Ask X3What does 49 CFR 383.131 (Test manuals) require?
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Based on 49 CFR 383.131, the regulation requires States to provide two specific types of FMCSA pre-approved test manuals:
1. Driver Information Manual: States must provide this manual to any Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) or Commercial Driver's License (CDL) applicant. It must include:
- Information on how to obtain a CDL and endorsements.
- Requirements from § 383.71, implied consent to alcohol testing (§ 383.72), and procedures/penalties for refusing alcohol testing (§ 383.51(b)).
- State procedures described in § 383.73 and other driver information from subpart E.
- Vehicle groups and endorsements specified in subpart F.
- The knowledge and skills substance outlined in subpart G.
- Testing procedure details, such as test purposes, how to respond, and directions.
- *(Note: States may also include additional State-specific information related to testing and licensing).*
2. Examiner Information Manual: States must provide this manual to all knowledge and skills test examiners. It must include:
- Application procedures (§ 383.71), State procedures (§ 383.73), and subpart E driver information.
- Details on information that must be given to applicants.
- Instructions on how to conduct knowledge and skills tests.
- Scoring procedures and minimum passing scores.
- Guidelines for selecting skills test driving routes, a list of skills to test, where/how they are tested, and how performance is scored.
- Causes for automatic failure on skills tests.
- Standardized scoring sheets for skills tests and standardized driving instructions for applicants.
- *(Note: States may also include additional State-specific information related to the CDL testing process).*