---
title: Road test and CDL equivalent
description: When a road test is required, what it must cover, and when a CDL or prior certificate may substitute under 49 CFR 391.31 and 391.33.
date: 2026-10-20
lastReviewed: 2026-10-23
canonical: /resources/guides/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)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-391.11), [391.31](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-391.31), [391.33](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-391.33)).

## Short answer



Give a road test in the equipment type you will assign, rate each required maneuver on your form, and issue the certificate when the driver passes—or accept a valid CDL (without double/triple or tank endorsements) or a road test certificate from the last three years and keep a legible copy in the qualification file. You may still require a new road test as a condition of employment. DQid stores the certificate or license copy with review status.



## Road test requirements



### 
  

### 
    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.
  


  

### 
    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.
  


  

### 
    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.
  





## Accepting a CDL or prior certificate



### 
  

### 
    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.
  


  

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


  

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






  General qualifications in § 391.11 still apply; a road test alone does not
  replace medical certification, licensing, or other file items.


## Sources

- [49 CFR 391.11 — General qualifications of drivers](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-391.11) (eCFR text reviewed 2026-10-20)
- [49 CFR 391.31 — Road test](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-391.31) (eCFR text reviewed 2026-10-20)
- [49 CFR 391.33 — Equivalent of road test](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-391.33) (eCFR text reviewed 2026-10-20)
- [49 CFR 391.51 — Driver qualification files](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-391.51) (eCFR text reviewed 2026-10-20)