The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) granted a waiver from some regulations that apply to administration of Commercial Drivers License (CDL) knowledge tests by Third Party CDL skills test examiners. This waiver is in effect until June 30, 2020, or until the Declaration of National Emergency is lifted, whichever is sooner.
The waiver was issued in response to COVID-19 pandemic and pertains to commercial learner’s permit (CLP) applicants. Because of the effects of COVID-19 and the risk presented to public health, safety and welfare, many states have high absence rates or closures of the agencies that administer CDL knowledge tests. With the National Emergency declaration under 42 U.S.C. § 5191(b), and the public need for transportation of supplies and equipment deemed essential for addressing the outbreaks, and a need for trained drivers, the public interest in issuing the waiver is great.
Third-Party CDL skill test examiners will temporarily be allowed to administer the knowledge tests to CLP applicants. In order to qualify for this waiver, the following requirements must be met by the Third Party examiner:
- Successfully completed a CDL skill test examiners course that meets the requirements of 49 CFR 384.228(d), which covers the following areas:
- Introduction to the CDL Licensing System
- Overview of the CDL tests;
- Vehicle inspection test;
- Basic control skills testing; and
- Road test
- Maintained a valid CDL test examiner certification.
Under this waiver, states are not required to provide formal in-person or online training to the qualified Third Party CDL skill test examiners, but they must provide them with access to written training and instructional materials electronically or by other means. The materials required to be provided are listed in 49 CFR 384.228(c)(3), and include information on general knowledge tests, specialized knowledge tests selecting the appropriate tests and test forms, and knowledge test administration. Additionally, the FMCSA guidance that provides that a third party may not administer the CDL Knowledge test without the presence of a state driver’s license authority employee is inapplicable for the duration of this waiver.
Here is the full text of the FMCSA’s waiver.
For more information please contact Michael Case, Eric Baker, or any attorney in Frost Brown Todd’s Mobility & Transportation practice group.