Road test and CDL equivalent

A person may not drive a CMV until they pass a road test and receive a certificate, unless the carrier accepts an equivalent license or certificate (49 CFR 391.11(b)(7), 391.31, 391.33).

Short answer

Road test requirements

1. 1

   Who gives the test

   The motor carrier or its designee gives the test. A driver who is a motor carrier must not test themselves. The examiner must be competent to judge whether the driver can operate the assigned equipment.

   49 CFR 391.31(b)
2. 2

   Skills to evaluate

   At minimum, test pretrip inspection, coupling if applicable, placing the vehicle in operation, controls and emergency equipment, traffic operation, turning, braking, and backing and parking—in the type of CMV you will assign.

   49 CFR 391.31(c)
3. 3

   Forms and certificate

   Rate each operation on your road test form, sign it, and when the driver passes issue the certificate of driver’s road test. Retain the signed form and the original or a copy of the certificate in the qualification file.

   49 CFR 391.31(d)–(g)

Accepting a CDL or prior certificate

1. 1

   Equivalent documents

   In place of your road test you may accept a valid CDL (excluding double/triple trailer and tank endorsements) issued after a state road test in the equipment type you assign, or a copy of a § 391.31 certificate from the last three years.

   49 CFR 391.33(a)
2. 2

   File the copy

   Keep a legible copy of the accepted license or certificate in the qualification file.

   49 CFR 391.33(b)
3. 3

   Optional retest

   You may require a road test or other skills test even when you accept an equivalent document.

   49 CFR 391.33(c)

Sources

• 49 CFR 391.11 — General qualifications of drivers (eCFR text reviewed 2026-10-20)
• 49 CFR 391.31 — Road test (eCFR text reviewed 2026-10-20)
• 49 CFR 391.33 — Equivalent of road test (eCFR text reviewed 2026-10-20)
• 49 CFR 391.51 — Driver qualification files (eCFR text reviewed 2026-10-20)