- A DL 170 ETP does not guarantee the driver will be issued a CDL. To monitor the training and testing programs of ETP participants, we will randomly select drivers certified through the ETP to take a DMV administered driving test (drivers have 30 days to complete this drive test). Any driver failing to report to DMV for the driver test may have their CDL application cancelled or downgraded to their prior license class.
- The appropriate class of CDL with any appropriate endorsement(s) and/or restrictions to operate company vehicle(s). They must have held this license for at least three years.
- Passed DMV’s Learning and Development Branch ETP Examiner training class.
- Have an approved Employer Testing Program Examiner Certification Application (DL 811 ETP) on file with DMV.
Employer Administrator Requirements
An administrator is an employee who:
- Is knowledgeable about the ETP requirements.
- Oversees the employer’s CDL training, testing, and record keeping.
- Requests renewal and modification of DMV authorization to conduct a licensing test.
- Acts as an employer liaison with DMV.
In order to perform the duties of an administrator, the person must be designated as such on the Employer Testing Program Application for Employer Number (DL 520 ETP).
An administrator may not act as an examiner under the same employer number.
Authorized Representative Requirements
Authorized representatives are employees who are responsible for certifying the driver is employed, is required to operate a commercial vehicle in the course of employment, has attended training, and passed a drive test which meets DMV’s drive test requirements and standards. The authorized representative approving a Certificate of Driving Skill, (DL 170 ETP) must be listed on the Employer Testing Program Application for Employer Number (DL 520 ETP) or the form will be rejected.
An examiner cannot act as the authorized representative for the same driving test they conducted.
Examiner Requirements
An examiner conducts CDL driving tests as a third-party tester on behalf of DMV.
- Have held a valid CDL for the past three years, with the appropriate class and endorsements.
- Be employed and under contract by an ETP employer.
- Have no current actions against their California CDL that would disqualify them to act as an examiner.
- Maintain a valid medical certificate required by the DMV for operating an appropriate class of commercial vehicle.
- Successfully pass a nationwide criminal background check
- Submit a completed live scan fingerprint and Request for Live Scan Clearance (DMV 8016). Be sure to request a DOJ and FBI in the Level of Service section and request the results be submitted to DMV, Mail Code 04620.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If the company is suspended from participating in the ETP, are the driver's CDL privileges cancelled? plus minus
The company’s drivers do not automatically lose their CDL driving privileges. However, if DMV determines the testing practices were insufficient, DMV may require the company’s drivers to be given a new drive test at a DMV Commercial Driving Test Office to retain their CDL.
Does the ETP administrator have to hold a CDL? plus minusThere is no program requirement for an administrator to hold any class of driver license for ETP participation.
Can an ETP authorized representative also be an examiner? plus minusAn authorized representative can act as examiner. However, an authorized representative cannot sign as the examiner and authorized representative on the same Certificate of Driving Skill, DL 170 ETP.
How often may DMV conduct inspections? plus minusAt least annually.
Will DMV provide the examiner contract? plus minusNo, the contract is to be established by the examiner and the employer. The contract must indicate the provisions to administer the drive test, the provisions for examiner CDL requirements, and may include any other provisions your company deems necessary.
Can one examiner test another examiner when upgrading a license? plus minusYes, as long as the examiner conducting the test is not the other’s examiner’s subordinate, or have any authority over them, and they carry the appropriate license to test the other examiner.
Need something else?
Apply for the ETP
Learn more about applying for the ETP, renewing your participation, or modifying your authorization.
Apply for a Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
Learn more about applying for a CDL, including the application steps, requirements, and fees.
Contact Us
Contact Occupational Licensing if you have any questions about the ETP. We’re here to help!
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