PIERRE, S.D. – People wanting to take the written tests required to obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL), before new federal regulations take effect, can do so this Saturday, Jan. 22, at several driver exam stations statewide. This opportunity is being provided by the state Driver Licensing Program.
Testing is being made available to assist those wishing to get a CDL before the Feb. 7, 2022 implementation date of the new federal Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements. As of Feb. 7 all new commercial motor vehicle drivers will be required to receive training prior to being issued a CDL. Drivers who pass the CDL written tests and are issued their commercial learner’s permit before Feb. 7, 2022 will be exempt from the new training requirements.
A group testing site opens 9 a.m. Saturday at the Pierre Ramkota Hotel, 920 W. Sioux Ave. Call 605-773-6883 to make a reservation. Space is limited.
Appointments for CDL written testing only also are available Saturday at driver exam stations in Aberdeen, Mitchell, Rapid City, Sioux Falls and Watertown. Appointments can be made at https://dps.sd.gov or by calling 605-773-6883.
Attendees must bring a valid South Dakota driver’s license and, if applying for a school bus endorsement, a valid CDL Medical Certificate/DOT physical card. A study manual can be found at https://dps.sd.gov/driver-licensing. For information on the new federal requirements go to https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/.
The Driver Licensing Program is an agency of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.
(The SDDPS contributed this report/news release.)
