DL 814 ETP Form: Employer Testing Program Evaluation Route PDF

DL 814 ETP Form – The DL 814 ETP Form (full title: Employer Testing Program Commercial Driving Performance Evaluation Route and Directions) is a critical document for California commercial employers participating in the DMV’s Employer Testing Program (ETP). This official PDF helps employers document and get approval for primary and alternate commercial drive test routes used to administer CDL skills tests.

Whether you’re applying for ETP certification, renewing your employer number, or updating routes, the DL 814 ETP PDF ensures your testing routes meet DMV standards for safety and comparability to state-administered tests. Below is a complete, up-to-date guide based on official California DMV resources (as of 2026).

What Is the DL 814 ETP Form?

The DL 814 ETP is a multi-page fillable PDF form published by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Its revision date is 10/2017 (R10-2017), and the current official version is available directly from the DMV website.

Key purpose: It provides detailed written directions, maneuver locations, and route descriptions for the Commercial Driving Performance Evaluation (DPE) that ETP employers must use when testing employees for a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

The form includes:

  • Employer identification fields
  • Route mileage and estimated completion time
  • Testing facility address
  • Separate sections for Primary Route and Alternate Route
  • Numbered maneuver tables with columns for: # Maneuver, Location, Comments, Direction, Point, and Directions

It spans six pages to allow comprehensive route documentation. All scored maneuvers must be clearly numbered, and a highlighted street map must be attached.

Overview of the California DMV Employer Testing Program (ETP)

The Employer Testing Program (ETP) lets qualified commercial employers administer the drive-test portion of CDL requirements instead of sending drivers to a DMV office. Participating employers issue a Certificate of Driving Skill (DL 170 ETP) upon successful completion.

ETP benefits include:

  • Faster CDL processing for company drivers
  • Control over testing schedules
  • Compliance with federal CDL standards

To participate, employers must:

  • Maintain a documented training and testing program
  • Use only DMV-approved routes
  • Meet examiner qualifications and background-check requirements
  • Submit to annual DMV inspections

A DL 170 ETP does not guarantee a CDL will be issued—DMV may randomly re-test drivers.

Why Employers Need the DL 814 ETP PDF for Route Approval?

Every ETP employer must have two DMV-approved drive test routes (primary and alternate). The DL 814 ETP form is the official way to submit these routes for approval.

Requirements:

  • Routes must include all 24 scored route elements listed on the companion DL 807 ETP Maneuver Checklist
  • Alternate route cannot simply be the primary route in reverse
  • Changes due to construction or closures require new submission of DL 814 ETP + DL 807 ETP + updated map
  • Both routes must be fully approved before use

DMV reviews the submission to ensure routes are verifiable on a map or during an on-site inspection. No exemptions are allowed for missing elements.

How to Download the Official DL 814 ETP Form PDF?

Direct official download (current version):
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2025/05/DL-814-ETP-R10-2017-ASB-WWW.pdf

You can also find the form on the DMV’s Occupational Licensing Forms page or the dedicated ETP application page. Always download directly from dmv.ca.gov to ensure you have the latest authorized version. The PDF is fillable and ready for digital completion or printing.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the DL 814 ETP Form

Follow these official instructions printed on the form:

  1. Complete one form per route (primary and alternate).
  2. Fill in header information:
    • Employer name and Employer Number
    • Mileage of the route
    • Approximate time to complete
    • Full address of the Testing Facility
  3. Designate Primary Route or Alternate Route clearly.
  4. Describe every scored maneuver in the numbered table (pages 2–6):

    • Maneuver (must match DL 807 ETP checklist)

    • Location
    • Comments (if needed)
    • Direction
    • Point (key reference point)
    • Full written Directions
  5. Employer’s Administrator signs and dates the approval section.
  6. Attach an 8½” × 11” street map with the route clearly highlighted.
  7. Retain a copy in your employer files after DMV approval signatures are added.

Pro tip: Number all scored maneuvers exactly as they appear on the DL 807 ETP checklist. DMV will not approve incomplete submissions.

Key Requirements for ETP Drive Test Routes

  • Both primary and alternate routes must be fully documented and approved.
  • Routes must allow all required vehicle inspection, basic control skills, and road-test maneuvers.
  • No limit on route length, but all 24 elements must be present.
  • A scored maneuver may occur at the end of a section, but never two maneuvers at the exact same place and time.
  • Submit route changes promptly to your local DMV Occupational Licensing inspector.

Submitting the DL 814 ETP for Route Approval

Submit the completed DL 814 ETP together with:

  • DL 807 ETP (Commercial DPE Maneuver Checklist)
  • Highlighted 8½” × 11” route map (one per route)

Initial ETP application or route change:

  • Schedule an appointment with your local DMV OL Inspections office
  • Include the $45 non-refundable application/renewal fee (non-government employers)
  • DMV may require an on-site review

Once approved, DMV assigns a Route Approval Number that must be used for all testing.

Form Number Purpose
DL 807 ETP Commercial DPE Maneuver Checklist
DL 520 ETP Application for Employer Number
DL 524 ETP ETP Surety Bond (non-government employers)
DL 170 ETP Certificate of Driving Skill
DL 811 ETP Examiner Certification Application

All forms are available on the DMV Occupational Licensing Forms page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the DL 814 ETP Form

Can I use the same route for primary and alternate?
No. The alternate must be a truly separate route.

How often do I need to update my DL 814 ETP?
Any time the route changes (construction, closures, etc.) or at renewal (every 3 years for employer number).

Is the form fillable?
Yes—the official PDF is fillable and works best when completed digitally before printing.

Where do I submit the completed form?
To your local DMV Occupational Licensing (OL) Inspections office—call to schedule.

Do I need to keep copies?
Yes—retain the approved version in your employer files.

For the most current ETP rules and forms, always visit the official California DMV Employer Testing Program pages. The DL 814 ETP PDF is your key to compliant, DMV-approved commercial drive testing—download it today and keep your CDL program running smoothly.

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