New requirements for commercial driver licenses

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Commercial truck drivers who haul hazardous wastes will soon face new requirements for their commercial drivers' licenses, including criminal background checks and proving they

Wednesday, January 26th 2005, 4:47 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Commercial truck drivers who haul hazardous wastes will soon face new requirements for their commercial drivers' licenses, including criminal background checks and proving they are U-S citizens.

State CDL coordinator Casey Blackford says the new rules were developed by the federal Department of Homeland Security last April.

Blackford says the first phase of the new rules begin January 31st when first-time applicants to haul hazardous wastes undergo a background check.

Applicants must show proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or certificate of naturalization. Then they must pass a written test and submit their fingerprints and a biographical application.

The second phase begins May 31st when current commercial drivers undergo the same process.