49 CFR 384, Attachment B

PART 384—STATE COMPLIANCE WITH COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE PROGRAM
Contents
Subpart A—General
§384.101 Purpose and scope.
§384.103 Applicability.
§384.105 Definitions.
§384.107 Matter incorporated by reference.
Subpart B—Minimum Standards for Substantial Compliance by States
§384.201 Testing program.
§384.202 Test standards.
§384.203 Driving while under the influence.
§384.204 CLP or CDL issuance and information.
§384.205 CDLIS information.
§384.206 State record checks.
§384.207 Notification of licensing.
§384.208 Notification of disqualification.
§384.209 Notification of traffic violations.
§384.210 Limitation on licensing.
§384.211 Surrender of old licenses.
§384.212 Domicile requirement.
§384.213 State penalties for drivers of CMVs.
§384.214 Reciprocity.
§384.215 First offenses.
§384.216 Second offenses.
§384.217 Drug offenses.
§384.218 Second serious traffic violation.
§384.219 Third serious traffic violation.
§384.220 Problem Driver Pointer System information.
§384.221 Out-of-service regulations (intoxicating beverage).
§384.222 Violation of out-of-service orders.
§384.223 Railroad-highway grade crossing violation.
§384.224 Noncommercial motor vehicle violations.
§384.225 CDLIS driver recordkeeping.
§384.226 Prohibition on masking convictions.
§384.227 Record of digital image or photograph.
§384.228 Examiner training and record checks.
§384.229 Skills test examiner auditing and monitoring.
§384.230 [Reserved]
§384.231 Satisfaction of State disqualification requirement.
§384.232 Required timing of record checks.
§384.233 Background records checks.
§384.234 Driver medical certification recordkeeping.
Subpart C—Procedures for Determining State Compliance
§384.301 Substantial compliance-general requirements.
§384.303 [Reserved]
§384.305 State certifications for Federal fiscal years after FY 1994.
§384.307 FMCSA program reviews of State compliance.
§384.309 Results of compliance determination.
Subpart D—Consequences of State Noncompliance
§384.401 Withholding of funds based on noncompliance.
§384.403 Availability of funds withheld for noncompliance.
§384.405 Decertification of State CDL program.
§384.407 Emergency CDL grants.
§384.409 Notification of noncompliance.

AUTHORITY: 49 U.S.C. 31136, 31301, et seq., and 31502; secs. 103 and 215 of Pub. L. 106-59, 113 Stat. 1753,
1767; and 49 CFR 1.87.
SOURCE: 59 FR 26039, May 18, 1994, unless otherwise noted.
EDITORIAL NOTE: Nomenclature changes to part 384 appear at 66 FR 49872, Oct. 1, 2001.

Subpart A—General

§384.101 Purpose and scope.
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this part is to ensure that the States comply with the provisions of
section 12009(a) of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 (49 U.S.C. 31311(a)).
(b) Scope. This part:
(1) Includes the minimum standards for the actions States must take to be in substantial compliance
with each of the 22 requirements of 49 U.S.C. 31311(a);
(2) Establishes procedures for determinations to be made of such compliance by States; and
(3) Specifies the consequences of State noncompliance.
[62 FR 37152, July 11, 1997]

§384.103 Applicability.
The rules in this part apply to all States.
§384.105 Definitions.
(a) The definitions in part 383 of this title apply to this part, except where otherwise specifically
noted.
(b) As used in this part:
CDLIS motor vehicle record (CDLIS MVR) means a report generated from the CDLIS driver record
meeting the requirements for access to CDLIS information and provided by States to users authorized in
§384.225(e)(3) and (4), subject to the provisions of the Driver Privacy Protection Act, 18 U.S.C. 27212725.
Issue and issuance means the initial issuance, renewal or upgrade of a CLP or Non-domiciled CLP
and the initial issuance, renewal, upgrade or transfer of a CDL or Non-domiciled CDL, as described in
§383.73 of this subchapter.
Licensing entity means the agency of State government that is authorized to issue drivers' licenses.

Year of noncompliance means any Federal fiscal year during which—
(1) A State fails to submit timely certification as prescribed in subpart C of this part; or
(2) The State does not meet one or more of the standards of subpart B of this part, based on a final
determination by the FMCSA under §384.307(c) of this part.
[59 FR 26039, May 18, 1994, as amended at 73 FR 73125, Dec. 1, 2008; 76 FR 26893, May 9, 2011; 78 FR 17881,
Mar. 25, 2013]

§384.107 Matter incorporated by reference.
(a) Incorporation by reference. This part includes references to certain matter or materials. The text
of the materials is not included in the regulations contained in this part. The materials are hereby made a
part of the regulations in this part. The Director of the Office of the Federal Register has approved the
materials incorporated by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. For materials
subject to change, only the specific version approved by the Director of the Office of the Federal Register
and specified in the regulation are incorporated. Material is incorporated as it exists on the date of the
approval and a notice of any change in these materials will be published in the FEDERAL REGISTER. All of
the materials incorporated by reference are available from the sources listed below and available for
inspection at the Department of Transportation Library, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Washington, DC
20590-0001; telephone is (202) 366-0746. These documents are also available for inspection and
copying as provided in 49 CFR part 7. They are also available for inspection at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-7416030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
(b) The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), 4301 Wilson Boulevard,
Suite 400, Arlington, VA 22203, (703) 522-1300, http://www.aamva.org.
(1) “Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS) State Procedures Manual,” Release
5.3.2.1, August 2013, incorporation by reference approved for §§384.225(f) and 384.231(d).
(2) [Reserved]
[79 FR 59456, Oct. 2, 2014]

Subpart B—Minimum Standards for Substantial Compliance by States

§384.201 Testing program.
(a) The State shall adopt and administer a program for testing and ensuring the fitness of persons to
operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in accordance with the minimum Federal standards contained
in part 383 of this title.
(b) To obtain a copy of FMCSA pre-approved State Testing System referenced in §§383.131,
383.133 and 383.135, State Driver Licensing Agencies may contact: FMCSA, CDL Division, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington DC 20590.

[76 FR 26893, May 9, 2011]

§384.202 Test standards.
No State shall authorize a person to operate a CMV unless such person passes a knowledge and
driving skills test for the operation of a CMV in accordance with part 383 of this title.

§384.203 Driving while under the influence.
(a) The State must have in effect and enforce through licensing sanctions the disqualifications
prescribed in §383.51(b) of this subchapter for driving a CMV with a 0.04 alcohol concentration.
(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a State to apply its criminal or other
sanctions for driving under the influence to a person found to have operated a CMV with an alcohol
concentration of 0.04, except licensing sanctions including suspension, revocation, or cancellation.
(c) A State that enacts and enforces through licensing sanctions the disqualifications prescribed in
§383.51(b) of this subchapter for driving a CMV with a 0.04 alcohol concentration and gives full faith and
credit to the disqualification of CMV drivers by other States shall be deemed in substantial compliance
with section 12009(a)(3) of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 (49 U.S.C. 31311(a)(3)).
[67 FR 49761, July 31, 2002]

§384.204 CLP or CDL issuance and information.
(a) General rule. The State shall authorize a person to operate a CMV only by issuance of a CLP or
CDL, unless an exception in §383.3(c) or (d) applies, which contains, at a minimum, the information
specified in part 383, subpart J, of this subchapter.
(b) Exceptions—(1) Training. The State may authorize a person who does not hold a CDL valid for
the type of vehicle in which training occurs to undergo behind-the-wheel training in a CMV only by means
of a CLP issued and used in accordance with §383.25 of this subchapter.
(2) Confiscation of CLP or CDL pending enforcement. A State may allow a CLP or CDL holder
whose CLP or CDL is held in trust by that State or any other State in the course of enforcement of the
motor vehicle traffic code, but who has not been convicted of a disqualifying offense under §383.51 of this
subchapter based on such enforcement, to drive a CMV while holding a dated receipt for such CLP or
CDL.
[76 FR 26894, May 9, 2011]

§384.205 CDLIS information.

Before issuing a CLP or a CDL to any person, the State must, within the period of time specified in
§384.232, perform the check of the Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS) in
accordance with §383.73(b)(3)(ii) of this subchapter, and, based on that information, issue the license or,
in the case of adverse information, promptly implement the disqualifications, licensing limitations, denials,
and/or penalties that are called for in any applicable section(s) of this subpart.
[76 FR 26894, May 9, 2011]

§384.206 State record checks.
(a) Issuing State's records. (1) Before issuing, renewing, or upgrading a CLP or issuing, renewing,
upgrading or transferring CDL to any person, the driver's State of record must, within the period of time
specified in §384.232, check its own driver records as follows:
(i) The driver record of the person in accordance with §383.73(b)(3)(i) of this chapter; and
(ii) For a driver who certifies that his/her type of driving is non-excepted, interstate commerce
according to §383.71(b)(1)(i) of this chapter, the medical certification status information on the person's
CDLIS driver record.
(2) Based on the findings of its own State record check, the State of record must do one of the
following as appropriate:
(i) Issue, renew, upgrade, or transfer the applicant's CLP or CDL;
(ii) In the event the State obtains adverse information regarding the applicant, promptly implement
the disqualifications, licensing limitations, denials, or penalties that are called for in any applicable
section(s) of this subpart; or
(iii) In the event there is no information regarding the driver's self-certification for driving type
required by §383.71(b)(1), or for a driver who is required by §383.71(h) to be “certified,” if the medical
certification status of the individual is “non-certified,” the State must deny the CDL action requested by the
applicant and initiate a downgrade of the CDL, if required by §383.73(o)(4) of this chapter.
(b) Other States' records. (1) Before the initial or transfer issuance of a CLP or CDL to a person, and
before renewing or upgrading a CLP or CDL held by any person, the issuing State must:
(i) Require the applicant to provide the names of all States where the applicant has previously been
licensed to operate any type of motor vehicle during the previous 10 years.
(ii) Within the time period specified in §384.232, request the complete driver record from all States
where the applicant was licensed within the previous 10 years to operate any type of motor vehicle.
(2) States receiving a request for the driver record of a person currently or previously licensed by the
State must provide the information within 30 days.
(3) Based on the findings of the other State record checks, the issuing State must, in the case of
adverse information regarding the applicant, promptly implement the disqualifications, licensing
limitations, denials, or penalties that are called for in any applicable section(s) of this subpart.
[76 FR 26894, May 9, 2011, as amended at 78 FR 58480, Sept. 24, 2013; 79 FR 59456, Oct. 2, 2014]

§384.207 Notification of licensing.
Within the period defined in §383.73(h) of this subchapter, the State must:
(a) Notify the operator of the CDLIS of each CLP or CDL issuance;
(b) Notify the operator of the CDLIS of any changes in driver identification information; and
(c) In the case of transfer issuances, implement the Change State of Record transaction, as
specified by the operator of the CDLIS, in conjunction with the previous State of record and the operator
of the CDLIS.
[59 FR 26039, May 18, 1994, as amended at 76 FR 26894, May 9, 2011]

§384.208 Notification of disqualification.
(a) No later than 10 days after disqualifying a CLP or CDL holder licensed by another State, or
disqualifying an out-of-State CLP or CDL holder's privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle for at
least 60 days, the State must notify the State that issued the license of the disqualification.
(b) The notification must include both the disqualification and the violation that resulted in the
disqualification, revocation, suspension, or cancellation. The notification and the information it provides
must be recorded on the CDLIS driver record.
[67 FR 49761, July 31, 2002, as amended at 73 FR 73125, Dec. 1, 2008; 76 FR 26894, May 9, 2011]

§384.209 Notification of traffic violations.
(a) Required notification with respect to CLP or CDL holders. (1) Whenever a person who holds a
CLP or CDL from another State is convicted of a violation of any State or local law relating to motor
vehicle traffic control (other than parking, vehicle weight or vehicle defect violations), in any type of
vehicle, the licensing entity of the State in which the conviction occurs must notify the licensing entity in
the State where the driver is licensed of this conviction within the time period established in paragraph (c)
of this section.
(2) Whenever a person who holds a foreign commercial driver's license is convicted of a violation of
any State or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control (other than parking, vehicle weight or vehicle
defect violations), in any type of vehicle, the licensing entity of the State in which the conviction occurs
must report that conviction to the Federal Convictions and Withdrawal Database.
(b) Required notification with respect to non-CDL holders. (1) Whenever a person who does not hold
a CDL, but who is licensed to drive by another State, is convicted of a violation in a CMV of any State or
local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control (other than a parking violation), the licensing entity of the
State in which the conviction occurs must notify the licensing entity in the State where the driver is
licensed of this conviction within the time period established in paragraph (c) of this section.

(2) Whenever a person from a foreign country who is unlicensed or holds a foreign non-commercial
driver's license is convicted of a violation in a CMV of any State or local law relating to motor vehicle
traffic control (other than a parking violation), the licensing entity of the State in which the conviction
occurs must report that conviction to the Federal Convictions and Withdrawal Database.
[78 FR 60232, Oct. 1, 2013, as amended at 79 FR 59456, Oct. 2, 2014]

§384.210 Limitation on licensing.
A State must not knowingly issue a CLP, a CDL, or a commercial special license or permit (including
a provisional or temporary license) permitting a person to drive a CMV during a period in which:
(a) A person is disqualified from operating a CMV, as disqualification is defined in §383.5 of this
subchapter, or under the provisions of §383.73(j) or §384.231(b)(2) of this subchapter;
(b) The CLP or CDL holder's noncommercial driving privilege has been disqualified; or
(c) Any type of driver's license held by such person is disqualified by the State where the driver is
licensed for any State or local law related to motor vehicle traffic control (other than parking, vehicle
weight or vehicle defect violations).
[76 FR 26894, May 9, 2011]

§384.211 Surrender of old licenses.
The State may not initially issue, upgrade, or transfer a CDL to a person unless such person first
surrenders any previously issued driver's license and CLP.
[76 FR 26894, May 9, 2011]

§384.212 Domicile requirement.
(a) The State may issue CDLs or CLPs only to persons for whom the State is the State of domicile
as defined in §383.5 of this subchapter; except that the State may issue a Non-domiciled CLP or CDL
under the conditions specified in §§383.23(b), 383.71(f), and 383.73(f) of this subchapter.
(b) The State must require any person holding a CDL issued by another State to apply for a transfer
CDL from the State within 30 days after establishing domicile in the State, as specified in §383.71(c) of
this subchapter.
[76 FR 26894, May 9, 2011, as amended at 79 FR 59456, Oct. 2, 2014]

§384.213 State penalties for drivers of CMVs.

The State must impose on drivers of CMVs appropriate civil and criminal penalties that are
consistent with the penalties prescribed under part 383, subpart D, of this subchapter.
[67 FR 49761, July 31, 2002]

§384.214 Reciprocity.
The State must allow any person to operate a CMV in the State who is not disqualified from
operating a CMV and who holds a CLP or CDL that is—
(a) Issued to him or her by his/her State or jurisdiction of domicile in accordance with part 383 of this
subchapter;
(b) Not disqualified; and
(c) Valid, under the terms of part 383, subpart F, of this subchapter, for the type of vehicle being
driven.
[76 FR 26895, May 9, 2011]

§384.215 First offenses.
(a) General rule. The State must disqualify from operating a CMV each person who is convicted, as
defined in §383.5 of this subchapter, in any State or jurisdiction, of a disqualifying offense specified in
items (1) through (8) of Table 1 to §383.51 of this subchapter, for no less than one year.
(b) Special rule for hazardous materials offenses. If the offense under paragraph (a) of this section
occurred while the driver was operating a vehicle transporting hazardous materials as defined in §383.5,
the State shall disqualify the person for no less than three years.
[59 FR 26039, May 18, 1994, as amended at 67 FR 49762, July 31, 2002; 77 FR 59825, Oct. 1, 2012]

§384.216 Second offenses.
(a) General rule. The State must disqualify for life from operating a CMV each person who is
convicted, as defined in §383.5 of this subchapter, in any State or jurisdiction, of a subsequent offense as
described in Table 1 to §383.51 of this subchapter.
(b) Special rule for certain lifetime disqualifications. A driver disqualified for life under Table 1 to
§383.51 may be reinstated after 10 years by the driver's State of residence if the requirements of
§383.51(a)(6) have been met.
[67 FR 49762, July 31, 2002; 78 FR 58480, Sept. 24, 2013]

§384.217 Drug offenses.
The State must disqualify from operating a CMV for life any person who is convicted, as defined in
§383.5 of this subchapter, in any State or jurisdiction of a first offense of using a CMV (or, in the case of a
CLP or CDL holder, a CMV or a non-CMV) in the commission of a felony described in item (9) of Table 1
to §383.51 of this subchapter. The State shall not apply the special rule in §384.216(b) to lifetime
disqualifications imposed for controlled substance felonies as detailed in item (9) of Table 1 to §383.51 of
this subchapter.
[76 FR 26895, May 9, 2011]

§384.218 Second serious traffic violation.
The State must disqualify from operating a CMV for a period of not less than 60 days each person
who, in a three-year period, is convicted, as defined in §383.5 of this subchapter, in any State(s) or
jurisdiction(s), of two serious traffic violations as specified in Table 2 to §383.51.
[67 FR 49762, July 31, 2002]

§384.219 Third serious traffic violation.
The State must disqualify from operating a CMV for a period of not less than 120 days each person
who, in a three-year period, is convicted, as defined in §383.5 of this subchapter, in any State(s) or
jurisdiction(s), of three serious traffic violations as specified in Table 2 to §383.51. This disqualification
period must be in addition to any other previous period of disqualification.
[67 FR 49762, July 31, 2002]

§384.220 Problem Driver Pointer System information.
Before issuing a CLP or CDL to any person, the State must, within the period of time specified in
§384.232, perform the check of the Problem Driver Pointer System in accordance with §383.73(b)(3)(iii)
of this subchapter, and, based on that information, promptly implement the disqualifications, licensing
limitations, and/or penalties that are called for in any applicable section(s) of this subpart.
[76 FR 26895, May 9, 2011]

§384.221 Out-of-service regulations (intoxicating beverage).
The State shall adopt, and enforce on operators of CMVs as defined in §§383.5 and 390.5 of this
title, the provisions of §392.5 (a) and (c) of this title in accordance with the Motor Carrier Safety
Assistance Program as contained in 49 CFR part 350 and applicable policy and guidelines.

§384.222 Violation of out-of-service orders.
The State must have and enforce laws and/or regulations applicable to drivers of CMVs and their
employers, as defined in §383.5 of this subchapter, which meet the minimum requirements of
§383.37(d)§§383.37(c), Table 4 to §383.51, and §383.53(b) of this subchapter.
[67 FR 49762, July 31, 2002, as amended at 78 FR 58480, Sept. 24, 2013]

§384.223 Railroad-highway grade crossing violation.
The State must have and enforce laws and/or regulations applicable to CMV drivers and their
employers, as defined in §383.5 of this subchapter, which meet the minimum requirements of §383.37(e),
Table 3 to §383.51, and §383.53(c) of this subchapter.
[67 FR 49762, July 31, 2002, as amended at 78 FR 58480, Sept. 24, 2013]

§384.224 Noncommercial motor vehicle violations.
The State must have and enforce laws and/or regulations applicable to drivers of non-CMVs, as
defined in §383.5 of this subchapter, which meet the minimum requirements of Tables 1 and 2 to §383.51
of this subchapter.
[67 FR 49762, July 31, 2002]

§384.225 CDLIS driver recordkeeping.
The State must:
(a) CLP or CDL holder. Post and maintain as part of the CDLIS driver record:
(1) All convictions, disqualifications and other licensing actions for violations of any State or local law
relating to motor vehicle traffic control (other than parking, vehicle weight, or vehicle defect violations)
committed in any type of vehicle.
(2) The following medical certification status information:
(i) Driver self-certification for the type of driving operations provided in accordance with
§383.71(b)(1) of this chapter, and
(ii) Information from medical certification recordkeeping in accordance with §383.73(o) of this
chapter.
(b) A person required to have a CLP or CDL. Record and maintain as part of the CDLIS driver
record all convictions, disqualifications and other licensing actions for violations of any State or local law
relating to motor vehicle traffic control (other than parking, vehicle weight, or vehicle defect violations)
committed while the driver was operating a CMV.

(c) Make CDLIS driver record information required by this section available to the users designated
in paragraph (e) of this section, or to their authorized agent, within 10 days of:
(1) Receiving the conviction or disqualification information from another State; or
(2) The date of the conviction, if it occurred in the same State.
(d) Retain on the CDLIS driver record record all convictions, disqualifications and other licensing
actions for violations for at least 3 years or longer as required under §384.231(d).
(e) Only allow the following users or their authorized agents to receive the designated information:
(1) States—All information on all CDLIS driver records.
(2) Secretary of Transportation—All information on all CDLIS driver records.
(3) Driver—All information on that driver's CDLIS driver record obtained on the CDLIS Motor Vehicle
Record from the State according to its procedures.
(4) Motor Carrier or Prospective Motor Carrier—After notification to a driver, all information on that
driver's, or prospective driver's, CDLIS driver record obtained on the CDLIS Motor Vehicle Record from
the State according to its procedures.
(f) Ensure the content of the report provided a user authorized by paragraph (e) of this section from
the CDLIS driver record is comparable to the report that would be generated by a CDLIS State-to-State
request for a CDLIS driver history, as defined in the “CDLIS State Procedures Manual” (incorporated by
reference, see §384.107(b)), and must include the medical certification status information of the driver in
paragraph (a)(2) of this section. This does not preclude authorized users from requesting a CDLIS driver
status.
[67 FR 49762, July 31, 2002, as amended at 73 FR 73125, Dec. 1, 2008; 76 FR 26895, May 9, 2011; 78 FR 58480,
Sept. 24, 2013; 79 FR 59456, Oct. 2, 2014]

§384.226 Prohibition on masking convictions.
The State must not mask, defer imposition of judgment, or allow an individual to enter into a
diversion program that would prevent a CLP or CDL holder's conviction for any violation, in any type of
motor vehicle, of a State or local traffic control law (other than parking, vehicle weight, or vehicle defect
violations) from appearing on the CDLIS driver record, whether the driver was convicted for an offense
committed in the State where the driver is licensed or another State.
[76 FR 26895, May 9, 2011]

§384.227 Record of digital image or photograph.
The State must:

(a) Record the digital color image or photograph or black and white laser engraved photograph that
is captured as part of the application process and placed on the licensing document of every person who
is issued a CDL, as required under §383.153. The digital color image or photograph or black and white
laser engraved photograph must either be made part of the driver history or be linked to the driver history
in a separate file.
(b) Check the digital color image or photograph or black and white laser engraved photograph on
record whenever the CDL applicant or holder appears in person to renew, upgrade, or transfer a CDL and
when a duplicate CDL is issued.
(c) Check the digital color image or photograph or black and white laser engraved photograph on
record whenever the CLP applicant or holder appears in person to issue, renew or upgrade a CLP and
when a duplicate CLP is issued.
(d) If no digital color image or photograph or black and white laser engraved photograph exists on
record, the State must check the photograph or image on the base-license presented with the CLP or
CDL application.
[76 FR 26895, May 9, 2011, as amended at 78 FR 17881, Mar. 25, 2013]

§384.228 Examiner training and record checks.
For all State and third party CDL test examiners, the State must meet the following 10 requirements:
(a) Establish examiner training standards for initial and refresher training that provides CDL test
examiners with a fundamental understanding of the objectives of the CDL testing program, and with all of
the knowledge and skills necessary to serve as a CDL test examiner and assist jurisdictions in meeting
the Federal CDL testing requirements.
(b) Require all State knowledge and skills test examiners to successfully complete a formal CDL test
examiner training course and examination before certifying them to administer CDL knowledge and skills
tests.
(c) The training course for CDL knowledge test examiners must cover at least the following three
units of instruction:
(1) Introduction to CDL Licensing System:
(i) The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986.
(ii) Drivers covered by CDL program.
(iii) CDL vehicle classification.
(iv) CDL endorsements and restrictions.
(2) Overview of the CDL tests:
(i) CDL test, classifications, and endorsements.

(ii) Different examinations.
(iii) Representative vehicles.
(iv) Validity and reliability.
(v) Test maintenance.
(3) Knowledge tests:
(i) General knowledge tests.
(ii) Specialized knowledge tests.
(iii) Selecting the appropriate tests and test forms.
(iv) Knowledge test administration.
(d) The training course for CDL skills test examiners must cover at least the following five units of
instruction:
(1) Introduction to CDL Licensing System:
(i) The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986.
(ii) Drivers covered by CDL program.
(iii) CDL vehicle classification.
(iv) CDL endorsements and restrictions.
(2) Overview of the CDL tests:
(i) CDL test, classifications, and endorsements.
(ii) Different examinations.
(iii) Representative vehicles.
(iv) Validity and reliability.
(v) Test maintenance.
(3) Vehicle inspection test:
(i) Test overview.
(ii) Description of safety rules.
(iii) Test scoring procedures.

(iv) Scoring standards.
(v) Calculating final score.
(4) Basic control skills testing:
(i) Setting up the basic control skills course.
(ii) Description of safety rules.
(iii) General scoring procedures.
(iv) Administering the test.
(v) Calculating the score.
(5) Road test:
(i) Setting up the road test.
(ii) Required maneuvers.
(iii) Administering the road test.
(iv) Calculating the score.
(e) Require all third party skills test examiners to successfully complete a formal CDL test examiner
training course and examination before certifying them to administer CDL skills tests. The training course
must cover at least the five units of instruction in paragraph (d) of this section.
(f) Require State and third party CDL test examiners to successfully complete a refresher training
course and examination every four years to maintain their CDL test examiner certification. The refresher
training course must cover at least the following:
(1) For CDL knowledge test examiners, the three units of training described in paragraph (c) of this
section.
(2) For CDL skills test examiners, the five units of training described in paragraph (d) of this section.
(3) Any State specific material and information related to administering CDL knowledge and skills
tests.
(4) Any new Federal CDL regulations, updates to administering the tests, and new safety related
equipment on the vehicles.
(g) Complete nationwide criminal background check of all skills test examiners prior to certifying
them to administer CDL skills tests.
(h)(1) Complete nationwide criminal background check of all State and third party test examiners at
the time of hiring.

(2) Complete nationwide criminal background check of any State and third party current test
examiner who has not had a nationwide criminal background check.
(3) Criteria for not passing the criminal background check must include at least the following:
(i) Any felony conviction within the last 10 years; or
(ii) Any conviction involving fraudulent activities.
(i) Maintain a record of the results of the criminal background check and CDL examiner test training
and certification of all CDL test examiners.
(j) Rescind the certification to administer CDL tests of all test examiners who do not successfully
complete the required refresher training every 4 years.
(k) The six units of training described in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section may be supplemented
with State-specific material and information related to administering CDL knowledge and skills tests.
[76 FR 26895, May 9, 2011 as amended at 78 FR 17882, Mar. 25, 2013; 79 FR 59456, Oct. 2, 2014]

§384.229 Skills test examiner auditing and monitoring.
To ensure the integrity of the CDL skills testing program, the State must:
(a) At least once every 2 years, conduct unannounced, on-site inspections of third party testers' and
examiners' records, including comparison of the CDL skills test results of applicants who are issued CDLs
with the CDL scoring sheets that are maintained in the third party testers' files;
(b) At least once every 2 years, conduct covert and overt monitoring of examinations performed by
State and third party CDL skills test examiners.
(c) Establish and maintain a database to track pass/fail rates of applicants tested by each State and
third party CDL skills test examiner, in order to focus covert and overt monitoring on examiners who have
unusually high pass or failure rates;
(d) Establish and maintain a database of all third party testers and examiners, which at a minimum
tracks the dates and results of audits and monitoring actions by the State, the dates third party testers
were certified by the State, and name and identification number of each third party CDL skills test
examiner;
(e) Establish and maintain a database of all State CDL skills examiners, which at a minimum tracks
the dates and results of monitoring action by the State, and the name and identification number of each
State CDL skills examiner; and
(f) Establish and maintain a database that tracks skills tests administered by each State and third
party CDL skills test examiner's name and identification number.
[76 FR 26896, May 9, 2011, as amended at 78 FR 58481, Sept. 24, 2013; 79 FR 59456, Oct. 2, 2014]

§384.230 [Reserved]

§384.231 Satisfaction of State disqualification requirement.
(a) Applicability. The provisions of §§384.203, 384.206(b), 384.210, 384.213, 384.215 through
384.219, 384.221 through 384.224, and 384.231 of this part apply to the State of licensure of the person
affected by the provision. The provisions of §384.210 of this part also apply to any State to which a
person makes application for a transfer CDL.
(b) Required action—(1) CLP or CDL holders. A State must satisfy the requirement of this subpart
that the State disqualify a person who holds a CLP or a CDL by, at a minimum, disqualifying the person's
CLP or CDL for the applicable period of disqualification.
(2) A person required to have a CLP or CDL. A State must satisfy the requirement of this subpart
that the State disqualify a person required to have a CLP or CDL who is convicted of an offense or
offenses necessitating disqualification under §383.51 of this subchapter. At a minimum, the State must
implement the limitation on licensing provisions of §384.210 and the timing and recordkeeping
requirements of paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section so as to prevent such a person from legally
obtaining a CLP or CDL from any State during the applicable disqualification period(s) specified in this
subpart.
(c) Required timing. The State must disqualify a driver as expeditiously as possible.
(d) Recordkeeping requirements. The State must conform to the requirements of the CDLIS State
Procedures Manual (incorporated by reference in §384.107(b).) These requirements include the
maintenance of such driver records and driver identification data on the CDLIS as the FMCSA finds are
necessary to the implementation and enforcement of the disqualifications called for in §§384.215 through
384.219, and 384.221 through 384.224 of this part.
[67 FR 49762, July 31, 2002, as amended at 73 FR 73126, Dec. 1, 2008; 76 FR 26896, May 9, 2011]

§384.232 Required timing of record checks.
The State shall perform the record checks prescribed in §§384.205, 384.206, and 384.220, no
earlier than 10 days prior to issuance for licenses issued before October 1, 1995. For licenses issued
after September 30, 1995, the State shall perform the record checks no earlier than 24 hours prior to
issuance if the license is issued to a driver who does not currently possess a valid CDL from the same
State and no earlier than 10 days prior to issuance for all other drivers.
§384.233 Background records checks.
(a) The State shall comply with Transportation Security Administration requirements concerning
background records checks for drivers seeking to obtain, renew, transfer or upgrade a hazardous
materials endorsement in 49 CFR Part 1572, to the extent those provisions impose requirements on the
State.
(b) The State shall comply with each requirement of 49 CFR 383.141.
[68 FR 23850, May 5, 2003]

§384.234 Driver medical certification recordkeeping.
Link to an amendment published at 80 FR 22812, Apr. 23, 2015.

The State must meet the medical certification recordkeeping requirements of §383.73(b)(5) and (o)
of this chapter.
[77 FR 26989, May 8, 2012]

Subpart C—Procedures for Determining State Compliance

§384.301 Substantial compliance-general requirements.
Link to an amendment published at 80 FR 22812, Apr. 23, 2015.

(a) To be in substantial compliance with 49 U.S.C. 31311(a), a State must meet each and every
standard of subpart B of this part by means of the demonstrable combined effect of its statutes,
regulations, administrative procedures and practices, organizational structures, internal control
mechanisms, resource assignments (facilities, equipment, and personnel), and enforcement practices.
(b)(1) A State must come into substantial compliance with the requirements of subpart B of this part
in effect as of September 30, 2002 as soon as practical, but, unless otherwise specifically provided in this
part, not later than September 30, 2005.
(2) Exception. A State must come into substantial compliance with 49 CFR 383.123 not later than
September 30, 2006.
(c) A State must come into substantial compliance with the requirements of subpart B of this part in
effect as of September 4, 2007 as soon as practical but, unless otherwise specifically provided in this
part, not later than September 4, 2010.
(d) A State must come into substantial compliance with the requirements of subpart B of this part in
effect as of January 30, 2009, as soon as practical, but not later than January 30, 2012.
(e) A State must come into substantial compliance with the requirements of subpart B of this part in
effect as of October 27, 2010 as soon as practical, but not later than October 28, 2013.
(f) A State must come into substantial compliance with the requirements of subpart B of this part in
effect as of July 8, 2011 and April 24, 2013 as soon as practical but, unless otherwise specifically
provided in this part, not later than July 8, 2015.
(g) A State must come into substantial compliance with the requirements of subpart B of this part,
which is effective as of December 5, 2011, as soon as practicable, but not later than January 30, 2012.
(h) A State must come into substantial compliance with the requirements of subpart B of this part in
effect as of January 3, 2012) as soon as practical, but not later than January 3, 2015.

[67 FR 49763, July 31, 2002, as amended at 70 FR 56593, Sept. 28, 2005; 72 FR 36788, July 5, 2007; 73 FR 73126,
Dec. 1, 2008; 75 FR 59135, Sept. 27, 2010; 76 FR 26896, May 9, 2011; 76 FR 39018, July 5, 2011; 76 FR 68332,
Nov. 4, 2011; 76 FR 75486, Dec. 2, 2011; 78 FR 17882, Mar. 25, 2013]

§384.303 [Reserved]

§384.305 State certifications for Federal fiscal years after FY 1994.
(a) Certification requirement. Prior to January 1 of each Federal fiscal year after FY 1994, each
State shall review its compliance with this part and certify to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administrator as prescribed in paragraph (b) of this section. The certification shall be submitted as a
signed original and four copies to the Division Administrator/State Director or Officer-in-Charge, Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Administration, located in that State.
(b) Certification content. The certification shall consist of a statement signed by the Governor of the
State, or by an official designated by the Governor, and reading as follows: “I (name of certifying official),
(position title), of the State (Commonwealth) of ___, do hereby certify that the State (Commonwealth) has
continuously been in substantial compliance with all requirements of 49 U.S.C. 31311(a), as defined in 49
CFR 384.301, since [the first day of the current Federal fiscal year], and contemplates no changes in
statutes, regulations, or administrative procedures, or in the enforcement thereof, which would affect such
substantial compliance through [the last date of the current Federal fiscal year].”
[59 FR 26039, May 18, 1994, as amended at 62 FR 37152, July 11, 1997; 78 FR 58481, Sept. 24, 2013; 79 FR
59456, Oct. 2, 2014]

§384.307 FMCSA program reviews of State compliance.
(a) FMCSA Program Reviews. Each State's CDL program will be subject to review to determine
whether or not the State meets the general requirement for substantial compliance in §384.301. The
State must cooperate with the review and provide any information requested by the FMCSA.
(b) Preliminary FMCSA determination and State response. If, after review, a preliminary
determination is made either that the State has not submitted the required annual self-certification or that
the State does not meet one or more of the minimum standards for substantial compliance under subpart
B of this part, the State will be informed accordingly.
(c) Reply. The State will have up to 30 calendar days to respond to the preliminary determination.
The State's reply must explain what corrective action it either has implemented or intends to implement to
correct the deficiencies cited in the notice or, alternatively, why the FMCSA preliminary determination is
incorrect. The State must provide documentation of corrective action as required by the agency.
Corrective action must be adequate to correct the deficiencies noted in the program review and be
implemented on a schedule mutually agreed upon by the agency and the State. Upon request by the
State, an informal conference will be provided during this time.
(d) Final FMCSA determination. If, after reviewing a timely response by the State to the preliminary
determination, a final determination is made that the State is not in compliance with the affected standard,
the State will be notified of the final determination. In making its final determination, the FMCSA will take

into consideration the corrective action either implemented or planned to be implemented in accordance
with the mutually agreed upon schedule.
(e) State's right to judicial review. Any State aggrieved by an adverse decision under this section
may seek judicial review under 5 U.S.C. Chapter 7.
[67 FR 49763, July 31, 2002]

§384.309 Results of compliance determination.
(a) A State shall be determined not substantially in compliance with 49 U.S.C. 31311(a) for any
fiscal year in which it:
(1) Fails to submit the certification as prescribed in this subpart; or
(2) Does not meet one or more of the standards of subpart B of this part, as established in a final
determination by the FMCSA under §384.307(d).
(b) A State shall be in substantial compliance with 49 U.S.C. 31311(a) for any fiscal year in which
neither of the eventualities in paragraph (a) of this section occurs.
[62 FR 37152, July 11, 1997, as amended at 78 FR 58481, Sept. 24, 2013]

Subpart D—Consequences of State Noncompliance

§384.401 Withholding of funds based on noncompliance.
(a) Following the first year of noncompliance. An amount up to 5 percent of the Federal-aid highway
funds required to be apportioned to any State under each of sections 104(b)(1), (b)(3), and (b)(4) of title
23 U.S.C. shall be withheld from a State on the first day of the fiscal year following such State's first year
of noncompliance under this part.
(b) Following second and subsequent year(s) of noncompliance. An amount up to 10 percent of the
Federal-aid highway funds required to be apportioned to any State under each of sections 104(b)(1),
(b)(3), and (b)(4) of title 23 U.S.C. shall be withheld from a State on the first day of the fiscal year
following such State's second or subsequent year(s) of noncompliance under this part.
[72 FR 36788, July 5, 2007]

§384.403 Availability of funds withheld for noncompliance.
(a) Federal-aid highway funds withheld from a State under §384.401(a) or (b) shall not thereafter be
available for apportionment to the State.

(b) MCSAP funds withheld from a State under §384.401(a)(2) or (b)(2) remain available until June
30 of the fiscal year in which they were withheld. If before June 30 the State submits a document signed
by the Governor or his or her delegate certifying, and the FMCSA determines, that the State is now in
substantial compliance with the standards of subpart B of this part, the withheld funds shall be restored to
the State. After June 30, unrestored funds shall lapse and be allocated in accordance with §350.313 of
this subchapter to all States currently in substantial compliance with subpart B of this part.
[67 FR 49763, July 31, 2002, as amended at 78 FR 58481, Sept. 24, 2013]

§384.405 Decertification of State CDL program.
(a) Prohibition on CLP or CDL transactions. The Administrator may prohibit a State found to be in
substantial noncompliance from performing any of the following CLP or CDL transactions:
(1) Initial issuance.
(2) Renewal.
(3) Transfer.
(4) Upgrade.
(b) Conditions considered in making decertification determination. The Administrator will consider,
but is not limited to, the following five conditions in determining whether the CDL program of a State in
substantial noncompliance should be decertified:
(1) The State computer system does not check the Commercial Driver's License Information System
(CDLIS) and/or national Driver Registry problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS) as required by §383.73 of
this subchapter when issuing, renewing or upgrading a CLP or issuing, renewing, upgrading or
transferring a CDL.
(2) The State does not disqualify drivers convicted of disqualifying offenses in commercial motor
vehicles.
(3) The State does not transmit convictions for out-of-State drivers to the State where the driver is
licensed.
(4) The State does not properly administer knowledge and/or skills tests to CLP or CDL applicants
or drivers.
(5) The State fails to submit a corrective action plan for a substantial compliance deficiency or fails
to implement a corrective action plan within the agreed time frame.
(c) Standard for considering deficiencies. The deficiencies described in paragraph (b) of this section
must affect a substantial number of either CLP and CDL applicants or drivers.
(d) Decertification: Preliminary determination. If the Administrator finds that a State is in substantial
noncompliance with subpart B of this part, as indicated by the factors specified in paragraph (b) of this
section, among other things, the FMCSA will inform the State that it has made a preliminary determination
of noncompliance and that the State's CDL program may therefore be decertified. Any response from the

State, including factual or legal arguments or a plan to correct the noncompliance, must be submitted
within 30 calendar days after receipt of the preliminary determination.
(e) Decertification: Final determination. If, after considering all material submitted by the State in
response to the FMCSA preliminary determination, the Administrator decides that substantial
noncompliance exists, which warrants decertification of the CDL program, he/she will issue a
decertification order prohibiting the State from issuing CLPs and CDLs until such time as the
Administrator determines that the condition(s) causing the decertification has (have) been corrected.
(f) Recertification of a State. The Governor of the decertified State or his/her designated
representative must submit a certification and documentation that the condition causing the decertification
has been corrected. If the FMCSA determines that the condition causing the decertification has been
satisfactorily corrected, the Administrator will issue a recertification order, including any conditions that
must be met in order to begin issuing CLPs and CDLs in the State.
(g) State's right to judicial review. Any State aggrieved by an adverse decision under this section
may seek judicial review under 5 U.S.C. Chapter 7.
(h) Validity of previously issued CLPs or CDLs. A CLP or CDL issued by a State prior to the date the
State is prohibited from issuing CLPs or CDLs in accordance with provisions of paragraph (a) of this
section, will remain valid until its stated expiration date.
[76 FR 26896, May 9, 2011, as amended at 78 FR 17882, Mar. 25, 2013]

§384.407 Emergency CDL grants.
The FMCSA may provide grants of up to $1,000,000 per State from funds made available under 49
U.S.C. 31107(a), to assist States whose CDL programs may fail to meet the compliance requirements of
subpart B of this part, but which are determined by the FMCSA to be making a good faith effort to comply
with these requirements.
[67 FR 49764, July 31, 2002]

§384.409 Notification of noncompliance.
If FMCSA determines that a State is not in substantial compliance with §384.209, or if FMCSA
issues a decertification order prohibiting a State from issuing commercial driver's licenses, FMCSA will
notify commercial learner's permit and commercial driver's license holders of these actions by publication
of a FEDERAL REGISTER notice. The notification will advise commercial learner's permit and commercial
driver's license holders that they must comply with the self-reporting requirements of §383.31(a) with
respect to convictions obtained in that State until such time that FMCSA determines the State to be in
substantial compliance.
[78 FR 24688, Apr. 26, 2013]