FMCSA Allows CDL Tests to be Conducted Remotely

We have covered the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association’s (FMCSA) rollback of several safety regulations in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

These rollbacks continue as the FMCSA authorized commercial driver’s license (CDL) tests to be conducted without physically being in the tractor cabin.

Historically, a behind-the-wheel CDL test is conducted with an examiner in the cab. The examiner watches the candidate to determine whether the driver is safely operating the vehicle.

Many CDL training facilities are closed due to the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. To accommodate, the FMCSA has authorized states to use a variety of technologies to conduct the tests. This includes using Bluetooth, in-cab cameras, and cell phones during the CDL examination tests.

If any state wants to take advantage of remote testing, it must provide a proposed testing plan for FMCSA. In the plan, the state must detail how the technology will be used. It must also identify any steps taken to ensure that the test can be administered without sacrificing safety.

However, any remote CDL examiner must follow their state’s CDL testing handbook. To ensure this happens, many suggest having a second examiner follow the CDL candidate and record the driver’s performance.

Other FMCSA rollbacks related to the coronavirus pandemic seem to be open-ended. However, with this rollback, the FMCSA indicated it will consider any state’s remote CDL testing proposals until June 30^th.

As with other safety regulation rollbacks, we do not know the effect this will have on highway safety. We again emphasize how important it is to be cautious while driving around large trucks always — but especially while these FMCSA safety rollbacks are in effect.