DMV to end commercial driver license tests at four field offices (Radio News Release)

March 17, 2014

 

SALEM - Hello broadcasters! We've posted a story in MP3 format on the website about DMV ending CDL drive tests at four field offices. You can find it here: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/COMM/Pages/radionews.aspx

__________________________________________

Here are the details:

 

Suggested lead: DMV continues its streamlining efforts by partnering with commercial driver test providers

 

2:35

 

SALEM - Beginning April 1, four DMV offices will no longer offer testing for commercial driver licenses. Instead, hopeful candidates for a CDL will have the option of choosing a third-party provider. DMV Spokesperson David House explains why:

 

House: Well, offering the commercial drive test is the most expensive service that DMV performs, so it's difficult for us to maintain it at many field offices. Many of our field offices are not in locations that are convenient for trucks so by partnering with the private sector and having them take a larger role in providing the drive tests, we're actually providing more service to more people in more places at a lower cost to taxpayers." :26

 

The four offices that will no longer offer behind the wheel truck driving tests are Southeast Portland, Bend, Roseburg and Coos Bay. DMV has been phasing out commercial drive tests at some of its field offices in favor of third-party providers.

 

House: DMV will continue to offer the commercial drive test at a few offices throughout the state, those that are located near highways and have adequate parking space and are in areas where there aren't enough or perhaps there aren't any third-party testers yet. :15

 

The process for getting a commercial driver license remains unchanged, according to House – you have to pass the written test first, and you still do that at a DMV office.

 

House: Like a regular driver license, you need to get a learning permit after you pass your knowledge test for a commercial driver license and then once you get training and experience behind the wheel of a truck with a licensed commercial driver then you can schedule a drive test either with a third party or DMV. :18

 

You can get the details on commercial driver licenses, including a list of test providers and which offices still offer tests, at Oregon DMV dot com or by calling 503-945-5000.

 

Reporting from Salem, I'm Shelley Snow.

 

________________________________________________

Extra actualities

 

On the benefits of third-party providers:

 

House: First of all, they can be flexible in the time and location of the test that they offer whereas DMV has fixed locations and fixed hours. :09

 

House: To get a commercial driver license, to operate the large trucks, semi-trucks and essentially vehicles that are more than 26,000 pounds or contain more than 15 passengers, including the driver, you need to get a commercial driver license. In order to get a commercial driver license first you must have a regular Oregon driver license and then take a knowledge test and a drive test with the type of vehicle you are going to be driving. :27 

###ODOT###

 

Get all the latest news from ODOT in our news room: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/COMM/Pages/news_main.aspx