DL 818 ETP Form – The DL 818 ETP Form (officially the Employer Testing Program Refresher Training Request) is a critical document for commercial employers and examiners participating in California’s Employer Testing Program (ETP). Administered by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), this form allows authorized ETP examiners to request mandatory refresher training to maintain their certification for conducting commercial driver license (CDL) drive tests.
Whether you’re a fleet manager, safety officer, or certified examiner, understanding the DL 818 ETP process ensures compliance with state regulations and keeps your organization’s CDL testing program running smoothly. This comprehensive guide covers everything from eligibility and requirements to submission steps, current training formats, and official resources.
What Is the Employer Testing Program (ETP)?
The Employer Testing Program (ETP) is a California DMV program that authorizes qualified public and private commercial employers to administer the behind-the-wheel drive test portion of CDL requirements (Class A and Class B licenses) for their own employees.
Instead of sending drivers to a DMV office for the skills and road test, approved ETP employers can conduct these tests in-house using DMV-approved routes, standards, and score sheets. Successful applicants receive a Certificate of Driving Skill (DL 170 ETP), which they then use to complete their CDL application at the DMV.
Key benefits of ETP participation include faster hiring timelines, reduced DMV wait times, and greater control over driver training and testing. However, strict compliance is required, including proper record-keeping, use of approved routes, and ongoing examiner qualifications under California Code of Regulations, Title 13.
What Is the DL 818 ETP Form?
The DL 818 ETP Form is the official Refresher Training Request used exclusively by current or previously certified ETP examiners who need to attend a DMV-sponsored examiner training class.
It is not the initial certification application (that’s DL 811 ETP). The DL 818 ETP is specifically for:
- Examiners who have not conducted the minimum required tests in a calendar year
- Reinstatement after a period of inactivity
- Periodic recertification needs
The form itself is simple: it collects examiner and employer details, requests preferred training dates/locations, and requires the $150 non-refundable training fee. The current version (REV. 10/2017) remains the active form used by the DMV’s Occupational Licensing, ETP Unit.
Download the official DL 818 ETP Form here: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2025/04/DL-818-ETP-R10-2017-ASB-WWW.pdf
Who Needs the DL 818 ETP Refresher Training?
You must submit the DL 818 ETP Form if you are an ETP examiner and:
- You did not administer at least 10 vehicle inspections, 10 controlled skills tests, and 10 road tests to 10 different applicants during the previous calendar year (as documented on the DL 819 ETP Examiner Driver Testing Log).
- You have had 90+ consecutive days of inactivity in conducting tests
- Your examiner authorization is due for renewal or reinstatement
Examiners who fail to meet these activity thresholds become ineligible to conduct tests until they complete the refresher course and are recertified by the DMV.
ETP Examiner Requirements and Eligibility
To qualify (or requalify) as an ETP examiner, you must meet these DMV standards:
- Hold a valid California CDL (appropriate class with endorsements/restrictions) for at least 3 years
- Possess a current valid medical certificate
- Pass a nationwide criminal background check (Live Scan fingerprints via DMV 8016)
- Be continuously enrolled in the DMV Employer Pull Notice (EPN) Program
- Have no disqualifying actions against your CDL
- Successfully complete the DMV-sponsored Examiner Training Class
Examiners must also remain employed or contracted by an approved ETP employer.
How to Complete and Submit the DL 818 ETP Form (Step-by-Step)?
- Download the form from the official DMV link provided above.
- Fill in Examiner Information: Name, driver license number, contact details, and address.
- Provide Employer Information: Company name, ETP employer number, and mailing address.
- Select Training Dates: Indicate your first and second choice of available dates and locations (call the ETP Unit at (916) 229-3154 for the current schedule).
- Include Payment: Attach a $150 non-refundable training fee (check or money order payable to the DMV).
- Sign and Date the form.
- Mail the completed form and fee to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Occupational Licensing, ETP Unit
PO Box 932342, MS L224
Sacramento, CA 94232-3450
Processing typically occurs after submission, and the DMV will notify you of your enrollment.
Current ETP Examiner Training Format and Schedule
The DMV has consolidated the former separate New Examiner and Refresher courses into a single blended learning program for greater efficiency. The course now includes:
- Part 1a: Online self-paced module
- Part 1b: Instructor-led webinar (2 days)
- Part 2: In-person hands-on demonstrations and testing (2 days)
This format combines flexibility with practical skills validation. The schedule is updated regularly and subject to change — always verify the latest dates on the official DMV ETP Examiner Training Schedule page.
Why Complete the DL 818 ETP Refresher Training?
Maintaining your ETP examiner status through refresher training:
- Ensures continued authority to conduct CDL drive tests for your company
- Helps avoid costly delays in driver onboarding
- Demonstrates compliance with federal and state safety regulations
- Keeps your skills current with the latest DMV testing standards and procedures
Non-compliance can result in loss of ETP privileges and require full re-application.
Additional ETP Resources and Forms
- DL 811 ETP — Initial or renewal Examiner Certification Application
- DL 819 ETP — Annual Examiner Driver Testing Log (required for ongoing certification)
- DL 520 ETP — Employer Application for ETP Number
- Full ETP program details: DMV Employer Testing Program page
For questions about training dates or the DL 818 ETP Form, contact the Employer Testing Program Unit at (916) 229-3154.
Frequently Asked Questions About the DL 818 ETP Form
Is the $150 fee refundable?
No — it is non-refundable regardless of whether you pass or attend the course.
How often do I need refresher training?
Only when you fail to meet the annual minimum testing requirement or after a period of inactivity. Otherwise, submit your DL 819 ETP log annually and renew certification every 4 years.
Can I use the DL 818 ETP for initial training?
No. New examiners use the DL 811 ETP application.
Where can I find the latest training schedule?
Visit the official DMV ETP Examiner Training Schedule page (linked above).
Stay Compliant and Efficient with the DL 818 ETP Form
The DL 818 ETP Form is your direct pathway to maintaining examiner privileges in California’s Employer Testing Program. By understanding the requirements, completing the form correctly, and staying current with the blended training schedule, ETP employers can continue to streamline CDL testing for their commercial drivers.
Always use the most current forms and information directly from the California DMV website, as program details and schedules can be updated.
Official DL 818 ETP Download: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2025/04/DL-818-ETP-R10-2017-ASB-WWW.pdf
For the latest program updates, visit the California DMV’s Employer Testing Program pages. Safe driving and compliant testing start with proper certification!