Road-test certificates change on March 22nd

The FMCSA has revised the requirements for road-test certificates, effective March 22, 2022.

The changes to 49 CFR §391.31 mean that motor carriers will no longer need to enter the following driver information on a road-test certificate issued on or after that date:

• Social Security number
• Driver's license number
• Licensing state

Because a road-test certificate must look "substantially" but not exactly like the certificate shown in the rules, using a certificate that still contains those three elements after March 22 would not be a violation. In addition, there is no need to remove those three items from existing certificates that were completed prior to March 22.

The change in requirements is not surprising given increased concerns for driver privacy.

A road-test certificate is completed after a commercial motor vehicle driver has successfully passed a road test prior to driving for a motor carrier for the first time. The certificate is kept in the driver's file and a copy is provided to the driver.

Key to remember: The FMCSA has removed three items from the road-test certification form required under §391.31, effective March 22, 2022.