Free Driver & Owner-Operators Resources
Official FMCSA, DOT, CVSA, ELD, Hours of Service, Safety & Compliance resources - all in one place.
Free resources. Official sources. No sign-up required.
Official Driver & Carrier Resources
DRIVER BASICS
FMCSA ELD Information
Official FMCSA information about Electronic Logging Devices, ELD requirements, exemptions, driver resources, and registered ELDs.
Hours of Service (HOS)
FMCSA guidance explaining driving limits, required breaks, sleeper-berth rules, and Hours of Service requirements.
Medical Examiner Certificate
FMCSA guidance explaining the physical qualification examination you take for your Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
CVSA Driver Resources
Commercial vehicle safety information, inspection guidance, enforcement initiatives, and educational resources for professional drivers.
ROADSIDE & SAFETY
Specially trained inspectors in each state, jurisdiction, territory and province inspect commercial motor vehicles based on inspection procedures and criteria created by CVSA
CVSA Inspections
Roadside Inspections
CHP has established a goal of preventing the loss of life, injuries, and property damage through an innovative commercial vehicle safety program.
Out-of-Service Criteria
CVSA Out-of-Service Criteria identify critical driver and vehicle violations that may require a driver or commercial vehicle to be placed out of service until the condition is corrected.
FMCSA SAFER System
Look up carrier identification and safety information, including inspection, out-of-service, crash, and safety-rating data when available.
DRIVER QUALIFICATIONS & RECORDS
CDL & CLP Requirements
FMCSA guidance on Commercial Learner’s Permits (CLPs), CDL classes, endorsements, testing, Entry-Level Driver Training, and the steps required to obtain a CDL.
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
FMCSA-required training for certain first-time Class A or B CDL applicants, CDL upgrades, and drivers adding passenger, school bus, or hazardous materials endorsements.
Driver Qualification File (DQ)
FMCSA requires motor carriers to maintain a Driver Qualification File for each driver, including the required driving record, road test or equivalent, medical qualification, and other required records.
Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse
FMCSA’s Clearinghouse helps employers verify a CDL driver’s drug and alcohol program status through required pre-employment and annual queries.
CALIFORNIA COMMERCIAL VEHICLE RESOURCES
CA Motor Carrier Permit (MCP)
California DMV information on who needs a Motor Carrier Permit and the requirements to apply, including a CA number, insurance, EPN requester code when applicable, and permit fees.
DMV Employer Pull Notice (EPN)
California DMV’s EPN program allows employers to monitor commercial driver’s license records and receive updated records when reportable actions occur. EPN participation is now managed electronically through the DMV.
CARB Clean Truck Check (CTC)
California’s Clean Truck Check program requires most diesel and alternative-fuel heavy-duty vehicles over 14,000 lbs. GVWR operating in California to meet emissions compliance requirements, including vehicle reporting, fees, and periodic testing.
CHP BIT Inspections
CHP’s BIT program reviews regulated motor carriers’ vehicle maintenance, required records, and terminal safety compliance under California law.