DACH is a secure online database that gives employers and state driver licensing agencies real-time information about commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders’ drug and alcohol program violations. DACH contains records of violations of drug and alcohol prohibitions in 49 CFR Part 382, Subpart B, including positive drug or alcohol test results and test refusals. Additionally, DACH records when a driver completes the return-to-duty process and follow-up testing plan. DACH contains violations occurring on or after January 6, 2020.

DMV will query DACH prior to issuing, replacing, renewing, upgrading, or transferring a CDL.

• DMV must not issue, replace, renew, upgrade, or transfer a CDL, or CLP for any individual prohibited from including driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), due to one or more drug and alcohol program violations.
• DMV must, upon receipt of notification that a driver is prohibited from operating a CMV due to a drug and alcohol program violation, downgrade the commercial driving privilege from the driver’s license.

To have your DACH status changed from “prohibited” to “not prohibited,” you must complete the return-to-duty process, as established by 49 CFR part 40, subpart O. Upon completion, your DACH status will update to “not prohibited” and DMV will reinstate your commercial driving privileges.

(FMCSA has created a resource that outlines the steps drivers take to complete their return-to-duty process: download the Return-to-Duty Quick Reference Guide. For more information about the return-to-duty process, visit the DACH Learning Center.)

If you have a current CDL in your possession, you are not authorized to operate CMVs. Your commercial driving privilege has been removed.

No. You may continue utilizing your CDL to operate non-CMVs.

You have two options:

1. Login or create your own DACH account and complete the return-to-duty process. You may renew no earlier than 24 hours after your DACH status indicates “not prohibited” to renew your CDL.
2. Downgrade your class of license to a non-commercial driver’s license. If you are issued a non-commercial driver’s license and want to upgrade to a CDL, then the knowledge and skills/drive tests will be required.

You have two options:

1. Login or create your own DACH account and complete the return-to-duty process. You may request a replacement no earlier than 24 hours after your DACH status indicates “not prohibited” to renew your CDL.
2. Downgrade your class of license to a non-commercial driver’s license. If you are issued a non-commercial driver’s license and want to upgrade to a CDL, then the knowledge and skills/drive tests will be required.

You may update your information; however, DMV cannot issue you a new CDL. To have an updated CDL issued to you, there are two options:

1. Login or create your own DACH account and complete the return-to-duty process. You may request a replacement no earlier than 24 hours after your DACH status indicates “not prohibited” to renew your CDL.
2. Downgrade your class of license to a non-commercial driver’s license. If you are issued a non-commercial driver’s license and want to upgrade to a CDL, then the knowledge and skills/drive tests will be required.

You will need to register to provide electronic consent if a prospective or current employer needs to conduct a query of your DACH record—this includes all pre-employment queries. Registration is also required to electronically view the information in your own DACH record.

Registration is available at clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/register.

Yes. Once you have registered in DACH, you can access your DACH record electronically, at no cost. This record includes any drug and alcohol program violation information available in DACH, along with the status of your return-to-duty process, if applicable.

DACH will notify you using the method indicated during your DACH registration—either mail or email—any time information is added, revised, or removed. If you have not yet registered for DACH, these notifications will be sent by mail using the address associated with your CDL.

Yes. DACH will link your CDL numbers in order to maintain complete and accurate information.

An owner-operator is subject to the requirements pertaining to employers as well as those pertaining to drivers. An employer who employs themselves as a CDL driver must designate a consortium/third-party administrator to comply with the employer’s DACH reporting requirements (§ 382.705(b)(6)).

Yes. There are two processes for correcting or removing information, depending on the nature of the requested correction or removal:

1. You may request that FMCSA correct administrative errors, add documentary evidence of a non-conviction for a driving under the influence (DUI) while driving a CMV citation that did not result in a conviction, and remove a report of a failed test appearance or employer-reported violations if the reports do not comply with § 382.705(b)(3) and (5).
2. You may request a correction of a test refusal, test result, or other violation information in your DACH record in accordance with the Privacy Act procedures in 49 CFR Part 10, Subpart E and F.

Additional information can be found on the FMCSA’s website at:

• DACH Website
• DACH FAQs
• DACH Learning Center

Entry Level Driver Training is baseline classroom and/or behind-the-wheel training requirements for individuals who on or after February 7, 2022 are:

• Obtaining a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time;
• Upgrading an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL; or
• Obtaining a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.

Federal law, Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §383.73, requires DMV to electronically verify CDL applicants have successfully completed ELDT before administering a skills test, or before administering a hazardous materials knowledge test.

Does California have specific or additional ELDT requirements for CDL applicants?

Yes. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code §15250.1(b), California Class A or B CDL applicants are required to complete 15-hour behind-the-wheel training.

Submit a completed California Commercial Driver Behind The Wheel Training Certification (DL 1236) to a field office prior to the issuance of the CDL. Section 2 of the DL 1236 must be completed by a certified training provider.

Yes.

No. CDL applicants are not required to complete ELDT if they have a valid CLP that was issued before February 7, 2022, as long as the applicant obtains their CDL before their CLP expires. However, ELDT is required if these applicants upgrade to a higher class (i.e. Class B to Class A) or add a passenger, school bus, or hazardous materials endorsement after February 7, 2022.

For training provider information, visit the FMCSA website at: tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov.

No, as long as they can provide proof they previously held a CDL of the same class.

At this time there is no exception or grace period.

Theory:

• Lectures, demonstrations (computer based, online learning, etc)
• May use a simulator
• No minimum number of hours; must score at least 80% on assessment
• Training topics include:
  • Basic Operation
  • Safe Operating Procedures
  • Advanced Operation Procedures
  • Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions
  • Non-Driving Activities (e.g., Hours of Service)

BTW:

• Minimum of 15 hours (10 of those hours must be on a public road)
• Actual operation of a CMV
• Takes place on a range or public road
• May not use a simulator to meet requirements
• Basic vehicle control skills and mastery of basic maneuver

Yes. However, applicants must complete ELDT prior to the scheduled appointment date.

Applicants will submit their DL 1236 form through DMV’s Virtual Field Office (VFO) portal. Detailed instructions regarding the VFO submission process and a link to the electronic DL 1236 will be given to applicants at the time they receive their CLP.

Yes. The applicant must submit a CDL Test Waiver for Military Members (DL 965) form to DMV. A DL 1236 is not required.

Yes. It is recommended the training provider accumulate the training hours by week and list the last training day of the week in the date column. Only one DL 1236 can be provided to DMV per applicant.

Yes. They need a CLP to conduct Behind The Wheel (BTW) training.