Top driver certification programs

The following are common certifications that you may include in your job description for drivers.

1. Professional Truck Driver

The National Safety Council (NSC) offers the Professional Truck Driver certification to truck drivers who complete a training course online or with an authorized instructor and pass an exam.

This credential signifies a candidate has learned defensive driving strategies, such as safe methods of passing other vehicles and operating a truck in hazardous weather conditions.

2. Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

If you’re looking to hire more driving candidates who can operate vehicles over 26,000 pounds, consider applicants with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

While the credential isn’t required for all drivers, it typically indicates a candidate can drive for commercial uses. For example, drivers with a CDL may transport products for a consumer packaged goods (CPG) company.

3. Towing & Recovery Operator certification

If you’re filling a tow truck driver position, driver certification from the Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA) may be a desirable qualification for your potential hire. The organization offers three certifications for tow truck operators:

• Level 1 light-duty: For vehicles that tow passenger cars, trucks and SUVs

• Level 2 medium-duty: For trucks that tow delivery vans, RVs and similar vehicles

• Level 3 heavy-duty: For vehicles that tow semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles

To gain each certification, a tow truck driver must pass an online exam and demonstrate knowledge of road safety and towing best practices.

4. Emergency Vehicle Operator Certification (EVOC)

Emergency Vehicle Operator Certification (EVOC) is a credential awarded to candidates who receive training on the safe operation of emergency vehicles.

Unlike other driver certification programs, the EVOC credential isn’t associated with one particular certifying body. Many community colleges, driving schools, emergency management services and organizations, including the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), offer the certification.

You may prefer to prioritize EVOC-certified candidates for several positions, including:

• Ambulance driver

• Emergency medical technician (EMT)

• Firefighter

• Paramedic

• Police officer

• Public safety officer

Top driving certificates

Driving certificates are another type of credential that can help you spot quality candidates. Here are the top certificates to consider when hiring a driver.

5. National Traffic Safety Institute certificates

The National Traffic Safety Institute (NTSI) offers certificates for professional drivers. They typically involve completing an in-person or online training program. Some NTSI certificates include:

• SAFER Driver Challenge certificate: A defensive driving program for truck drivers

• Van and high-profile vehicles certificate: A defensive driving program for van drivers and operators of other tall vehicles that can be dangerous to drive in high winds

• Utility vehicles (UTV) certificate: A safe driving program for construction workers, heavy equipment operators, farm hands, forestry technicians and other professionals who operate UTVs

• Law enforcement certificate: A safety program for law enforcement officers who drive emergency vehicles

• Fire department certificate: A program geared toward firefighters who drive ladder trucks and other fire service vehicles

6. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) hazmat certificates

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a government organization that enforces workplace health and safety regulations and provides select safety training. It offers hazardous material (hazmat) training courses, which may benefit some truck drivers responsible for transporting materials.

Depending on their job duties, your new hire may be required to hold an OSHA certificate. While you can offer this training for new hires, some employers prefer to prioritize candidates who already have the necessary certification.

7. Smith System DriverDirect certificate

Smith System is a driver training provider that developed a collision prevention method called the Smith5Keys. Through its DriverDirect program, it combines classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training.

Because the DriverDirect certificate program provides training on defensive driving and general road safety, the Smith System credential can be desirable for many driving jobs, including:

• Bus operators

• Chauffeurs

• Couriers

• Delivery drivers

• Local drivers

• Owner operators

• Route drivers

• Shuttle drivers

• Valets

Mandatory commercial and truck driving certifications

In addition to having a CDL, which allows drivers to operate certain vehicles legally, states may issue endorsements, or mandatory truck driving certifications as established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Generally, drivers need to pass an exam to earn each certificate.

Depending on the nature of your position, you may list one of the following endorsements as a required qualification in your job description.

8. Endorsement H

Drivers transporting hazmat materials in any vehicle usually need an H endorsement driver certification.

Your new hire may need an Endorsement H if they’re responsible for transporting any of the following:

• Flammable and combustible liquids

• Gases

• Explosives

• Toxic and infectious substances

• Corrosive substances

• Radioactive materials

9. Endorsements N and X

Endorsement N allows a CDL driver to operate a tank vehicle. Your CDL drivers may need to hold an Endorsement N license if they transport any liquid, including:

• Chemicals

• Fertilizers

• Foods and beverages

• Fuel

• Liquid asphalt and other building and construction materials

• Water

If your company transports hazardous liquid substances, look for candidates who hold an Endorsement X. This credential takes the place of Endorsements H and N truck driving certifications.

10. Endorsement P

To operate a motor vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, a CDL driver must typically earn Endorsement P. You may need to hire a candidate with an Endorsement P status for various positions, including a bus driver, van driver and shuttle driver.

11. Endorsement S

If you’re hiring a school bus driver, your new hire may need an Endorsement S CDL license. This certification usually includes a skills demonstration test in addition to the exam.

12. Endorsement T

If your company uses double or triple trailer commercial vehicles, your CDL drivers likely need an Endorsement T certification.

Frequently asked questions about driver certification

How do I know what truck driving certifications and endorsements my new hire needs?

If you’re unsure what CDL endorsements are necessary for your position or whether your new hire needs an OSHA certificate, contact your state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

How can I confirm the status and endorsement of a candidate’s CDL?

Typically, employers confirm information about a candidate’s CDL license and certifications by ordering a background check called a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) from the candidate’s local DMV. Each state has procedures for ordering CDLs, so contact your state’s agency for specific instructions.