
Rear (18")
0 1
BASIC CONTROL SKILLS SCORE:
horn(s) ........................................ 
heater & defroster ....................... 
windshield & mirrors ................... 
wipers & washers ....................... 
parking brake .............................. 
service brake / ABS .................... 
*air brake check (1-2-3) or
hydraulic brake check ................. 
Form B
Fuel Area/Under/Side
Driver/Fuel Area
lights & reflectors (L-R-4-HL-HB-C) ... 
Engine Compartment
oil level ........................................ 
coolant level ................................ 
power steering fluid/belt ............. 
water pump ................................. 
alternator belt or gear ................. 
*air compressor belt.................... 
leaks & hoses ............................. 
door & mirror ................................ 
fuel tank & cap & leaks ................ 
catwalk & steps ............................ 
lights & reflectors (L-R-4-C) ............. 
Under Vehicle
drive shaft .................................... 
exhaust system ............................ 
frame ............................................ 

Rear Axles
Steering
Signature of Examiner
Air Brakes
F R
steering box & hoses ..................  Rear Wheels
steering linkage ..........................  tires (I-C-D) .................................. 
rims .............................................. 
lug nuts ........................................ 
Front Axle
axle seal ....................................... 
Front Wheel
spacers or budd spacing.............. 
tires (I-C-D) .................................. 
rims ..............................................  Rear Suspension
lug nuts ........................................ 
springs & airbags & shocks.......... 
hub oil seal................................... 
u-bolts .......................................... 
spring/air mounts & torque arm.... 
Yes / No
School Bus
Yes / No
V Tag Number
_____________
T Tag Number
_____________
Examiner Number
All Combination Vehicles
Tractor
tongue or drawbar ........................ 
mounting bolts.............................. 
safety devices .............................. 
sliding pintle ................................. 
Form A
Front of Vehicle
_______________________
Last
First
MI
_______________________
Driver License or Permit Number
______
____ ________
Date of Test
Class
Endorsements
_______________ _______
Signature of Driver
Date
_______________ _______
Semi-Trailer
air & electric connectors & lines ... 
Coupling System
mounting bolts .............................. 
platform ........................................ 
locking jaws or lever ..................... 
release
arm & safety latch............ 
5th wheel skid plate ....................... 
slide 5th wheel pins (clearance) ... 
air & electric connectors ................ 
Coupling System
kingpin ........................................... 
apron ............................................. 
gap ................................................ 
All Passenger Vehicles
Form C (Combinations)
Passenger Items
Trailer/Semi-Trailer
Trailer Front
header board or bulkhead ............... passenger entry & lift .................. 
emergency exits ......................... 
lights & reflectors (C) ........................
seating ........................................ 
Side of Trailer
landing gear ....................................
Baggage Compartment
frame & tandem release ..................
doors & ties & lifts ........................... doors secure (baggage) ............. 
lights & reflectors (L-R-4-C) ................

Trailer Axles
Wheels
F
R
tires (I-C-D) .....................................
rims .................................................
School Bus (Only)
lug nuts............................................
axle or hub oil seal ..........................
Student Lights
spacers or budd spacing .................
student lights (front, back) .......... 
Suspension
springs & air bags & shocks ............
u-bolts .............................................
Student Safety Items
spring/air mounts & torque arm .......
stop arm & safety arm ................ 
Front Suspension
Brakes
Rear
Brakes
springs & shocks ......................... 
brake hoses or lines ........................ student mirrors............................ 
brake hoses or lines .....................  *brake chamber...............................
emergency kit & body fluid kit ..... 
u-bolts .......................................... 
spring mounts ..............................  *brake chamber ........................... 
*slack adjustor & push-rod ..............
*slack adjustor & push-rod ........... 
drum & linings or rotor & disk ..........
drum & linings or rotor & disk ....... 
Front Brake
Rear of Trailer
brake hoses or lines ....................  Rear of Vehicle
doors & ties & lift .............................
*brake chamber ........................... 
doors & ties & lift .......................... 
*slack adjustor & push-rod........... 
splash guards...............................  splash guards ..................................
drum & linings or rotor & disk.......  lights, reflectors & reflector tape
lights, ,reflectors & reflector tape
(L-R-4-TL-BL-C) /ABS ..............................
(L-R-4-TL-BL-C) ................................. 
BASIC CONTROL SKILLS TEST
Sight-Side
Parallel Park
Pullups
Encroachments
Looks
Inside Parallel
Offset Back Right
Pullups
Encroachments
Looks
Final Position
St. Line Backing
Pullups
Encroachments
Looks
Final Position
Alley Dock
Pullups
Encroachments
Looks
Inside Alley (3ft box)
0
2
0
0
0
4
0
10
1
6
2
8
3
10
4
5
0
2
0
0
0
4
0
10
1
6
2
8
3
10
4
5
0
2
0
0
1
4
2
6
3
8
4
10
5
10
0
2
0
0
0
4
0
10
1
6
2
8
3
10
4
Conventional
Parallel Park
Pullups
Encroachments
Looks
Inside Parallel
Offset Back Left
Pullups
Encroachments
Looks
Final Position
0
2
0
0
0
4
0
10
1
6
2
8
3
10
4
5
0
0
1
2
3
4
2
4
6
8
10
0
0
0
10
Basic Control Skills Summary
Sight Side PP
Conventional PP
Total Score = _______
Offset Back 1-R
Offset Back 2-L
St. Line Back
Alley Dock
5
5
VEHICLE INSPECTION SCORE:
BASIC CONTROL SKILLS SCORE:
Rev 7/09)
Score
Basic Control Skills Forms
• Must include 1 exercise from each of the 3
categories
• Category 1
– Straight Line Backing
• Category 2
– Offset Backing to the Left
– Offset Backing to the Right
• Category 3
– Sight Side Parallel Parking
– Conventional Parallel Parking
– 90 Degree Alley Dock
Road Test
Road Test Required Maneuvers
• 2005 Test System
– 4 left turns & 4 right turns
– 2 lane change maneuvers
– Straight section of urban
business
– 2 through & 2 stop
intersections
– RR Crossing
– 1 curve to left, 1 curve to
right
– Section expressway/limited
access highway
– Roadside stop/start
– 2 Signs (clearance, weight
or traffic)
– Student discharge
• Current test
– 4 left turns & 4 right turns
– 1 lane change (done on
Urban/Rural road)
– Straight section Urban/Rural
– 1 through & 2 stop
intersections
– RR Crossing
– 1 curve
– Section expressway/limited
access highway
– Roadside stop/start
(up/downgrade)
– Sign (clearance, weight or
traffic)
– Up/down grade
Road Test - Turns
New Score Sheet
Current Score Sheet
Road Test - Intersections
New Score Sheet
Current Score Sheet
Road Test - Expressway
Road Test – Urban/Rural,
Lane Changes Curves
Road Test – Roadside
Stop/Start
Road Test –
Railroad Crossing,
Truck/Bus Sign
Road Test – General Driving
Behaviors
13. New Standard Endorsement and
Restriction Codes
• Tank endorsement – Aggregate capacity of 1000
or more gallons – min. capacity of 119 gallons
• New/Standard Restrictions
 “L” Air Brake (5 codes currently being used)
 “Z” Full air brake (only air over hydraulic)
 “E” Manual Transmission (only automatic)
 “O” Tractor-trailer (only pintle-hook)
 “M” No Class A passenger vehicle
 “N” No Class A or B passenger vehicle
14. Previous Driving Offenses by CLP
Applicants and Holders
• CLP Holder
Subject to same CDL disqualifying offenses in 49
CFR 383.51 in CMV or non-CMV
• CLP Applicant
Subject to same requirements as CDL holder
15. Motor Carrier Prohibitions
• Currently, motor carrier only prohibited from
allowing disqualified driver to operate CMV
• Motor carrier is now prohibited from allowing
drivers to operate CMV with:
 No CLP or CDL
 CDL without proper class/endorsements
16. Incorporate Regulatory Guidance
into Regulatory Text
• Codify regulatory guidance related to CLP and
Testing into regulatory text
• Eliminate CLP and Testing regulatory guidance
that is obsolete
17. Incorporate CDL Provisions of
SAFE Port Act (2006)
• States must disqualify a CDL holder if the holder
has been convicted of fraud related to the CDL
application or testing process.
• CLP or CDL holder must make appointment to
re-test within 30 days of notification
• Fraud prevention/detection: State out of
compliance, if:
 Fails to impose adequate internal controls
 Fails to take adequate corrective action
• Impose sanctions against State for
noncompliance
17. Incorporate CDL Provisions of
SAFE Port Act (cont.)
• State and Third Party Examiners:
 Requires national criminal background
checks
 Decertification of examiners with any
conviction for fraud
 Decertification of examiners with any felony
conviction within the past 10 years
17. Incorporate CDL Provisions of
SAFE Port Act (cont.)
• Requires State knowledge and skills test
examiners to successfully complete a formal CDL
test examiner training course and examination
before certifying them to administer CDL
knowledge and skills tests
• Requires 3rd party skills test examiners to
successfully complete a formal CDL test
examiner training course and examination before
certifying them to administer CDL skills tests
17. Incorporate CDL Provisions of
SAFE Port Act (cont.)
• Requires State and 3rd party CDL test examiners
to successfully complete a refresher training
course and examination every 4 years
• Third Party Testers and Examiners:
 Testers – min. 50 skills tests/year - Removed
 Examiners – minimum of 10 skills tests/year
or either take refresher training or have a
State examiner observe the examiner
administering a CDL skills test
Contact Information
Kevin Lewis
Director, Driver Programs
703-908-2823
klewis@aamva.org
Karen Morton
Director, Driver Licensing
703-908-8268
kmorton@aamva.org
Questions?
Questions to Ponder
• Why don’t you ever see the headline “Psychic
Wins Lottery”?
• Why is “abbreviated” such a long word?
• Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor and
dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?
• Why isn’t there mouse-flavored cat food?