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Operator Volume 46 Issue 2 • February 2016
CDL Program Update Shari Danzeisen
At our recent Minnesota School Bus Safety Expo, Deb Carlson, Driver Exam Program Manager for Department of Vehicle Services gave a very informative presentation on the recent changes to CDL Licensing for School Bus Drivers. The following gives a brief description of many of the changes. For more information visit: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/Pages/default.aspx • As of July 2015, the state is now invalidating license cards by using a VOID perforator. No more clipped corners. • Contractors may now email the School Bus Pre-App for Criminal History Record Checks and School Bus Medical Waiver Applications to the state. Email them to: dvs.sb.pre-app@state.mn.us or fax them to 651-282-2110 • Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) - You are now able to check your driver’s license status and their CLP status realtime online at: https://mndriveinfo.org/dvsinfo/dv02/dv02frame.asp • Citizen Documents - for CLP & Renewal: Remind your drivers that this is a one-time event, and that the state will renew current CDL holders, but they will not issue the new card until they submit citizenship documents. Drivers records will be permanently marked with a memo when the citizenship documents are reviewed. • Hold CLP for 14 Days: This applies to all CDL Road Tests and is important to remember when scheduling a road test. • Self Certification for CDL Holders: The Self-Certification form must be submitted to the state when: a. A person changes the status of their self-certification b. The person is updating their DOT Physical or Medical Examiner’s Certificate or Medical Waiver c. Anytime DVS processes a CDL or CLP Application Recommended methods to update this form and the medical examiner certificate with the state are by Fax: 651-297-4447 or in person to any office that accepts driver’s license applications. • New Medical Examiner Certificate: There is a new medical certificate form that is being phased in by April 20, 2016. This new certificate is going to pave the way for DVS to accept Medical Certificates electronically from physicians directly. This will save the DVS entering 4000+ self certifications and medical certificates weekly. • New MVR Format: The MVR now includes Medical Examiner Certificate information. • CDL Statistics: There are 225,316 CDL holders in Minnesota with 18,490 having a school bus endorsement!