DL 520B ETP Form – The DL 520B ETP Form, officially known as the Employer Testing Program Agreement, is a critical California DMV document that allows qualified employers to administer commercial driver skills tests in-house. This agreement enables approved employers to issue a Certificate of Driving Skill (DL 170 ETP) that the DMV accepts in place of its own drive test for Commercial Class A or Class B licenses.
Employers in the Employer Testing Program (ETP) save time and resources while maintaining strict federal and state standards. The provided official PDF link is: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2025/05/DL-520B-ETP-R10-2017-ASB-WWW.pdf (Rev. 10/2017).
What Is the DL 520B ETP Form?
The DL 520B ETP is the formal Employer Testing Program Agreement between your company and the California Department of Motor Vehicles. It authorizes qualified employers to conduct the behind-the-wheel skills test portion of the Commercial Driver License (CDL) process for their own employees.
Once approved, your certified examiners can test drivers using DMV-approved routes and score sheets. Successful applicants receive a DL 170 ETP certificate that DMV accepts instead of requiring a separate DMV-administered drive test.
Key facts about the form:
- Revision date: October 2017 (still current as of 2026)
- Valid for three years unless terminated
- Governed by California Vehicle Code §15250 and Title 13 CCR Article 2.1
- Separate from the DL 520 ETP (Application for Employer Number)
Who Needs to Complete the DL 520B ETP Employer Testing Program Agreement?
Any California employer that operates commercial vehicles (Class A or B) and wants to test its own drivers internally should complete this agreement. Typical participants include:
- Trucking and logistics companies
- Bus operators (11+ passengers)
- Construction and utility fleets
- Government agencies (exempt from surety bond)
- Any business whose employees require a CDL for their job
Important eligibility notes:
- Your company must maintain a documented driver training and testing program.
- You must employ certified examiners who meet DMV standards.
- You must be enrolled (or enroll) in the Employer Pull Notice (EPN) Program.
Key Requirements of the Employer Testing Program (ETP)
To participate, employers must meet and maintain these obligations (outlined in the DL 520B ETP):
- Maintain a $100,000 surety bond (DL 524 ETP) unless a government entity.
- Use only DMV-certified examiners who conduct at least 10 tests per year in each test segment or lose certification.
- Schedule all skills tests with DMV at least two business days in advance.
- Use only DMV-approved primary and alternate drive test routes.
- Maintain detailed records (score sheets, routes, examiner training) for the current year plus two prior calendar years.
- Allow unannounced DMV audits, covert testing, and co-scoring.
- Notify drivers that DMV may randomly re-test certified drivers.
- Submit test scores electronically to DMV.
Non-compliance can result in cancellation, suspension, or revocation of your employer number with 15 days’ notice.
How to Apply for the Employer Testing Program Using DL 520B ETP?
Follow these steps to get approved:
- Complete the DL 520 ETP – Application for Employer Number (includes $45 fee for original or renewal).
- Sign the DL 520B ETP – Employer Testing Program Agreement (the form linked above).
- Submit the DL 524 ETP – Surety Bond ($100,000 coverage).
- Provide route documentation – Primary + alternate routes using DL 814 ETP, DL 807 ETP, and maps.
- Certify examiners – Submit DL 811 ETP for each examiner.
Submit the complete package to your local Occupational Licensing Inspector Office or the ETP Unit. Processing includes route approval and agreement execution.
Renewal: Submit updated DL 520 ETP, DL 520B ETP, and fee 60+ days before expiration.
Benefits of Joining the California DMV Employer Testing Program
- Faster hiring — Test and certify drivers on your schedule.
- Cost savings — Reduce DMV appointment wait times and travel.
- Control — Use your own training program and familiar routes.
- Compliance assurance — Meet federal CDL testing standards while streamlining the process.
- Scalability — Ideal for fleets with high driver turnover.
Participating employers act as DMV partners while remaining fully responsible for test integrity.
Related ETP Forms You Will Need
| Form | Purpose | When Needed |
|---|---|---|
| DL 520 ETP | Application for Employer Number | Original, renewal, or changes |
| DL 520B ETP | Agreement (this guide) | With every application |
| DL 524 ETP | Surety Bond | Original application (non-government) |
| DL 170 ETP | Certificate of Driving Skill | Issued to passing drivers |
| DL 811 ETP | Examiner Certification | For each tester |
| DL 807 ETP / DL 814 ETP | Route documentation | Route approval |
All forms are available on the official DMV Occupational Licensing Forms page.
Download the Official DL 520B ETP PDF
Direct download link (official DMV):
DL 520B ETP – Employer Testing Program Agreement PDF
Always use the most recent version from dmv.ca.gov to ensure compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About DL 520B ETP
Is the DL 520B ETP the same as the application?
No. DL 520B ETP is the signed agreement; DL 520 ETP is the actual application. Both are required.
How long is the agreement valid?
Three years from the effective date, unless terminated with 30 days’ notice.
Can government agencies skip the bond?
Yes — public entities are exempt from the DL 524 ETP surety bond requirement.
What happens if an examiner doesn’t test enough drivers?
Certification is revoked if they complete fewer than 10 tests per segment per calendar year.
Where do I submit the forms?
Contact your local Occupational Licensing Inspector Office or the ETP Unit at the address on the forms.
Stay Compliant and Get Started Today
The DL 520B ETP Form is your gateway to the California DMV’s Employer Testing Program. By completing this agreement and meeting all program standards, your company gains significant flexibility in CDL testing while helping maintain the highest safety standards on California roads.
Download the form today, gather your supporting documents, and contact the DMV ETP Unit for guidance. For the latest program updates, visit the official DMV Employer Testing Program page.
Official sources: California DMV Occupational Licensing and Commercial Driver License sections (current as of 2026). Always verify details directly on dmv.ca.gov before submitting.