Source: http://www.dds.ga.gov/Commercial/Rules.aspx
Timestamp: 2014-11-23 11:14:59
Document Index: 264793629

Matched Legal Cases: ['§40', '§ 40', '§ 40', '§ 40', '§40', '§390', '§391', '§40', '§390', '§40', '§390', '§391', '§ 40', '§391', '§ 40', 'art 383', '§ 40', '§40', '§40', '§40', '§40', '§ 40', '§40', '§ 40', '§383']

Commercial Driver's License Rules - Department of Driver Services
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Commercial Driver's Licensing Requirements Chapter 1
COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE RULES
THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF DRIVER SERVICES
COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
1-1-.01
Applications. Amended.
1-1-.02
Commercial Driver's License Exemptions. Amended.
1-1-.03
Affidavit for Changes on Commercial Driver’s License. Amended.
1-1-.04
Minimum Physical Requirements Required to Obtain a Commercial Driver's License. Amended.
1-1-.05
Exemptions from Medical Requirements.
1-1-.06
Driver Qualifications. Amended.
1-1-.07
1-1-.08
Failures Written/Skills Test.
1-1-.09
Knowledge Test and Endorsement Tests. Amended.
1-1-.10
Vehicle Requirements - Commercial Driver's License Skills Test. Amended.
1-1-.11
Skills Test Disqualifications. Amended.
1-1-.12
Skills Test for Commercial Driver's License. Amended.
1-1-.13
Third Party Tester Program. Amended.
1-1-.14
Commercial Driver Out-of-Service Notification.
1-1-.15
Disqualification From Driving A Commercial Motor Vehicle. Amended.
1-1-.16
School Bus Endorsement; Waiver. Amended.
1. All applications for the issuance of a commercial driver's license should be submitted at least 60 days and not more than 150 days prior to testing for or receiving a commercial driver's license. All items of information on the application must be completed in full, or the application may be returned or rejected. 2. Unless otherwise exempted in these rules or by law, each applicant must pay the applicable application, testing, and license fees prior to the issuance of his or her commercial driver’s license. 3. Applicants for the issuance of a commercial driver's license for the purpose of operating a public school bus shall be exempted from the $35.00 application fee. (City, County, State or Federal) 4. No application fee, driving skills test fee, or licensing fee will be required from applicants possessing a veteran's type driver's license or those who have qualified for such pursuant to O.C.G.A.§40-5-36 and Ga. Admin. Comp. Ch. 375-3-1-.16. Such qualification shall be submitted in writing with the form DS-516 and must be attached to the commercial driver's license application when submitted to the Department. Veterans are not exempt from the fee charged for taking the driving skills test if administered by a third party tester. 5. Customers shall pay one application fee for each class of commercial driver’s license, which shall be paid prior to the customer’s first attempt at any applicable written test. If no written test is required, the customer shall pay the application fee prior to attempting any applicable skills testing. If no skills testing is required, the customer shall pay the application fee prior to issuance of the commercial driver’s license.
O.C.G.A. § 40-5-156
Effective Date: 9/2/2009
1. The following drivers are exempt from the requirement of obtaining a commercial driver's license prior to operating a commercial motor vehicle: A. Active duty military personnel, members of the reserves and national guard on active duty (including personnel on full time national guard duty), personnel on part-time training, and national guard military technicians (civilians who are required to wear military uniforms and are subject to the code of military justice); B. Firefighters and operators of emergency equipment operating vehicles equipped with audible and visual signals while in the employ of a volunteer or paid firefighting organization. Emergency equipment such as a fire truck, hook and ladder truck, foam or water transporter, or other vehicles used only in response to emergencies are included; C. Farm vehicle operators, provided, the vehicle is: a. Controlled and operated by a farmer, farm employee, or farmer's family member; b. Used to transport either agricultural products, farm machinery, farm supplies, or both, to or from a farm; c. Not used in the operations of a common or contract motor carrier; and d. Used within 150 miles of the farmer's farm; D. Operators of recreational vehicles; 2. Drivers who are exempted from having a commercial driver's license must comply with examinations and be licensed in the appropriate Class E, F or C non-commercial driver’s license. Applicants for Class E and F noncommercial must furnish an affidavit in lieu of a road test showing a minimum of 3 months or 3,000 miles driving experience in a vehicle which represents that class. 3. If members of the national guard, military personnel, firefighters and other operators of emergency equipment, farmers and operators of recreational vehicles apply for a commercial driver's license, they will be required to pay the application, driving skills test, and license fees unless: A. They hold a veteran's driver's license. B. Attach a DS-516 to the commercial driver's license application.
C. Employed as a school bus driver with a city, county, state or federal school system. O.C.G.A. §§ 40-5-156 and 40-6-15.
Effective Date: 8/1/2011
Any change of the applicant's name, gender, date of birth, or social security number will require the applicant to appear before an examiner at a driver's license facility with proof of change. The examiner will execute an affidavit which will be forwarded by the examiner on a daily basis to the CDL Unit, Department of Motor Vehicle Safety, P.O. Box 80447, Conyers, Georgia 30013. The CDL Unit shall confirm the changes and return the necessary paperwork to the applicant for him/her to appear at a driver's license facility for necessary change(s) to be made on the commercial driver's license. A fee of $20.00 shall be charged for the renewal of a license, unless this is the initial issuance of a license or applicant has a veteran's status drivers license or DS-516.
Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 40-5-156 and 40-6-15.
1) Any person applying for a license to operate a commercial motor vehicle as defined in O.C.G.A. §40-5-142, 49 C.F.R. §390.5, and/or compatible regulations of the Department or Department of Public Safety must comply with minimum Federal requirements as set forth in 49 C.F.R. §391.41.
2) Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this regulation, any person applying for a license to operate a commercial motor vehicle as defined in O.C.G.A. §40-5-142, 49 C.F.R. §390.5, and/or compatible regulations of the Department or Department of Public Safety shall have a distant visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye without corrective lenses or visual acuity separately corrected to 20/40 or better with corrective lenses; distant binocular acuity of at least 20/40 in both eyes; or without corrective lenses, field of vision of at least 70 in the horizontal meridian in each eye; and the ability to recognize the colors of traffic signals and devices showing standard red, green, and amber.
3) Any person applying for a license to operate a commercial motor vehicle as defined in O.C.G.A. §40-5-142, 49 C.F.R. §390.5, and/or compatible regulations of the Department or Department of Public Safety solely within the State of Georgia who has lost some or all of the vision in one (1) eye may be exempted from the vision standard set forth in paragraph (2) of this regulation by providing the Department with medical evidence satisfactory to the Department that said applicant’s vision in the other eye satisfies the requirements set forth in paragraph (2) of this regulation. Said medical evidence shall include the following a signed statement on letterhead from an ophthalmologist or optometrist who has examined the applicant within three (3) months of the date of the application which:
a. Identifies and defines the nature and duration of the vision deficiency;
b. States the date of examination;
c. Certifies that the visual deficiency is stable;
d. Identifies the visual acuity of each eye, corrected and uncorrected;
e. Identifies the field of vision of each eye, including central and peripheral fields, testing to at least 120° in the horizontal. (Formal perimetry is required. The doctor must submit the formal perimetry for each eye and interpret the results in degrees of field of vision.);
f. Identifies if the applicant has the ability to recognize the colors of traffic control signals and devices showing red, green, and amber; and
g. Certifies that in his/her medical opinion, the applicant has sufficient vision to perform the driving tasks required to operate a commercial vehicle.
4) An exemption may be issued for a maximum of 2 years, but may be renewed at the discretion of the Department.
5) A driver who does not meet the physical qualification standards in 49 CFR §391.41 may continue to be qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle in intrastate commerce if he or she meets the following conditions:
a. The driver was qualified under existing State law or regulation at the time the State adopted physical qualification standards compatible with the Federal standards in 49 CFR 394.41.
b. The otherwise non-qualifying medical or physical condition has not substantially worsened.
c. No other non-qualifying medical or physical condition has developed.
d. The driver has not downgraded to a lesser class license since being ‘Grandfathered’ from a Class 5 license to a CDL license. Note: ‘Grandfathered’ means by taking the required CDL knowledge test(s).
O.C.G.A. §§ 40-5-156 and 40-6-15(c).
Effective Date: 9/14/2011
1. Operators of city, county, state, or federal vehicles are exempt from the medical requirements.
2. Drivers who operate on an occasional basis receive no compensation and are not involved in commercial enterprise.
3. Hauling of personal property, human corpses or the sick or injured. Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 40-5-156 and O.C.G.A. Sec. 40-16-5(c).
In order to be eligible for issuance of a commercial driver's license, each applicant must:
1. Be at least 21 years of age. Applicants who are between 18-20 years of age and otherwise satisfy all other requirements for issuance of a commercial driver's license may be issued a commercial drivers license valid for intrastate use only and bearing a "Georgia Only" restriction.
2. Pass all applicable written tests, if required;
a. Pass all driving skills tests in a vehicle representative of the class applied for, or
b. At the discretion of the Department, the driving skills test may be waived for an applicant who currently holds a valid non-commercial driver's license at the time of his or her application for a commercial driver's license and substituted the applicant's driving record and documentation of either previously passing an acceptable driving skills test or documentation of certain driving experience. In order to be eligible for this exemption, the applicant must certify that during the two-year period immediately prior to making his or her application for a commercial driver's license that he or she: 1. Has not had more than one driver's license or one driver's license and instructional permit; and
2. Has not had a license revocation, suspension, or cancellation; and 3. Has not been involved in a chargeable accident; or 4. Has not received any citations which would initiate a suspension, revocation, cancellation, or disqualification; 5. Has not had more than one conviction for a serious traffic violation within the previous two years; 6. Has been regularly employed in a job requiring the operation of a commercial motor vehicle representative of the commercial motor vehicle class and type the driver applicant operates or expects to operate; and 7. If transferring his or her driver's license from another state, took and passed a behind the wheel skills test in another state in a representative vehicle for that applicant's driver's license classification; 4. Comply with the minimum federal standards as set forth in 49 C.F.R. §391.41. Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 40-5-156 and 40-6-15.
1. A lifetime period of suspension may be reduced to 10 years after an applicant furnishes proof of rehabilitation, approved by the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety. 2. Drivers possessing a commercial driver's license that is suspended, revoked or canceled shall not be issued a limited permit or probationary license to operate a commercial vehicle. Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 40-5-156 and O.C.G.A. Sec. 40-16-5(c).
1. Upon a first failure, the applicant must wait until the next day before taking the examination. 2. Upon a second failure, the applicant must wait 7 days before retaking the examination. 3. Upon the third failure, the applicant must wait 7 days before retaking the examination. 4. After a fourth failure, the applicant must reapply through the Commercial Driver's License Unit. Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 40-5-156 and O.C.G.A. Sec. 40-16-5(c).
1. Applicants attempting to obtain a commercial driver's license and/or instructional permit of any class shall be required to take and pass the commercial driver’s license (CDL) general knowledge test. 2. Applicants for all classes of commercial driver's license, including instructional permits, must receive a grade of at least 80 percent out of a possible 100 percent on the appropriate knowledge test as required in 49 C.F.R. Part 383. 3. Out of state applicants who move to Georgia and have a commercial driver's license issued from their prior state of residence will be required to apply for a Georgia CDL by making application through the CDL Unit and paying the appropriate fee. However, these licenses will be exchanged one for one, with the exception of the H endorsement. Applicants will be required to pass the knowledge test to maintain this endorsement. If applicants apply for a higher class of commercial driver's license or additional endorsements, the necessary test(s) will be required. 4. Applicants for commercial driver's license and commercial instructional permits of classes A and B, whose vehicles are equipped with air brakes, must pass the Air Brakes test.
5. Applicants are required to pay the fee for issuance of a Class A, B, or C commercial instructional permit prior to attempting the written test(s) required for such permit. If the applicant does not achieve a passing score, the issuance fee shall be retained by the Department as a testing fee, and such fee shall be pre-paid by the applicant on each successive attempt until he or she achieves a passing score at which time such fee shall be considered the fee for issuance of the instructional permit. 6. Applicants must pass the written test and skills test, if required for the specific endorsement sought before the endorsement can be applied to the license. A “P” endorsement may be applied to a commercial Class A, B or C instructional permit upon satisfactory completion of the applicable written test. “S” endorsements shall not be applied to any class instructional permit and may only be applied to commercial driver’s licenses granted upon satisfactory completion of both the written test and skills test for such endorsement.
7. The initial license issuance fee, regardless of how many endorsements are added, will be $20.00. 8. After the initial commercial driver's license issuance, additional endorsements may be added upon passing the test(s) or the additional endorsements requested. A fee of $5.00 for each additional endorsement may be assessed, plus $20.00 license renewal fee. O.C.G.A. § 40-5-156
1. No commercial driver's license skills test shall be given in a vehicle loaded with cargo.
2. The vehicle shall be furnished by the applicant and will have a safe passenger seat for the examiner. Vehicle shall be insured pursuant to Georgia law.
3. The vehicle shall have a data plate containing the GVWR for the vehicle. The GVWR will be checked to ensure that the vehicle in which the applicant takes the skills test is representative of the vehicle group the applicant expects to operate.
4. All vehicles used in skills test must be in safe operating condition. Any defects in the following items will constitute an unsafe vehicle and will disqualify the vehicle from being utilized in the skills test.
a. Service Brakes, including trailer brake connection;
b. Parking Brake;
c. Steering mechanisms;
d. Lighting Devices and mechanisms;
f. Must have at least 4/32 of an inch of tread on front tires; and
g. Must have at least 2/32 of an inch of tread on all other tires;
h. Horn;
i. Windshield;
j. Windshield wipers;
k. Coupling Devices;
l. Rear vision mirrors;
m. Wheel and Rims;
n. Emergency equipment;
o. Doors;
p. Exhaust System;
q. Frame;
r. Fuel Tank.
5. Skills test will be given in order of increasing difficulty.
6. Skills test may be given in all weather conditions; provided the weather creates no hazard for the applicant or the examiner.
7. Prior to the Department giving a skills test, the applicant must pay a $50.00 test fee, unless applicant has veteran's status and is tested by the state. An applicant may take the test two times without paying another $50.00 fee.
8. Skills tests taken in vehicles without air brakes will result in the commercial driver's license being issued with an air brakes restriction. Authority: O.C.G.A. §§40-5-156 and 40-16-5(c).
1. An applicant for a Commercial Driver's License shall be immediately disqualified on his or her driving skills test for the following:
a. Accident, including contact with another motor vehicle, pedestrian, other property, including running off the road unless, in the opinion of the examiner, the applicant was not at fault. b. Any act considered dangerous, including actions which require defensive driving by another to prevent an accident, or dodging by a pedestrian, or which require the examiner to aid in controlling the vehicle; stalling the vehicle in a busy intersection: or driving two wheels over a curb or onto a sidewalk. c. Any traffic law violation, including any act for which the applicant could be arrested, or any act which might make the applicant liable for damages in case of an accident. d. Lack of cooperation, refusal to perform, or try to perform any maneuver; offering bribes or gratuities; arguing about the score. e. For failure to perform air brakes check during the engine start procedure of the Vehicle Inspection Test, if so equipped.
Authority: O.C.G.A. §§40-5-156 and 40-16-5(c).
Vehicles used for commercial driving skills testing must meet safety standards as established by the Department of Driver Services and be representative of the class and type for which the applicant seeks to be licensed;. Each applicant must successfully complete a Vehicle Inspection Test. All items will be credited on the score form, except those items pertaining to air brakes, which are denoted with an (*); these items are not to be scored if a vehicle is not equipped with air brakes. One point credit is given for correctly inspecting each of the following items from category A, B or C or Full Form and All Combination Vehicles as directed by the Examiner: Engine Compartment oil level
any leaks Engine Start clutch/gearshift
air buzzer sounds
oil pressure builds
horn heater/defroster
safety/emergency equipment Front Suspension spring
Front Brake rims
Front Brake * slack adjustor * chamber hoses drums Driver/Fuel Area door, mirror fuel tank leaks
Rear Wheels (front or front and rear if applicable) rims tires axle seals lug nuts spacers
Rear Suspension (front or front and rear if applicable) springs spring mounts torsion, shocks
Rear Brakes (front or front and rear if applicable) * slack adjustor * chamber hoses drum
Front of Vehicle lights steering box steering linkage
Under Vehicle - Rear of Tractor drive shaft exhaust system frame
School Bus Only passenger entry emergency exits seating Tractor Only air/electric lines catwalk Coupling System mounting bolts safety latch platform release arm kingpin/apron Sliding 5th Wheel locking pins lights, reflectors splash guards Rear of Vehicle lights, reflectors signal/brake lights
Trailer Front air/electric connect header board lights/reflectors
Side Trailer landing gear lights/reflectors (doors, tiers) frame Wheels (front or front and rear if applicable) rims tires axle seals lug nuts spacers
Suspension (front or front and rear if applicable) springs spring mounts
Brakes (front or front and rear if applicable) * slack adjustor * chamber hoses drum
Rear or Trailer lights/reflectors doors, ties
All Passenger Vehicles passenger entry & lift emergency exists seating
Basic Control Skills Test: During the test, drivers will all be tested on a subset of the following Basic Control Skills Exercises: Straight-Line Backing Offset Back – Left Offset Back – Right Sight Side Parallel Park Conventional Parallel Park Alley Dock
The Basic Skills Course will include one exercise from each of the three categories listed: The Straight-Line Backing maneuver; AND The Offset Back-Left OR the Offset Back-Right; AND The Sight Side Parallel Park OR the Conventional Parallel Park OR the Alley Dock Maneuver
The exercises are scored as follows: Straight-Line Backing - pull-ups – the driver is allowed one free pull-up
- encroachments – each encroachment counts as two points
- looks – the driver is permitted to exit the vehicle to check position a maximum of one time
- final position – 10 points added if the driver does not attempt to put the vehicle in the indicated position Alley Dock - pull-ups - two free pull-ups - encroachments - two points for each encroachment - looks - the driver is permitted to exit the vehicle to check position a maximum of two times - final position - 10 points added if not within 3ft box (mark as an encroachment if the vehicle goes past the clearance line) Off-Set Backing (Left) - pull-up - two free pull-ups - encroachments - two points for each encroachment - looks - the driver is permitted to exit the vehicle to check position a maximum of two times - final position - 10 points added if the driver does not attempt to put the vehicle in the indicated position Off-Set Backing (Right) - pull-up - two free pull-ups
- encroachments - two points for each encroachment - looks - the driver is permitted to exit the vehicle to check position a maximum of two times - final position - 10 points added if the driver does not attempt to put the vehicle in the indicated position Conventional Parallel Park (blind side) - pull-up - two free pull-ups - encroachments - two points for each encroachment - looks - the driver is permitted to exit the vehicle to check position a maximum of two times - Inside Parallel – vehicle must be completely in the space (check along sides, in front and rear of vehicle) – if outside the space, add 10 points Sight Side Parallel Park - pull-ups two free pull-ups - encroachments two points for each encroachment - looks - the driver is permitted to exit the vehicle to check position a maximum of two times - Inside Parallel – vehicle must be completely in the space (check along sides, in front and rear of vehicle) – if outside the space, add 10 points Passing score for the Basic Control Skills Test is: 12 points or less (all vehicles). Skills tests shall be conducted: At facilities operated or designated by the Department. In order for a location other than a facility not operated by the Department to be approved for testing, the following spatial criteria must be met: Straight Line Backing – 100 feet in length. The testing area must have additional clearance on each end of the maneuver for the entire length of the motor vehicle in which the applicant is being tested to back completely out of the required 100 feet. For example, if the vehicle used for testing is 70 feet in length, the minimum required space for straight line backing would be 240 feet. Off-set Backing – 100 feet in length. The testing area must have additional clearance for the vehicle to pull forward to do the maneuver; 140 feet for Class A vehicles and 100 feet for Class B vehicles. Parallel Parking – 100 feet. The testing area must exceed the length of the vehicle by at least fifteen (15) feet. Alley Dock – 40 feet for the alley dock. The testing area must allow additional clearance for the vehicle to line up for the 90 degree backing maneuver. There is a boundary at 50 feet for Class B vehicles and at 70 feet for Class A vehicles, so the area must allow at least 110 feet for the alley dock maneuver).
During daylight hours only; and
Road Test (all vehicles) A road test route should contain the following maneuvers: - four left turns - four right turns - straight section of urban business street - intersections–two through intersections and two intersections where a stop has to be made (a stop sign is preferred) – Cannot be included in urban section - one railroad crossing (actual or simulated) - two curves, one curve to the left and one curve to the right - section of expressway OR two-lane rural or semi-rural road - student discharge – used only for school bus drivers - roadside stop/start - low clearance, weight restriction, or traffic sign Maneuvers are scored as follows – 1 point for each unsatisfactory performance: Left and right turns Approach
signal, deceleration coast, lane
If Stop necessary, gap stop line full stop, wheels straight Turning
traffic check both hands, gears speed, wide/short Complete Turn
traffic check correct lane signal, accelerate, right Urban/Rural sections - regular traffic checks - selects proper lane - keeps vehicle in lane - lane changes, traffic check, signal, space, smooth change to left - lane changes, traffic check, signal, space, smooth change to right Roadside Start/Stop Approach
traffic check signal on correct lane, deceleration not coast Stop
parallel, not roll signal off/4-ways on parking brake on Resume
traffic check, 4-ways off signal, parking brake not stall engine traffic check, accelerate Curves (left and right curves) speed: enter, through
stay in lane traffic checks Student Discharge Approach
traffic check activates all flashers at least 200 feet before the stop State law Moves to the right of the roadway Activates stop arm Stopping
places transmission in Neutral keeps foot on brake ensures stop arm is extended ensures all flashers are operating Discharge
informs students of discharge procedures tells students when they can exit the bus
checks traffic ahead and to the rear and especially to the left side before allowing students to exit the bus Open Door
counts the students as they disembark accounts for all students once they have left the bus checks all mirrors for students Traffic Check
checks traffic ahead and to the rear and especially to the left side before allowing students to cross in front of the bus Student Crossing
informs all students to stay 10 feet from the side of the school bus and to stay in plain view directs students to walk forward of the bus ten feet but to still stay clear of the bus directs students to cross the street Student Check
accounts for all students who have exited the bus Resume
deactivates stop arm turns off all warning lights shuts all doors traffic check accelerates back into traffic Railroad Crossing traffic check law, gears, stop Low clearance, weight restriction, or traffic sign knew weight/clearance
Expressway Merge On
traffic check, signal, spacing, no stop, merge, cancel signal Lane Changes
traffic check, signal, spacing, smooth change, cancel signal to left traffic check, signal, spacing smooth change, cancel signal to right Exit
traffic check, signal smooth merge to exit lane decelerate in exit lane ramp speed, spacing, cancel signal General Driving Behavior used clutch properly (shifting, double clutched, didn't ride) used gears properly (didn’t over-rev/lug engine, clash gears, coast) used brakes properly (smooth braking, no riding or pumping) proper steering (both hands on wheel, no over/under control) obeyed all traffic signs and signals drove without an accident never put vehicle over sidewalks, lanes, stop lines, etc. Reserved.
Passing score for road test is 30 errors or less for all vehicles. Passing scores for the Vehicle Inspection Test are as follows:Combination Vehicles & Straight Trucks
Pre-trip Form
(Total is number of correct answers)
Coach/Transit & School Bus
Coach/Transit
Definitions. Cancellation. A Tester's or Examiner's certification is terminated by the Department because of some error defect in the certification or because the Tester or Examiner is no longer entitled to such certification. The cancellation of certification is without prejudice, and application for a new certification may be made at any time after such cancellation. CDL. A commercial driver's license issued pursuant to O.C.G.A. §40-5-140, et seq. which authorizes an individual to operate a class of commercial motor vehicles. Department. The Georgia Department of Driver Services. Examiner. Any natural person, not an employee of the Department of Driver Services, who is certified by the Department of Driver Services as a Third Party Examiner to administer Commercial Driver's License testing through a Third Party Tester. Monitor. Department of Driver Services employee responsible for conducting random examinations, inspections and audits of Third Party Testers and Examiners for compliance with federal and state laws and regulations. Revocation. A Tester's or Examiner's certification is terminated by formal action of the Department, which privilege shall not be subject to renewal or restoration, except that an application for a new license may be presented to and acted upon by the Department after the expiration of the applicable period of time prescribed by the Department. A revocation shall be for a period of at least one (1) year or indefinitely. Suspension. A Tester's or Examiner's certification is temporarily withdrawn by formal action of the Department, which temporary withdrawal shall be for a period specifically designated by the Department. Tester. Any employer or school engaged in conducting commercial driver's license testing through Third Party Examiners.
Minimum Requirements for Examiners. Must be trained and certified to conduct skills testing for CDL's by the Department or its authorized representatives. Must comply with the following: Must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Must be a regular employee of the employer and recommended by the employer or must be a contracting Trainer/Examiner. Shall not be a convicted felon. Shall not have been convicted of any serious moving violation as defined in O.C.G.A. §40-5-142 within three (3) years prior to application. Shall not have been enrolled or participated in a state approved Risk Reduction Program. Must be qualified as a Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator and must either possess or be eligible for a CDL of the classification for which the Examiner will be conducting tests. Must successfully complete the Department's prescribed course in CDL classroom instruction and behind the wheel examination. (i) Must pass all CDL Knowledge and Endorsement Tests on the first day of the training session. (ii) Upon completion of specialized training in classes A, B, and C, the Examiner will be issued a certification card qualifying them to examine applicants for skills in license classes equal to their training certification. Must possess a valid certification identification card which shall be evidence of the Examiner's certification status. An Examiner whose certification has expired or has been surrendered shall not administer any part of the CDL examination until completion of one of the following: An Examiner with expired certification or who has surrendered his or her certification may apply for reactivation of their certification within two (2) years after the expiration or surrender date of the previously issued certification by performing a CDL examination to the satisfaction of the Department. If more than two (2) years has lapsed since expiration or surrender, the Examiner must successfully complete the Department's prescribed course in CDL classroom instruction and behind the wheel examination to become recertified. 10. Must conduct at least ten CDL tests per calendar year. Failure to do so will result in suspension from conducting further CDL tests.
Minimum Requirements for Testers. Must have an established business. Must have a fleet of not less than 25 commercial motor vehicles registered in Georgia or be a Technical/Vocational School, or a Public School System. Must maintain adequate driver records reflecting the driver history of each Examiner. Must enter into a Commercial Driver's License Third Party Tester Agreement with the Department. Agree to have the Third Party Tester Program monitored by the Department and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The skills test plan used must be the one provided by the Department. An authorized member of the Department must approve any changes to the skills test prior to the changes being implemented. All Examiners must submit to the Monitor and the CDL Program Manager a testing schedule for all testing to be conducted. This schedule will be submitted two (2) weeks in advance of the scheduled test. A 24-hour notice will be given for cancellation. The Monitor may approve changes in schedules as necessary. Testing at times and dates not submitted on the schedule or Monitor approved changes will violate the agreement between the Tester and the Department.
Must ensure that all examiners employed by the Tester are certified by the Department and that the Examiners comply with the Department Rules and Regulations, all applicable state and federal laws, and Department instructions.
Test Administration Skill tests will be conducted strictly in accordance with policy used by the Department CDL Examiners. Such instruction may include information on skills test content, route selection/revision, test forms, Examiner procedures, and administration procedures and/or changes. Skills tests shall be conducted: Only on test routes approved by the Department. In a vehicle representative of the class and type of vehicle for which the CDL applicant seeks to be certified and for which the Examiner is qualified to test. Using the Department approved content, forms, and scoring procedures. Only on approved days of the week during daylight hours only.
Only licensed Georgia drivers or drivers with approval from the Department may be tested. Examiners must complete each CDL test before beginning another test and may not start a test within two (2) hours of starting the previous test. Examiners shall not administer any part of a CDL test unless they have a valid certification card/certificate.
Record Files to be maintained by Tester: Third Party Examiner file: A copy of each Examiner's current certification identification card with photograph. A copy of Examiner's MVR (current update, a minimum of once per year). Examiner and Tester Certifications must be displayed. Tester must maintain these records for the previous two (2) years and for the current year. Tester must maintain these records on an Examiner for at least two (2) years after that Examiner leaves the Tester's employment.
CDL applicants tested by each examiner: A copy of DS 1235 (score sheet) on each applicant tested (passing or failing copies). A copy of instructional permit or commercial driver's license A signed copy of the CDL Skills Testing Information Agreement Form.
Notification Requirements. Testers must: Notify the Department in writing 30 days prior to any change in the Tester's name and/or address. Notify the Department in writing within two days of any change in: The Examiners who are employed by the Tester; and Any Examiner's driving status.
Notify the Department in writing within ten days of any of the following occurrences: The Tester ceases to do business in Georgia. The Tester fails to comply with any of the Department's requirements. Examiner receives notice from the Department of any driver's license suspension, revocation, disqualification, cancellation or DUI conviction. Any Examiner fails to comply with any of the Department's requirements.
Request and obtain approval from the Department of any proposed changes in the skills test(s) route(s), test content, or Examiner administrative procedures.
The Examiner shall notify the Department within ten days of leaving the employ of a Tester. Reports to the Department: A copy of skills test roster of applicants tested. A copy of test schedules.
Denial/Suspension/Revocation/Cancellation of Third Party Testing Program Certification. The Department may deny any application for a Tester's or Examiner's certification or cancel certification if the applicant does not qualify for certification under these rules. Misstatements or misrepresentations in the application may be grounds for cancellation. Any Tester or Examiner may relinquish a certification upon thirty days written notice to the Department. All forms, manuals, or supplies that the Department has furnished, including certification and certification identification cards of Examiners shall be surrendered. The Department may cancel the Third Party Testing Program provided for in these requirements in its entirety or may cancel it in part. The Department may suspend or revoke a Tester's or Examiner's certification upon any of the following grounds: Failure to comply with or satisfy any of the provisions of these requirements, the Department's instructions or the Third Party Tester agreement. Falsification of any records or information relating to the Third Party Testing Program. Commission of any act which compromises the integrity of the Third Party Program. Failure to fully cooperate with the Monitor, including providing the Monitor access to: all Third Party Tester Program documents and records; any facility where testing is performed; or For the Examiner, driver's license suspension, revocation, recall, or disqualifications.
If the Department determines that grounds for cancellation of certification exists for failure to comply with or satisfy any of these requirements or the Third Party Tester Agreement, the Department may postpone action and allow the Tester or Examiner thirty days to correct the deficiency. Suspension/Revocation and Appeal Procedures. Upon determining that a Tester's or Examiner's certification should be suspended, revoked, or cancelled the Department shall notify the Tester or Examiner by certified mail, return receipt requested. Such notice shall be deemed received three (3) days after mailing. The notification shall notify the Tester or Examiner of the following requirements: That the Tester or Examiner may, within 15 days of receipt of the notice, request a hearing. The request must be in writing and received by the Department within the 15 day period specified. That if the Department does not received a written hearing request within the 15 day period: Any rights to an appeal and hearing shall be considered to have been waived; and The suspension, revocation, or cancellation will be effective upon the expiration of the 15 day period.
Upon receipt of a timely, written hearing request, the Department shall schedule a hearing before a designated hearing officer of the Department. The hearing and appeal procedures shall be as specified in Ga. Admin. Comp. Ch. 375-3-3-.04. A Tester or Examiner who timely requests a hearing may continue to administer CDL testing pending issuance of a final decision by the Administrative Law Judge.
Emergency Order. If the Department determines that a Tester's or Examiner's certification should be suspended, revoked, or cancelled and that the public health, safety, or welfare imperatively requires emergency action, the Department is, upon expressly so finding, authorized to issue an emergency order suspending or revoking the Tester's or Examiner's certification. The Emergency Order shall incorporate such a finding and shall notify the Tester or Examiner of the following requirements: The Emergency Order is effective upon receipt of the Order. The Tester or Examiner may, within 15 days of receipt of the notice, request a hearing. The request must be in writing and received by the Department within the 15 day period specified. If the Department does not receive a written hearing request within the 15 day period, any rights to an appeal and hearing shall be considered to have been waived. The Order shall be served on the Tester or Examiner by personal delivery or certified mail, return receipt requested. Upon receipt of a timely, written hearing request: The Department shall schedule a hearing before a designated Department hearing officer. The hearing shall be scheduled within 30 working days of receipt of the hearing request, unless the Tester or Examiner requests or consents to a continuance. This shall be a preliminary hearing at which the hearing officer determines whether the public health, safety, or welfare continues to imperatively require emergency action. If the emergency action is upheld, the suspension, revocation, or cancellation remains in effect and the appeal procedure shall proceed as set forth above. If the emergency action is reversed, the Tester or Examiner may be restored to administering CDL testing pending completion of the appeal proceedings.
A Tester or Examiner who timely requests a hearing may not continue to administer CDL testing pending issuance of a decision by the Department hearing officer. Reinstatement. A Tester or Examiner may apply for certification reinstatement at the end of a suspension period.
DS Form 1256 shall be used by all law enforcement officers who are empowered to enforce the traffic laws in this state. DS Form 1256 shall be used by an officer to place the driver of a commercial motor vehicle out of service, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 40-5-152. Form 1256 will be a 8.5" wide X 11" long, four part snap out design. The officer shall forward the original copy to the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety. The officer shall mail the second copy to the commercial driver's employer. The officer shall retain the third copy of Form 1256. The officer shall give the fourth copy to the driver as official notification of being placed out-of-service.
Authority: O.C.G-A. Sec. 40-5-156 and O.C.G.A. Sec. 40-16-5(c).
Any person is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle based on the following violations of out-of-service orders.
a. A driver who is convicted for a first violation of an out-of-service order is disqualified for a period of 90 days. b. A driver who is convicted of a second violation of an out-of-service order in a 10 year period, is disqualified for a period of one year. c. A driver who is convicted of three or more violations of out-of-service orders in a 10 year period, is disqualified for a period of three years. d. A driver is disqualified for a period of 180 days if the driver is convicted of a first violation of an out-of-service order while transporting hazardous materials required to be placarded under the Federal Hazardous Materials Transportation Law (49 U.S.C. Chapter 51), or while operating a motor vehicle designed to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver. e. A driver is disqualified for a period of three years if the driver is convicted of any subsequent violations of out of service orders, in separate incidents, while transporting hazardous material required to be placarded under the Federal Hazardous Materials Transportation Law (49 U.S.C. Chapter 51), or while operating a motor vehicle designed to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver. Authority: O.C.G.A. §§40-15-156 and 40-16-5(c).
1. Any person who operates a school bus must possess a commercial driver's license with a passenger vehicle endorsement and a school bus endorsement.
2. A driver must satisfy the following requirements in order to obtain a school bus endorsement:
a. Qualify for the passenger vehicle endorsement.
b. Pass the knowledge test. This test shall examine the driver's knowledge of the following areas:
i. Loading and unloading children, including the safe operation of stop signal devices, external mirror systems, flashing lights and other warning and passenger safety devices required for school buses by Georgia law or federal law or regulation.
ii. Emergency exits and procedures for safely evacuating passengers in an emergency.
iii. State and Federal laws and regulations related to safely traversing highway rail grade crossings.
c. Pass the skills test. The driver must be able to perform a vehicle inspection, pass the basic skills test and pass a driving skills test in a school bus that is of the same vehicle group of the school bus the driver will operate. O.C.G.A. §§ 40-5-142, 40-5-150 and 40-16-5(c); 49 C.F.R. §383.