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Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Modernizes Commercial Driver License (CDL) Skills Test

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (OHBMV) has announced a modernized version of the commercial driver license (CDL) skills test will be implemented at all third-party CDL examination sites, and at OHBMV Examination Sites that offer CDL skills tests, beginning October 2, 2023.

This modernized CDL Skills Test was developed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA). Due to positive reports and safety data shared from the AAMVA community through its extensive vetting process, OHBMV is confident the new skills test accurately tests applicants' knowledge of modern vehicle features and still focuses on key skills needed to safely operate a commercial vehicle.

OHBMV believes the adoption of the updated test will help ensure CDL drivers will have the knowledge and skills to drive safely while waiving outdated requirements and keeping up with new technology.

To receive a CDL, applicants need to complete the full CDL skills-test which is comprised of three unique tests that must be passed in succession: Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection; Basic Vehicle Control; and a Road Test.

The Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection, and Basic Vehicle Control, skills tests have been updated for all representative commercial motor vehicles.

The modernized Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection test has added a new vehicle inspection checklist to the Ohio CDL Manual on pages 11M-11 through 11M-13 that may now be used as a memory aid while taking the inspection test. This memory aid simulates a "real world" addition to the inspection portion of the test, where applicants may be asked to identify up to 90 different components on the vehicle and describe what they are looking for to ensure it is safe and ready for use compared to the current requirement of more than 100 items.

OHBMV anticipates applicants who use the new vehicle inspection memory aid, and those who focus on the four steps identified in the memory aid regarding the additional air brake check component, will find success in passing the Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection portion of the CDL skills test without any compromise in commercial vehicle safety.

In addition to the Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection test updates, the Basic Vehicle Control Skills test portion will require applicants to demonstrate the following "real world" maneuvers to demonstrate basic operational control of their representative commercial vehicle. These include:

• Forward Stop to demonstrate an applicant's ability to judge the front of the vehicle;
• Straight-Line Backing to demonstrate the applicant's ability to back the vehicle in a straight line;
• Forward Offset Tracking to demonstrate an applicant's ability to maneuver the vehicle around other objects while moving forward; and
• Reverse Offset Backing to demonstrate an applicant's ability to offset reverse and park the vehicle.

It is important to note there are no changes to the CDL Road Test.

Applicants who have already completed portions of the test prior to October 2nd will still need to complete current versions of CDL Skills Testing.

OHBMV advises applicants testing before October 2nd should continue to review and study the current Commercial Driver License Manual "2005 CDL Testing System AAMVA Version July 2017" HSY7605 Revision Date 08/2022 to prepare.

Prospective applicants who are scheduled to take the test after October 1st, should study the updated Commercial Driver License Manual "Modernized Test System 2022 AAMVA" HSY7605 Revision Date 09/2023 which can be found online at beginning September 18, 2023.

A list of CDL Skills/Testing Location sites can be found by visiting and selecting the link in the top right for BMV Locations.

Should you have any questions about the CDL Modernized Test, or the OHBMV CDL Examination program please contact us directly at OHBMVCDLExam@dps.ohio.gov

Equipment

We have a fleet of vehicles including tractors, buses and numerous trailers you will train on. Our equipment is up-to-date and meets or exceeds all industry standards. We offer a variety of engines, transmissions and trailers. All of our equipment is clean, well-maintained and roadworthy.

When you walk out the door of the Truck Driving СÖíÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø with your CDL, you will be prepared to drive any commercial vehicle – from commercial buses to tractors pulling double trailers!

Qualifications

To qualify for employment as a professional over-the-road driver, you must be 21 years of age and hold a valid Commercial Driver's License. You must pass a DOT physical exam and an alcohol and controlled substance test.

For intrastate Ohio, applicants may qualify at 18 years of age. To enroll in the program, you must possess a valid Ohio driver's license.

CDL Permit Test Booklet

If you've ever thought of getting your CDL in Ohio, then now is an ideal time, and the first step toward that goal is studying the 2022 Ohio Commercial Driver License Manual. While there are hundreds of optional questions that could be on your CDL knowledge test, the answers to all of them are contained in the Ohio CDL manual, so studying it is the key to succeeding. You can view this manual at

Passenger Bus Endorsement

Drivers who operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) with passengers are required to possess the proper endorsement according to the regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This endorsement will take two weeks to complete. If you received your Class A or B CDL through SSCC the Passenger Bus Endorsement will cost $1000, otherwise the cost will be $3000. Contact us to learn more!

ELDT HazMat Online Course - $65.00

If you ONLY need to ADD a HAZMAT Endorsement to your current license, this is for you.

This is a self-guided online course. Training takes a few hours to complete. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a downloadable PDF certificate and scores will be reported to the FMCSA's Training Provider Registry allowing you to take the test at the BMV. Complete a TDA Student Registration Form to get started.

As part of the new ELDT requirements that went into effect on February 7, 2022, all drivers seeking a HazMat endorsement are required to complete a Hazardous Materials theory training program BEFORE taking the Hazmat endorsement test at a local BMV. This training course satisfies that requirement.

"To start bluntly: this СÖíÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø is worth it. The team here has been incredibly understanding and very thorough with teaching me. Without their instruction and my hard work I couldn't have earned my CDL. They give you everything they can to help you succeed and I have never met more encouraging people than this. I highly recommend Southern State's Truck Driving СÖíÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø."

Mercedes B. | SSCC Truck Driving СÖíÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø Alumni

Congratulations and Thank You. Werner Enterprises is extremely proud to put the safest and most productive professional drivers on the road year after year, and we wouldn't be able to do that without your help. We appreciate everything that you and your staff do to prepare students to become professional drivers and begin their career with Werner. This letter is just a token of our appreciation to you and your staff for the outstanding job you did in helping to prepare one of your former students to become a Werner Enterprises team member. We are confident that your school will continue to provide the trucking industry and Werner with high-quality and well-trained students. If we can assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to call us at 1.888.4WERNER.

Jim Morbach
Vice President
Field and Government Recruiting

Congratulations and Thank You. Werner Enterprises is extremely proud to put the safest and most productive professional drivers on the road year after year, and we wouldn't be able to do that without your help. We appreciate everything that you and your staff do to prepare students to become professional drivers and begin their career with Werner. This letter is just a token of our appreciation to you and your staff for the outstanding job you did in helping to prepare one of your former students to become a Werner Enterprises team member. We are confident that your school will continue to provide the trucking industry and Werner with high-quality and well-trained students. If we can assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to call us at 1.888.4WERNER.

Jim Morbach
Vice President
Field and Government Recruiting

"Southern State's Truck Driving СÖíÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø has been a big part of my life - for the past 13 year to be exact. I started here as a student, received my Class A license and am now teaching others how to drive a truck under this program. The small class sizes really allow for a lot of student/instructor time. It is close to home and affordable."

Tony E. | SSCC Truck Driving СÖíÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø Instructor

"The Truck Driving СÖíÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø at Southern State has small classes sizes, which I like. The friendly staff and comfortable atmosphere are great for learning. Southern State has been very helpful at making sure I received funding to help offset enrollment costs. I am happy I chose the Truck Driving СÖíÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø at Southern State to assist me in getting my commercial driver's license."

Patricia C. | SSCC Truck Driving СÖíÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø Alumni

"It was through my family and friends that I heard about the Southern State Truck Driving СÖíÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø and how good the program was. Now that I am enrolled, I am very pleased and would have to agree with them. The classes are very informative and I have learned a lot about how to operate a semi safely."

Robert F. | SSCC Truck Driving СÖíÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø Alumni

"I chose to attend the Truck Driving СÖíÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø at Southern State because it was close to my home. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone considering truck driving as a career. I received lots of hands on experience, which made me feel confident about getting a job. Southern State's Truck Driving СÖíÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø has put me on the path to getting my CDL. I can't wait to see what opportunities this will bring!"

Suzy E. | SSCC Truck Driving СÖíÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø Alumni