To operate a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV), drivers must demonstrate they are qualified and skilled in handling the specific equipment assigned to them. FMCSA regulations require that drivers either:
Key Regulation: 49 CFR §391.31 — Road Test
(a) General Requirement
No person may drive a CMV without first passing a road test.
Upon successful completion, the driver must be issued a Certificate of Driver’s Road Test.
(b) Conducting the Road Test
The test must be given by the motor carrier or a qualified examiner designated by the motor carrier.
Drivers who are also motor carriers cannot test themselves.
Examiners must be competent to evaluate CMV driving skills.
(c) Required Road Test Elements
The road test must be long enough to evaluate driver skill in the assigned CMV and must include, at a minimum:
Pre-trip inspection (per §392.7)
Coupling and uncoupling of combination units (if applicable)
Placing vehicle in operation
Use of vehicle controls and emergency equipment
Operating in traffic and passing other vehicles
Turning the CMV
Braking and slowing (using both brakes and auxiliary methods)
Backing and parking
(d) Road Test Form
The examiner must use a road test form to rate the driver’s performance on each required element.
The examiner must sign the form after completion.
(e) Certificate of Road Test
If the driver passes, the examiner must issue a Certificate of Road Test in substantially the following form:
Driver’s name
Type of power unit and trailer(s) tested
If applicable, type of bus (for passenger carriers)
Date and approximate miles driven during the test
Certification statement: Driver has sufficient skill to safely operate the CMV type listed
Examiner’s signature, title, organization, and address
(f) Certificate Format (Prescribed Wording)
“This is to certify that the above-named driver was given a road test under my supervision on [date], consisting of approximately [miles] of driving. It is my considered opinion that this driver possesses sufficient driving skill to operate safely the type of commercial motor vehicle listed above.”
(g) Recordkeeping Requirements
Motor carriers must retain in the Driver Qualification file:
The original signed road test form (§391.31(d))
The original or a copy of the Certificate of Road Test (§391.31(e))
The driver must also be provided with a copy of the certificate.
(h) OMB Control Number
The information collection for this section is approved under OMB Control No. 2126-0072 (Paperwork Reduction Act).
Equivalent of Road Test: 49 CFR §391.33
Instead of conducting a road test under §391.31, a motor carrier may accept the following:
(a) Acceptable Substitutes
A valid CDL (as defined in §383.5), if:
It authorizes the driver to operate the same type of CMV assigned, and
Issuance required successful completion of a road test in that vehicle type under state law.
Note: Does not apply to double/triple trailer or tank vehicle endorsements.
A Road Test Certificate issued under §391.31 within the preceding 3 years.
(b) Recordkeeping
If a motor carrier accepts a CDL or prior Road Test Certificate, it must retain a legible copy in the driver’s DQ file.
(c) Carrier Discretion
Even if a driver presents a CDL or prior certificate, the motor carrier may still require a new road test or additional driving skill tests before employment.
Why the Road Test Certificate Matters
Legal compliance with FMCSA driver qualification rules. Ensures drivers have the practical skills needed for safe CMV operation. Provides a documented record in the Driver Qualification file. Protects carriers during DOT audits and investigations.
Official FMCSA References
49 CFR §391.31 — Road Test (eCFR) 49 CFR §391.33 — Equivalent of Road Test (eCFR) FMCSA Driver Qualification File Checklist
