Qualifications of Drivers

1
Qualifications of Drivers
2
Purpose

• This presentation is intended to educate
  commercial motor carriers and their drivers on
  the FMCSA regulations on driver qualifications.

3
Exemptions

• There are certain exemptions to these
• guidelines.
• For a complete list, please visit
• http//www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rulesregs/fmcsr/regs/391.
  2.htm

4
Commercial Driver Requirements

• Be in good health and physically able to perform
  all duties of a driver
• Be at least 21 years of age
• Be able to drive vehicle safely

5
Commercial Driver Requirements

• Know how to safely load, block, brace and secure
  the cargo
• Have only one valid commercial drivers license
• Provide an employing motor carrier with a list of
  all motor vehicle violations
  (See Part 391.27).

6
Commercial Driver Requirements

• Pass a drivers road test or equivalent
• Complete an application for employment
• Possess a valid medical certificate

7
Commercial Driver Requirements

• Speak and read English well enough to
• Converse with the general public
• Understand traffic signs and signals
• Respond to official questions
• Be able to make legible entries on reports and
  records

8
Physical Requirements

• A person shall not drive a commercial
• motor vehicle unless he/she is physically
• qualified to do so.
• For a complete list of physical requirements,
  please visit
• http//www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rulesregs/fmcsr/regs/391.
  41.htm

9
Drivers Responsibilities

• A driver shall not operate a
• commercial motor vehicle
• unless
• They can determine whether the cargo being
  transported has been properly located,
  distributed and secured
• They are familiar with methods and procedures for
  securing cargo

10
Disqualification

• A driver who is disqualified shall not drive a
  commercial motor vehicle
• A motor carrier shall not require or permit a
  driver who is disqualified to drive a Commercial
  Motor Vehicle (CMV)

11
Disqualification

• A driver can be disqualified if
• convicted for
• Driving a CMV while under the influence of
  alcohol
• Driving a CMV while under the influence of drugs
  or controlled substances
• Transporting or possessing a drug or controlled
  substance

12
Disqualification

• Leaving the scene of an accident that involves a
  CMV
• Using a CMV to commit a felony
• Using a CMV to violate an Out-of-Service Order
• Using a CMV to violate the railroad-highway grade
  crossing rule

13
Driver Qualification File

• Every motor carrier must have a file for
• each regularly employed driver that
• includes
• Drivers application for employment
• Inquiry to previous employers 3 years
• Inquiry to state agencies 3 years
• Inquiry to state agencies - annual

14
Driver Qualification File

• Annual review of driving record
• Annual drivers certification of violations
• Drivers road test certificate or equivalent
• Medical examiners certificate

15
Penalties

• A first offender is disqualified for one year
  following conviction or forfeiture (6 months for
  possession of a controlled substance)
• For a second offense within three years, a driver
  is disqualified for three years

16
In Conclusion

• Thank you for your time and attention!