Starting Wednesday, Oct. 1, Oregon will have a new Commercial Driver Manual, updated CDL knowledge test questions and new CDL skills test material.
The state's Department of Motor Vehicles said updates impact the scoresheet, vehicle inspection checklist, pamphlet and CDL examiner manual. The CDL examiner manual is intended to prepare an applicant for the licensing, knowledge, and skills testing processes and is not a substitute for an entry-level driver training program, according to the department.
Changes to the test questions include updated elements of CDL vehicle inspection and Basic Control Skills maneuvers, two key components of the CDL skills test. The vehicle inspection assesses the driver's ability to identify potential mechanical problems and ensures the vehicle is safe to operate. Basic Control Skills maneuvers test a driver's ability to control the vehicle in various situations like backing, turning and stopping.
The new knowledge test brings Oregon into alignment with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators modernized CDL test that has the same high standards for assessing a commercial driver’s ability to use up-to-date technology.
DMV and third-party examiners are allowed to utilize the current and updated tests until June 1, 2026. However, drivers with banked scores under the current test model may find a limited availability of examiners offering the older test as we move forward with the transition, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
