This section covers the general qualifications for drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) under 49 CFR § 391.11.
| Section
|
391.11(b)(1)
|
| Description
|
Driver is under 21 years of age.
|
| Out-of-Service?
|
Yes, unless excempted
|
| Category
|
Driver
|
| Inspection Level
|
Level 3, Level 2, Level 1
|
| Typical Action
|
Out-of-Service / warning
|
| Notes
|
IL: Intrastate only restriction may apply for drivers 18-20 (check CDL restrictions), but strictly OOS for interstate commerce. If under 21 years of age driver must be able to show proof of a valid medical certificate as it may not be attached to driver's license.
|
| Reference Links
|
eCFR: 391.11 General Qualifications
|
| 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 / Warning
|
| Notes
|
IL: Note any specific driver interactions or inability to answer standard CDL operational questions.
|
| Reference Links
|
eCFR: 391.11 General Qualifications
FMCSA ELP Guidance (April 16, 2026)
|
| Section
|
391.11(b)(4)
|
| Description
|
Driver is not physically qualified (Missing or expired medical certificate).
|
| Out-of-Service?
|
Yes
|
| Category
|
Driver
|
| Inspection Level
|
Level 3, Level 2, Level 1
|
| Typical Action
|
Out-of-Service / Warning
|
| Notes
|
IL: Verify status through standard LEADS/CDLIS return before initiating OOS protocols. Driver's with a C or D classification driver's license must still have a medical certificate to drive a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 LBS or more.
|
| Reference Links
|
eCFR: 391.41 Physical Qualifications
|
| Section
|
391.11(b)(5)
|
| Description
|
Driver does not possess a valid commercial motor vehicle operator's license.
|
| Out-of-Service?
|
Yes
|
| Category
|
Driver
|
| Inspection Level
|
Level 3, Level 2, Level 1
|
| Typical Action
|
Out-of-Service / Warning
|
| Notes
|
IL: Cross-reference with 383.23(a)(2).
|
| Reference Links
|
eCFR: 391.11 General Qualifications
|
| Section
|
391.11(b)(6)
|
| Description
|
Driver is currently disqualified to drive a CMV 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 / warning, typically accompanies a violation/citation for driving while suspendded/revoked
|
| Notes
|
IL: Check LEADS/NCIC for active suspensions or revocations of commercial privileges. Disqualification occurs when: loss of driving privileges, convicted for criminal and other offenses, convicted of violation of out-of-service order, convicted of texting while driving or using a hand-held telephone while driving a CMV. Simply not having a medical cert or proper driver's license classification does not qualify as being disqualified to drive a CMV per the strict reading of the regulation.
|
| Reference Links
|
eCFR: 391.15 Disqualification of Drivers
|
Regulatory Guidance & Memos
