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Regulatory Guidance

Welcome to the FMCSA Guidance Portal. This web portal is a searchable, indexed database that contains and links to all guidance documents in effect from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The guidance documents lack the force and effect of law, unless expressly authorized by statute or incorporated into a contract.

To comment on any guidance document, or to request issuance, reconsideration, modification, or rescission of any guidance document, please identify the guidance document in your request and send it to: FMCSAguidance@dot.gov. NOTE: The FMCSAguidance mailbox is not intended to serve as a mailbox for general inquiries. For inquiries that go beyond the limited purpose of the FMCSAguidance mailbox, please call FMCSA's Information Line (800-832-5660) or visit FMCSA's "Contact Us" page to send your inquiry to the appropriate mailbox.

Subject Agency Identifier Topic Issued Date
May a State allow an applicant to keep his/her current valid State license when issued a FRSI-restricted CDL? FMCSA-CDL-383.73-Q02 Commercial Driver License Standards; State of Record transfer
§380.707 – Entry-level training provider Guidance Q&A Question 22: Can theory and behind-the-wheel (BTW) training be provided by separate training providers? FMCSA-ELDT-380.707-Q022 Commercial Driver License; Entry level Driver Training
Are custom harvesters who harvest trees for tree farmers eligible to be considered “custom harvesters” for purposes of the FRSI waiver from selected CDL requirements? FMCSA-CDL-383.3-Q19 Commercial Driver License Standards; Custom Harvesting Activity
§380.719 – Requirements for continued listing on the training provider registry Guidance Q&A Question 13: May prospective training providers keep their contact information private and removed from public listing on the Training Provider Registry? FMCSA-ELDT-380.719-Q013 Commercial Driver License; Entry level Driver Training
On May 9, 2011, FMCSA revised the definition of “tank vehicle.” Does the new definition cover the transportation of empty Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) or other tanks, or empty storage tanks? FMCSA-CDL-383.5-Q9 Commercial Driver License Standards; Tank Vehicle
Are drivers required to have both the “P” passenger and “S” school bus endorsement if they are not transporting students when operating a “school bus,” as defined in § 383.5? FMCSA-CDL-383.93-Q10 Commercial Driver License Standards; Passenger and School Bus Endorsements
Part 380 Appendix – Entry level Driver Training (ELDT) Guidance Q&A Question 3: What training must an entry-level driver complete in order to take a commercial driver’s license (CDL) skills test? FMCSA-ELDT-380-Appendix-Q003 Commercial Driver License; Entry level Driver Training
Do third party skills test examiners have to be qualified to administer skills tests in all types of CMVs? FMCSA-CDL-383.75-Q03 Commercial Driver License Standards; Third Party Testing, type of CMV
§380 Appendix – Entry Level Driver Training Guidance Q&A Question 21: Is there a mandatory sequence that the specific theory and behind-the-wheel (BTW) training must be taken in? FMCSA-ELDT-380-Appendix-Q021 Commercial Driver License; Entry level Driver Training
Would a tillerman, a person exercising control over the steerable rear axle(s) on a CMV, be considered a driver or a person who operates a CMV and be subject to applicable CDL regulations? FMCSA-CDL-383.3-Q24 Commercial Driver License Standards; Steerable Rear Axel