The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may certify a DMV-licensed Class A Driver Training School to be a Third Party Tester. As a third party tester, the driver training school will be able to conduct the pre-trip inspection and road skills examination for individuals receiving classroom and in-vehicle training from their school to obtain a commercial driver’s license. It allows them to test their students on-site without having to send the student driver, commercial vehicle and trainer to a DMV Customer Service Center for testing.
Participating schools will be required to submit the results of each skills test administered in a form prescribed by DMV. The school is also required to remit to the department $50 for each skills test administered.
Although Class A driver training schools will be able to administer the road skills exam, they cannot require that their students be tested at their driver training school. Students can request that testing be conducted by the department.
Definitions
- Class A Driver Training School Third Party Tester:
A DMV-licensed Class A driver training school certified by DMV to employ Third Party Examiners (TPEs) to administer a test program to conduct the skills tests for CDL applicants as defined in § 46.2-326.1 of the Code of Virginia. - Class A Driver Training School Third Party Examiner:
An employee of a DMV-licensed Class A driver training school who is certified by DMV to administer the required skills test to individuals receiving classroom and in-vehicle training from that school for the purpose of obtaining a commercial driver’s license as defined in § 46.2-326.1. The examiner is not required to be licensed as a driver training school instructor.
Who Can Be a Class A Driver Training School Third Party Tester?
A DMV-licensed Class A driver training school licensed as outlined in § 46.2-1700 of the Virginia Code.
Types of Commercial Vehicles
The class of a commercial vehicle is determined by the gross vehicle weight rating and the manufacturer’s design.
The Application Process
For information on becoming certified as a Class A driver training school third party tester, refer to the Class A Driver Training School Third Party Tester Application Process.
For information on becoming certified as a third party tester examiner at a Class A driver training school, refer to Applying to Become a Class A Third Party Tester Examiner. All Class A driver training school third party testers must have at least one examiner.
How Long Does the Licensing Process Take?
The process generally takes approximately 45 days after all application requirements are met.
Find a Class A Driver Training School Third Party Tester
To find a school, refer to Listing of Class A Driver Training School Third Party Testers.
Contact Information
If you have questions or need additional information, contact the Driver Training Work Center at (804) 367-7050 or via email at dmvclu@dmv.virginia.gov.