General Information

§391.11(a) Basic Requirement

A person shall not drive a commercial motor vehicle unless he/she is qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle. Except as provided in §391.63, a motor carrier shall not require or permit a person to drive a commercial motor vehicle unless that person is qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle.

§391.11(b) Qualification Requirements

Except as provided in Subpart G of this part, a person is qualified to drive a motor vehicle if he/she:

(1)

Age Requirement

Is at least 21 years old

(2)

English Language Proficiency

Can read and speak the English language sufficiently to:

  • • Converse with the general public
  • • Understand highway traffic signs and signals in English
  • • Respond to official inquiries
  • • Make entries on reports and records
(3)

Experience & Training

Can, by reason of experience, training, or both, safely operate the type of commercial motor vehicle he/she drives

(4)

Physical Qualifications

Is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle in accordance with Subpart E — Physical Qualifications and Examinations of this part

(5)

Valid License

Has a currently valid commercial motor vehicle operator's license issued only by one State or jurisdiction

(6)

Violation Records

Has prepared and furnished the motor carrier that employs him/her with the list of violations or the certificate as required by §391.27

(7)

Not Disqualified

Is not disqualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle under the rules in §391.15

(8)

Road Test Certification

Has successfully completed a driver's road test and has been issued a certificate of driver's road test in accordance with §391.31, or has presented an operator's license or certificate of road test which the motor carrier has accepted as equivalent to a road test in accordance with §391.33

8 Key Qualification Requirements

1. Age

At least 21 years old

2. English Proficiency

Read, speak, understand signs

3. Experience/Training

Safely operate CMV type

4. Physical Qualifications

Meet Subpart E requirements

5. Valid License

One State/jurisdiction only

6. Violation Records

Furnished to employer (§391.27)

7. Not Disqualified

Per §391.15 rules

8. Road Test

Certificate per §391.31/§391.33

Important Resources

Medical Examination Form

Official FMCSA medical examination form for commercial drivers

Download PDF

Driver Exemption Programs

Information on medical exemptions and waiver programs

View Information

Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE)

SPE program for drivers with certain physical conditions

Learn More

Key Takeaways

All CMV drivers must be qualified under §391.11 requirements
Minimum age: 21 years old for interstate commerce
English language proficiency required for safety communication
Physical qualifications must meet Subpart E standards
Valid CDL from only one State or jurisdiction
Violation records must be furnished to employer
Must not be disqualified under §391.15
Road test certification required (§391.31 or §391.33)

Need Help with Medical Certification?

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