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Glossary U.S. Department of Transportation

Slide 1
Qualifications of Drivers

Slide 2

Purpose

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

Slide 3

Exemptions
There are certain exemptions to these guidelines.

For a complete list, please visit:
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rulesregs/fmcsr/regs/391.2.htm


Slide 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

Slide 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


Slide 6

Commercial Driver Requirements

  • Pass a driver's road test or equivalent
  • Complete an application for employment
  • Possess a valid medical certificate

Slide 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

Slide 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:
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rulesregs/fmcsr/regs/391.41.htm


Slide 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

Slide 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

Slide 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


Slide 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

Slide 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

Slide 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

Slide 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

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