DMV ending commercial drive tests in Bend

The Oregon DMV said Monday it will no longer offer commercial driver license skills tests after March 31 at its offices in southeast Portland, Bend, Roseburg and Coos Bay.

DMV has been phasing out commercial drive tests at its field offices in favor of third-party test providers as part of DMV’s efforts to become more efficient, the agency said.

“DMV continually looks for ways to serve more people with limited resources, and one of those ways is to make room for the private sector to play a role,” DMV Administrator Tom McClellan said.

“While DMV continues to offer CDL drive tests at some offices, private test providers are present in many areas and can offer wider choices of test locations and test times than the fixed locations and hours of DMV’s field offices.”

You can find a list of private CDL testers in the commercial driver licensing section at OregonDMV.com ( http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/pages/driverid/3rdpartytest.aspx ) or by calling your local DMV phone number or 503-945-5000 .

Third-party testers, such as commercial driving schools and the Oregon Department of Education, have provided CDL drive testing for many years. DMV also has provided CDL drive tests at some of its offices throughout the state – those near major highways and with adequate parking space.

Knowledge tests for commercial driver licenses and CDL endorsements still are provided at DMV field offices.

Generally, you must have a commercial driver license to operate a motor vehicle if the gross vehicle weight or gross vehicle weightrating is greater than 26,000 pounds, the vehicle is used to transport 16 or more people including the driver, or the vehicle is used to transport hazardous materials.

For all customers, DMV suggests that you first check OregonDMV.com before visiting any field office in person. Customers can complete some DMV business online or find out how to make their visit as efficient as possible.