1. Qualifications of Drivers

2. Purpose
This presentation is intended to educate commercial motor carriers and their drivers on the FMCSA regulations on driver qualifications.

3. Exemptions There are certain exemptions to these guidelines.
For a complete list, please visit:

4. Commercial Driver Requirements
Be in good health and physically able to perform all duties of a driver
Be at least 21 years of age
Be able to drive vehicle safely

5. Commercial Driver Requirements
Know how to safely load, block, brace and secure the cargo
Have only one valid commercial driver’s license
Provide an employing motor carrier with a list of all motor vehicle violations (See Part ).

6. Commercial Driver Requirements
Pass a driver’s road test or equivalent
Complete an application for employment
Possess a valid medical certificate

7. Commercial Driver Requirements
Speak and read English well enough to:
Converse with the general public
Understand traffic signs and signals
Respond to official questions
Be able to make legible entries on reports and records

8. Physical Requirements
A person shall not drive a commercial
motor vehicle unless he/she is physically
qualified to do so.
For a complete list of physical requirements, please visit:

9. Driver’s Responsibilities
A driver shall not operate a
commercial motor vehicle
unless:
They can determine whether the cargo being transported has been properly located, distributed and secured
They are familiar with methods and procedures for securing cargo

10. Disqualification
A driver who is disqualified shall not drive a commercial motor vehicle
A motor carrier shall not require or permit a driver who is disqualified to drive a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV)

11. Disqualification A driver can be disqualified if convicted for:
Driving a CMV while under the influence of alcohol
Driving a CMV while under the influence of drugs or controlled substances
Transporting or possessing a drug or controlled substance

12. Disqualification Leaving the scene of an accident that involves a CMV
Using a CMV to commit a felony
Using a CMV to violate an Out-of-Service Order
Using a CMV to violate the railroad-highway grade crossing rule

13. Driver Qualification File
Every motor carrier must have a file for
each regularly employed driver that
includes:
Driver’s application for employment
Inquiry to previous employers – 3 years
Inquiry to state agencies – 3 years
Inquiry to state agencies - annual

14. Driver Qualification File
Annual review of driving record
Annual driver’s certification of violations
Driver’s road test certificate or equivalent
Medical examiner’s certificate

15. Penalties
A first offender is disqualified for one year following conviction or forfeiture (6 months for possession of a controlled substance)
For a second offense within three years, a driver is disqualified for three years

16. In Conclusion
Thank you for your time and attention!