Oregon DMV announces changes to Commercial Driver’s License testing

Oregon DMV announces changes to Commercial Driver's License testing

Sept. 15, 2025

News media questions: Chris Crabb, [email protected], 971-304-9705

Customer questions: 503-945-5000, oregondmv.com

SALEM - Truck drivers looking to obtain an Oregon Commercial Driver's License, or CDL, need to be aware of some upcoming changes. Effective Oct. 1, there will be a new Commercial Driver Manual, updated CDL knowledge test questions and new CDL skills test material.

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.

Changes to the test questions will 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 (AAMVA) modernized CDL test that has the same high standards for assessing a commercial driver's ability to use up-to-date technology. AAMVA is a non-profit organization that develops programs and sets standards for motor vehicle administration, law enforcement and highway safety across the U.S. The adoption of the new test gives Oregon DMV access to AAMVA training resources and assistance with current and future compliance.

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.

Who needs a Commercial Driver's License?

The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act requires every state to meet the same minimum standards for commercial driver licensing. These standards require a driver to get a CDL to operate any of the following commercial motor vehicles:

• Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or actual gross vehicle weight, whichever is greater, of 26,001 pounds or more.
• A trailer, or multiple trailers, with a total gross vehicle weight rating or actual gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds when the gross combination weight rating or actual gross combination weight, whichever is greater, of all vehicles combined is 26,001 pounds or more.
• A vehicle that transports 16 or more passengers (including the driver).
• Any size vehicle that is used in the transportation of any material that requires hazardous materials placards or any amount of material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR, Part 73.

Learn more at OregonDMV.com.

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