This section covers the general qualifications for drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) under 49 CFR § 391.11. To be eligible to drive a CMV in interstate commerce, a person must meet all of the following requirements.
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| Section | 391.11(b)(1) |
|---|---|
| Description | Driver is under 21 years of age. |
| Out-of-Service? | Yes |
| Category | Driver |
| Inspection Level | Level 3, Level 2, Level 1 |
| Typical Action | Out of Service / Citation |
| Notes | IL: Intrastate exceptions may apply for drivers 18-20 (check CDL restrictions), but strictly OOS for interstate commerce. |
| Reference Links | eCFR: 391.11 General Qualifications target="_blank" |
| Section | 391.11(b)(2) |
|---|---|
| Description | Driver cannot read/speak English sufficiently to converse with public, understand signs, or respond to official inquiries. |
| Out-of-Service? | Yes |
| Category | Driver |
| Inspection Level | Level 3, Level 2, Level 1 |
| Typical Action | Out of Service / Citation |
| Notes | IL: Note any specific driver interactions or inability to answer standard CDL operational questions in the inspection report. |
| Reference Links | <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-391.11" target="_blank">eCFR: 391.11 General Qualifications</a> <a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/enforcement/fmcsa-elp-guidance-roadside-policy-mc-see-2026-0002" target="_blank">FMCSA ELP Guidance Roadside Policy (MC-SEE-2026-0002) April 16, 2026</a> |
| Section | 391.11(b)(4) |
|---|---|
| Description | Driver is not physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle (Missing or expired medical certificate). |
| Out-of-Service? | Yes |
| Category | Driver |
| Inspection Level | Level 3, Level 2, Level 1 |
| Typical Action | Out of Service / Citation |
| Notes | IL: Verify status through standard LEADS/CDLIS return before initiating OOS protocols. |
| Reference Links | eCFR: 391.41 Physical Qualifications target="_blank" |
| Section | 391.11(b)(5) |
|---|---|
| Description | Driver does not possess a valid commercial motor vehicle operator's license issued by only one state or jurisdiction. |
| Out-of-Service? | Yes |
| Category | Driver |
| Inspection Level | Level 3, Level 2, Level 1 |
| Typical Action | Out of Service / Citation |
| Notes | IL: Cross-reference with 383.23(a)(2) for specific CDL requirements and OOS criteria. |
| Reference Links | eCFR: 391.11 General Qualifications target="_blank" |
| Section | 391.11(b)(6) |
|---|---|
| Description | Driver is currently disqualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle under the rules of §391.15. |
| Out-of-Service? | Yes |
| Category | Driver |
| Inspection Level | Level 3, Level 2, Level 1 |
| Typical Action | Out of Service / Citation / Arrest |
| Notes | IL: Check LEADS/NCIC for active suspensions or revocations. |
| Reference Links | eCFR: 391.15 Disqualification of Drivers target="_blank" |
