The new rule amending Chapter 4501-47-12 of the Ohio Administrative Code mandates that all Ohio third-party driving testers must now obtain a $20,000 surety bond before they are licensed to operate a testing center within the state. This amendment was adopted late last year and became effective November 19, 2015.

Commercial driver’s licenses are one of several types that are issued by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles and require the individual seeking licensure to pass both a knowledge test and a skills test, as well as meeting the CDL vision requirements and paying all applicable fees. The BMV offers both the written and knowledge portions of the test. However, the applicant also has the option to seek a third-party testing center at which to take the skills portion of the exam. When taking the skills test, the driver must have access to a vehicle that is appropriate for the type of licensure being sought. The third-party testing facility may have vehicles available for rent, but it is the responsibility of the applicant to contact them in advance to make sure.

Types of Licensing Classifications

Regardless of where the applicant chooses to take the skills portion of the test, they should be familiar with the three classes of commercial licenses established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration— Class A, B and C.

• Class A: drives any combination of vehicles with a combined gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, if the gross vehicle weight rating of the vehicle(s) being towed is more than 10,000 pounds
• Class B: drives any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 26,000 or any such vehicle towing a vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less
• Class C: drives any single vehicle or combination of vehicles, not considered class A or class B

Why Do Ohio Third-Party Driving Testers Need a Bond?

While the amount of the bond is determined by individual states, the requirement to obtain a bond is a federal one, established by the Code of Federal Regulations § 383.75. Should the third-party or its examiners engage in any fraudulent activities, the bond is in place to cover the cost of re-testing drivers who have suffered as a result. If it is discovered that fraud has occurred, applicants seeking licensure may file a claim against the bond, to be paid out by the surety, in order to recoup any financial loss up to $20,000. Once the claim has been settled, it is the responsibility of the principal to reimburse the surety company for all money paid to settle the claim.

If you have questions regarding this new requirement or would like to request a quote for this bond, please contact SuretyBonds.com online or call 1 (800) 308-4358 to speak with an agent.