CDL Testing Overhaul: New Law Lets States and Approved Third Parties Administer Exams - Impacting All Applicants

The "LICENSE Act of 2025" makes significant changes to how commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) are tested across the country. The core change? Giving a lot more flexibility in who can administer both the knowledge and driving skills tests.

Testing, Reimagined

The law directs the Secretary of Transportation, through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), to revamp CDL testing regulations. Specifically, it allows state or certified third-party examiners to give the knowledge test, provided they meet certain conditions (SEC. 2.(1)). They need a valid CDL test examiner certification, must complete a specific CDL skills test examiner training course, and finish one unit of instruction as outlined in existing regulations.

Think of it like this: imagine you're learning to drive a big rig. Previously, only certain state-employed examiners could give you the written knowledge test. Now, qualified private companies or individuals could also administer that test, potentially making it easier and faster to get tested.

Road Test Rules Get a Makeover

The law also changes where drivers can take their road skills test. Previously, there were restrictions based on where you lived or trained. The LICENSE Act of 2025 scraps those, allowing any state to test any CDL applicant, no matter where they're from or where they got their training (SEC. 2.(2)).

For example, a truck driver trainee from Wyoming could theoretically get trained in Texas and then take their driving skills test in, say, Florida, if that state's testing schedule is more convenient. This change aims to streamline the process and reduce potential bottlenecks.

The 90-Day Dash

All of these changes are mandated to be rolled out fast. The law requires the Secretary of Transportation to implement these new regulations within 90 days of the Act's enactment (SEC. 2). This rapid implementation could mean a quick shift in how CDL testing operates nationwide.

Potential Potholes

While the increased flexibility could be a plus, there are some important things to keep an eye on. Making sure third-party examiners are properly vetted and monitored is crucial to avoid 'testing mills' that prioritize speed over actually making sure drivers are competent and safe. Maintaining consistent testing standards across different states and examiners will be a key challenge.

The Upshot

This law could make getting a CDL faster and more accessible, potentially helping to address the ongoing truck driver shortage. However, maintaining safety and ensuring consistent standards will be critical as these changes roll out.