Salem, Oregon- Oregon commercial driver license (CDL) applicants will soon face updated testing standards as the state aligns with a national model for evaluating commercial drivers.
The changes affect the CDL scoresheet, vehicle inspection checklist, pamphlet and examiner manual, state officials said. While the examiner manual is designed to help applicants prepare for licensing, knowledge and skills testing, it is not a substitute for an entry-level driver training program.
What’s Changing
Revised test questions will include updated elements of vehicle inspection and Basic Control Skills maneuvers, both critical parts of the CDL skills test. The vehicle inspection portion evaluates a driver’s ability to spot mechanical problems and ensure the vehicle is safe to operate. Basic Control Skills cover handling a vehicle in tasks such as backing, turning and stopping.
The new knowledge test brings Oregon into alignment with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) modernized CDL test, which emphasizes up-to-date safety and technology standards. AAMVA is a nonprofit that develops best practices and standards for motor vehicle administration, law enforcement, and highway safety across the U.S. By adopting this test, Oregon DMV gains access to AAMVA training resources and help with compliance now and in the future.
DMV and third-party examiners may use either the existing or updated tests until June 1, 2026. However, drivers who have “banked” scores under the current test model may find that availability of examiners offering the old test version becomes increasingly limited as the transition proceeds.
Who Needs a CDL?
Under the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act, a CDL is required to operate:
Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or actual gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more. A combination of vehicles (trailers etc.) where the trailer(s) alone weigh more than 10,000 pounds and the combined weight is 26,001 pounds or more. Any vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver. Any size vehicle transporting hazardous materials requiring placards, or any material listed as a select agent or toxin under federal regulations.
Why It Matters
Officials say the new standards are designed to keep commercial driver testing current with industry practices, safety technology, and federal compliance. By updating both the knowledge and skills exams, Oregon aims to ensure drivers are better prepared for the demands of operating heavy trucks, buses, and hazardous materials vehicles on the state’s roads.
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