An amendment to a portion of Title 12 of the Missouri Code of State Regulations includes a new surety bond requirement. Effective July 1, 2015, 12 CSR 10-24.330 requires Missouri third-party testers administering skills tests to commercial driver’s license (CDL) applicants to post a surety bond in the state.

The amount of tests administered each year by each tester determines the amount of the surety bond. CDL testers who conduct fewer than 50 tests per year must post a $25,000 bond, while those who conduct more than 50 tests must post a $50,000 bond.

Previously, third-party CDL testers did not have to post a surety bond. The new requirement is in place to ensure that CDL testers carry out tests in accordance with federal regulations in 49 CFR 383.75. In the event tests are administered fraudulently and a claim is filed, the bond will cover the cost of retaking the CDL test. The principal (the bond holder) must then reimburse the surety for the cost of any claims paid.

For more information about the new surety bond requirement, refer to the Missouri Department of Revenue. If you are interested in becoming a third-party CDL tester, you can find details at the Missouri Safety Center.

Photo Courtesy Floris Oosterveld (CC BY 2.0)