How to Apply

Learn more about applying for the ETP, renewing your authorization, or modifying your authorization.

Apply for the ETP

ETP Participation Requirements

To participate in the ETP:

• Your company must have a documented driver testing/training program.
• Applicants and employers should review and understand the ETP regulations covered in California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 13, Division 1, Chapter 1, Article 2.1 – Commercial Driver Licenses, Employer Testing Program.
• Each commercial driver applicant issued a Certificate of Driving Skill, (DL 170 ETP) by an ETP employer must pass a commercial driving test that meets DMV’s commercial driving test requirements.
  • A DL 170 ETP does not guarantee the driver will be issued a CDL. To monitor the training and testing programs of ETP participants, we will randomly select drivers certified through the ETP to take a DMV administered driving test (drivers have 30 days to complete this drive test). Any driver failing to report to DMV for the driver test may have their CDL application cancelled or downgraded to their prior license class.
• Your company must only use, and may not vary from, DMV approved drive test routes when conducting a commercial drive test. Learn more about drive test route approval.
• Your company must provide training and testing in the vehicle type indicated on the application. The examiner and administrator must certify to this on the Certificate of Driving Skill (DL 170 ETP).
• Your company must note if your drivers will be operating vehicles carrying hazardous materials.
• Examiners must complete and pass a nationwide criminal background check to be certified to administer driving tests.
• The examiner conducting the commercial drive test must have:
  • The appropriate class of CDL with any appropriate endorsement(s) and/or restrictions to operate company vehicle(s). They must have held this license for at least three years.
  • Passed DMV’s Departmental Training Branch ETP Examiner training class.
  • Have an approved Employer Testing Program Examiner Certification Application (DL 811 ETP) on file with DMV.
• Examiners and commercial drivers employed by an ETP employer must be continuously enrolled in the DMV’s Employer Pull Notice (EPN) Program.

Employer Administrator Requirements

An administrator is an employee who:

• Is knowledgeable about the ETP requirements.
• Oversees the employer’s CDL training, testing, and record keeping.
• Requests renewal and modification of DMV authorization to conduct a licensing test.
• Acts as an employer liaison with DMV.

In order to perform the duties of an administrator, the person must be designated as such on the Employer Testing Program Application for Employer Number (DL 520 ETP).

An administrator may not act as an examiner under the same employer number.

Authorized Representative Requirements

Authorized representatives are employees who are responsible for certifying the driver is employed, is required to operate a commercial vehicle in the course of employment, has attended training, and passed a drive test which meets DMV’s drive test requirements and standards. The authorized representative approving a Certificate of Driving Skill, (DL 170 ETP) must be listed on the Employer Testing Program Application for Employer Number (DL 520 ETP) or the form will be rejected.

An examiner cannot act as the authorized representative for the same driving test they conducted.

Examiner Requirements

An examiner conducts CDL driving tests as a third-party tester on behalf of DMV.

Examiners must:

• Have held a valid CDL for the past three years, with the appropriate class and endorsements.
• Be employed and under contract by an ETP employer.
• Have no current actions against their California CDL that would disqualify them to act as an examiner.
• Maintain a valid medical certificate required by the DMV for operating an appropriate class of commercial vehicle.
• Successfully pass a nationwide criminal background check
  • Submit a completed live scan fingerprint and Request for Live Scan Clearance (DMV 8016). Be sure to request a DOJ and FBI in the Level of Service section and request the results be submitted to DMV, Mail Code 04620.
• Successfully pass an Examiner Class provided by DMV. There is a $150 non-refundable examiner course training fee. To request training, complete and mail the Refresher Training Request (DL 818 ETP).
• Complete and submit an Employer Testing Program Examiner Certification Application (DL 811 ETP) to the address on the form.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)